Olakunle Maruf Sokoto
As Muslims prepared for the holy month of Ramadan, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims and Nigerians not to allow political differences and outcomes of the general elections to affect their bond of brotherhood, friendship, and unity.
He advised that anyone unsatisfied with the outcomes should go to court as the constitution prescribed.
” We should not maltreat anyone or cause destructions that will affect our relationships, especially against those perceived to be political oppositions.”
He said Islam was built on five pillars and that peace, unity, and brotherhood among Muslims were fundamental to strengthening the religion.
Abubakar stated this on Wednesday in Sokoto at the 2023 Sokoto Ramadan Symposium.
The theme of the symposium jointly organised by the Sokoto Sultanate council, JNI, Islamic Education Trust, and Nigerian Union of Journalists, Sokoto State council is: “Ramadan, the Month of Blessing.”
According to the Islamic leader, ” elections have come and gone and winners have emerged as destined by God. Let every Muslim reconcile self in the spirit of brotherhood, love, peace, and unity.
” We don’t have to break relationships because of politics. Fasting is approaching, let all mend fences and be on track for the holy month”, he stressed.
Abubakar debunked that there were no challenges associated with moon sightings except for a lack of proper understanding and deliberate self-centeredness driving the interest of some people.
He said, ” we that are in position of religious authorities will not betray our conscience by telling liars to fellow Muslims but will always do the right thing and ensure same was communicated to all Muslims.”
Abubakar, who also noted that there was no monopoly of knowledge, added, ” also, knowledge has no bounds”, pointed the religious leader.
He said education was an important aspect that drives Islam hence, its unity and spread must reflect the ideals” we should continue to strengthen our commitment in driving the core objects of propagating the religion in the light of peace, unity, and brotherhood.”
He commended traditional rulers and scholars in the state for their roles in the peace and unity of diverse Nigerians in the state.
” I urge you to sustain the tempo and continue to preach peace.
Nigeria needs peace, unity, and development for prosperity”, he added.
