From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
As Muslim faithfuls begins their Ramadan fast across the country, an Islamic scholar in Benu State, Imam Haruna Rasheed Mohammad, has called on his Muslim faithful to remain peaceful and shun any act that would bring crisis in the state.
Assistance Secretary General, Council of Islamic Scholars, Benue State Central Mosque, Haruna Mohammad, stated this in a chat with Daily Sun in Makurdi on Tuesday.
The Muslim cleric who described the Ramadan period as a month of peace, said his brethren must desist from all evil acts while observing the fast and even after the fasting period.
The Islamic scholar also told the Muslim faithful to observe the fast in accordance to the teachings of Prophet Mohammed an in total submission to Allah.
He also urged them to pray for wisdom an direction for leaders of the country and Benue State to enable them come up with strategies that will relieve Nigerians of the current hardship in the country.
He told our correspondent that fasting has started but that it is not going to be easy with the harsh condition of the economy and the weather also.
“But we must understand that we are one servant of Allah and this is a task given to us by Him. That no matter what, we must ensure total submission to Allah.
“The fast is mandatory, it is an obligation that we must fast, so we pray to God to strengthen us no matter the situation.
“So to my Muslims community, l advise we should observed the fasting and prayer in faith that Allah will take away the hardship from us and help us do it with ease.
“Again we should bear in mind that fasting period is a month of peace. According to our noble prophet, if one is fasting, he should abstain from all evil acts and even if anyone abuse him or try to fight him, the prophet say do not retaliate. Do not pay him back, rather say to him, I am fasting. They should remain calm, peaceful and submit to the will of Allah.”
He also appealed to the Christian brothers in the state to support one another saying “Our brothers and sisters from the Christian religion also knows the value and importance of fasting. Some have friend and colleagues who are Muslims, I appeal to them to help one another at this period by sharing food items to enable them cope with the hardship.
He also sought for cooperation and prayers among all Benue residents, irrespective of religion, to maintain the peaceful relationship that is currently being enjoyed in the state.