APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
As Muslims in Nigeria join other Muslims all over the world in observance of Eid-el-Kabir, President Bola Tinubu prayed in Lagos on Wednesday and urged Muslims in Nigeria to multiply their good deeds.
In his Eid-el-Kabir message on Tuesday, Tinubu said: “We must thank Almighty Allah for the grace to witness another Eid. As we immerse ourselves in the joy of this moment and celebrate, let us remember those who may not be as fortunate as us.”
According to him, coming as the end of religious activities spanning the first ten days of the Islamic Month of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-el-Kabir “enjoins us as Muslims to show mercy and compassion to our fellow humans”.
He noted that Eid-el-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice and total obedience to Allah as exemplified in the exceptional action of Prophet Ibrahim.
“There is no greater sense of duty ever recorded in history outside the ennobling example of Prophet Ibrahim in offering his only son Ismail as a sacrifice to Allah.
“The best way by which we can demonstrate this example is in how we conduct ourselves in relation to our fellow citizens and in our duties to our beloved country. We must imbibe and manifest those values inherent in Prophet Ibrahim’s life, namely; complete devotion to Allah, tolerance, patience, perseverance, selflessness, love and compassion.
“This season, let us endeavour to multiply good deeds with our kindness to our fellow Muslims and others by helping and supporting the weak and vulnerable in our communities. By so doing, we showcase the values and virtues of our faith,” he said.
He added that Nigeria is going through some challenges, especially with the struggling economy and simmering security challenges and assured Nigerians these challenges are not insurmountable.
“I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions. We have started with the decisions taken so far, to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth.
“As we embrace the present challenges, we must face the future with vigour and Renewed Hope with the confidence that our tomorrow shall be better and brighter.
“I wish you all a happy Sallah celebration,” he said.
The Nigerian government had earlier declared Wednesday and Thursday as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
GIK/APA