Group Tasks Muslims On Sacrifice, Tolerance

Nigerian Muslims have again been enjoined to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, obedience and tolerance to one another for peaceful coexistence.

The commandant, FCT chapter of First Aid Group of Young Muslim Congress of Nigeria (Munazzamatu Fittyanul Islam), Abubakar Aliyu Rijana, gave the advice yesterday during the group procession in celebration of the Eid el-Maulud in Abuja.

Thousands of Muslim faithful comprising students of Islamiyah schools, members of the first aid group and others from various parts of the FCT and beyond marched through some Abuja streets for the celebration.

Rijana said there is a need for a continued supplication to the will of Allah in all situations and urged the Muslim ummah to use the occasion of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to extend hands of support, show love and good neighbourliness as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

He also appealed to rich Muslims across the country to pay their Zakat (charity) as and when due to help reduce the poverty level in the country.

According to him, the payment of zakat which is the third pillar of the Islamic is not a voluntary act of charity which a rich man gives to the poor out of his own sweet will, but it is an obligatory act which every Muslim is enjoined upon to perform if he is sincere in his belief in God and the Hereafter.

“It is important to use this occasion to remember and learn from the life of the Prophet Muhammad. His character, his kindness, and his devotion to Allah should inspire us all. The lesson of this day is total submission, obedience and selflessness. We must also imbibe the tenets of Islam which promote peace, tolerance, modesty, and love.

“We enjoined the rich men and women of the Islamic faith to pay their Zakat, to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in society,” Rijina said.