Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, communal prayer, reflection, and community. It is also the month in which the Quran is believed to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad, Peace be unto him.
This year all important obligatory spiritual exercise began on February 28 and to the glory of Almighty Allah culminated on March 29, and preceded with a thanksgiving Sallah prayers to Almighty Allah after a crescent moon is sighted, in appreciation of seeing the Muslim faithful through to the perseverance but spiritual-fulfilled journey . It was concluded with the Sallah celebrations across the world and Nigeria was not an exception.
It is believed that anyone who genuinely partook in the spiritual exercise, will fill a sense of accomplishment and spiritually energized to throng on in this harsh economic situation of these days in keeping with one of the fundamental injunctions of the pillars of Islam. Only a few, we understand, would find reasons not to participate, especially under certain unforeseen circumstances.
AljazirahNigeria deems it necessary, like many other corporate and informal bodies felicitate the Muslim faithful all over the world and Nigerians in particular for the great journey of faith that rekindles love, peace ,perseverance, alms- giving, forgiveness and a sense of community .
Given the import of the occasion, goodwill messages from leaders across all continents have continued to pour in to commemorate this notable event in the Islamic calendar and Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not left out. Before joining other notable Nigerians for the eid prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja, he had enjoined Nigerians all over to embrace peace and tolerance as watchwords which also underscore part of the essential teachings of Islam.
In the same vein, governors, traditional rulers and lawmakers at both states and federal levels reached out to the faithful, urging for a peaceful Nigeria that is devoid of rancor and accommodating to all in spite of our multi-ethnic and religious diversity.
Even the Christian community was not left out. Underlining the import of the season, the Christian Association of Nigeria, 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the fast, climaxing with the celebration of Eid-el Fitr.
In that show of solidarity, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in a statement issued in Kaduna by the Chairman, Rev. John Hayab, and the Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, they highlighted the spiritual significance of Ramadan.
“The spiritual activities are significant and rewarding to every faithful, especially those who embrace the teachings as instructed in the Holy Quran”.
Indeed, the relevance of the season is reflected in the essence to show empathy to the needy and co-exist harmoniously. It is often reflected that Ramadan comes with enormous goodwill for all, notwithstanding status or class.
With the right attitude from our leaders in line with the true tenets of the Holy Book, without compromise, the nation would be better for it. It is not to allow the lessons of Ramadan fizzle away with time as if nothing has been learnt in the worthwhile spiritual experience.
In line with the lessons also embedded in the season is absolute piety and humility which we urge should transcend beyond the season and should rule in the lifestyle of the faithful as exemplified in the lives of many outstanding prophets recorded in the Quran. Only then can we truly say we have absorbed essentially the Ramadan experience.
Once again, congratulations to the Muslim faithful.
