The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has felicitated the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, for yet another precious opportunity to get closer to Allah, the Most High in worship.
The sultan’s felicitation is contained in a statement issued by Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Secretary-General , Prof. Khalid Aliyu, on Wednesday in Kaduna.
Abubakar said, “These days which commence on Wednesday, are the greatest and most sacred days of the Islamic calendar and most beloved days by Allah, the Exalted.
“The Sultanate’s declaration of the commencement of Dhul-Hijjah1446AH on Wednesday,come Friday, June 6th, we shall mark this year’s Eid-el-Adhaa in-shaa-Allah.
“We must not relent as Muslims, in spite of the seeming socio-economic deprivations-cum security challenges, our solace should be trust in Allah.
“We must not forgo our hereafter for this mundane world.
“The Nigerian factor should not derail us from being good servants of Allah, “he said.
Abubakar urged the Muslims to take advantage of the opportunity and pray more to Allah over the myriad of challenges bedeviling the nation.
The sultan recommended acts to be performed in these days fo include
constant remembrance of Allah, the Most High by glorifying Him and thanking Him.
They include the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an and seeking Allah’s forgiveness, extending kindness to relatives, sharing with the poor and the needy.
According to the sultan, such acts also include making peace and reconciliation, extending goodwill to kith and kin and visiting the sick, amongst many other meritorious acts of worship.
Abubakar also stated that the superiority of performing righteous acts in this period was gracious.
He said, “That’s why performing good deeds during these days is more beloved to Allah, than performing good deeds during any other days on earth without exception.
“It is thus recommended upon whoever has the ability of possessing a sacrificial animal to refrain from hair shaving of all forms, cutting of finger and feet nails, until the ‘Eid day that is after the ‘Eid prayers.
“It is also desirable for those who would offer sacrificial animal not to take breakfast on the ‘Eid day, until after observing the ‘Eid prayers and slaughtering of their respective animals, and eat therefrom after the slaughtering.”
Abubakar also wished all the Muslim brethren who were currently observing this year’s pilgrimage in the Holy land a hitch-free Hajj and safe return to their respective families.
“We wish the Ummah an accepted sacrifice and peaceful celebrations.”Abubakar said.(NAN)
