Oyetola tasks clerics to encourage followers to live in peace, harmony irrespective of political differences
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola has called on Muslim clerics to encourage their followers to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours irrespective of religious, ethnic or political difference.
Speaking at the Pre-Ramadan meeting of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria in Osogbo, during the weekend, Oyetola charged Muslims to extend their hands of support to the poor and needy as preached and practised by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
This year Ramadan 1443 AH is predicted to start on 2 April 2022, however, this could be subjected to change, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Oyetola urged Muslim Ummah to take the advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to pray for the security, peace, progress and Development of the country.
According to Oyetola, “As we are all aware, Nigeria is currently faced with varied security challenges. Consequently, I urge our Imams and scholars here today to take advantage of the month of Ramadan to intensify prayers for the security, peace, progress and development of our country.
“Islam enjoins peaceful coexistence, we should therefore continue to encourage our followers to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours, regardless of the difference in religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. Let our utterances, deeds and actions conform with the commandments of Allah and the sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“I believe this is one good way we can use to correct some of the wrong notions or misconceptions people hold about our religion.
“I regard this Pre-Ramadan meeting as significant because Ramadan is a blessed month that offers a great opportunity for Muslims around the world to re-awaken their spiritual lives and reap bountiful rewards from Almighty Allah. I therefore pray that Allah preserves our lives to witness the holy month. Allahumma Baligna Ramadan.
“As we all know, fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and the month provides an opportunity for us to strengthen our faith in Allah and spread kindness in the land. The essence of fasting in the month of Ramadan, as Allah noted in Qur’an 2 vs 183, is for us to attain taqwa (piety). Let us, therefore, prepare to make the most of this month by strengthening our commitment to the service of our creator, Allah and humanity.”
He, however, commended the efforts and contribution of Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria under the leadership of Sheikh AbdulRashid Hadiyatullah to the promotion of application of Sharia law and observance of Islamic moralities among Muslims in Nigeria.
He also appreciated them for choosing to hold the meeting in Osun State and for also inviting him to grace the occasion.
“Let me start by commending the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria under the leadership of our own Sheikh AbdulRashid Hadiyatullah, for your various efforts and contributions to the promotion of application of Sharia law and observance of Islamic moralities among Muslims in Nigeria.
“I appreciate the leadership of the Council for choosing to hold this important meeting in our dear State and for also inviting me to grace this occasion.”
The guest lecturer, Professor Ismaila Shehu of the department of Political Science and International Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, emphasised the need for Muslim leaders to play an exemplary role in the propagation of truth and good leadership.
Speaking on “Predicaments of Nigerian Nation: Ulama to lead the way out,” Prof Shehu urged Muslim leaders to always preach justice and tell the truth to power.
He said, “The ulama should be seen to be telling truth to power (without necessarily being populistic, abrasive or uncharitable), preaching justice, condemning all acts of corruption in unequivocal terms, emphasising unity and trust among the faithful and criticising ethnicity and sectionalism as well as making Islam the rallying point of all Muslims in their social, economic and political relations and collective undertakings.”
In his address, the president of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulrashid Hadiyatullah, charged Muslims Ummah on the need to remain united and ensure they give necessary Support to Muslims aspiring for Political position.
Sheikh Hadiyatullah enjoined Muslims who are yet to register for PVC to do so before the closing date saying that’s the only weapon to choose their leaders.
