Muslims in Edo State have been urged not to return to those sinful acts they abandoned during Ramadan as this is the only way to demonstrate the lessons learned in the fasting period that just ended. Muslims were also encouraged to lend a helping hand to their brethren in this period of economic hardship, as doing this will strengthen the social bond which was created during the fasting period.
The above remarks were made by Squadron leader Umar Muhammad Saminu, the imam who led the Eid ul Fitr prayer today at the Nigerian Airforce Base, Benin City. The prayer witnessed a large turnout of Muslim faithful who came in company of their family members.
Eid ul Fitr prayer is usually held by the Muslim faithful to commemorate the end of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
The Muslim fasting period started on March 11, 2024 and having fasted for 30 consecutive days, this year’s fasting came to an end on April 9,2024. The Eid prayer is usually followed by a funfair where people will visit many recreational and amusement parks to unwind.
“The moment of Eid ul Fitr is the moment of celebration. As we are celebrating, we should remember our neighbours. Remember the orphans, the weak, the less privileged as this is the time to show them love,” Imam Saminu said.
On the benefits of Ramadan to the Muslim Ummah(community), he stated that the period was meant to train Muslims on perseverance, contentment, and philanthropy.
He added: “Allah, the Most High, enjoins you to do three things, and urges you to forbid three things in order to enjoin social justice, togetherness, prosperity and progress in the society.
“Allah the Most High enjoins you to be just, do good works, and show love to your kindred. On the other hand, Allah the Most High forbids you from immorality, evil acts, and rebellion.”
He advised them to complement the righteous deeds they did in the month of Ramadan with more righteous deeds.
Referencing the sayings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he urged the Muslim faithful to observe the voluntary fasting of six days in Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the Islamic Calendar.
“Whoever fasts for six days in Shawwal, in addition to Ramadan, is like someone who has fasted for a whole year,” Squadron Saminu said.
He thereafter prayed for all the Muslim faithful in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. He also prayed for the political leaders in Edo State, led by His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki for God’s guidance in all his endeavours.
