Uphold Ramadan teachings, Hamzat, Fashola charge Muslim faithful

As Muslims across the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), have urged Muslims in the country to continue practising the teachings of the Holy Month of Ramadan, which include compassion, empathy, peace, unity, and charity, among others.

Hamzat and Fashola made this appeal on Sunday after the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer held at Dodan Barracks Praying Ground, Obalende, Lagos, emphasising that by upholding these values, Nigerians can foster a society where everyone thrives and lives a good life.

The Deputy Governor highlighted that the essence of Ramadan is rooted in compassion, empathy, and peaceful coexistence, adding that the Holy Quran emphasises fasting as a means of attaining piety, worshipping God, and adhering to the teachings of Almighty Allah.

Hamzat, therefore, urged Muslims to ensure that the principles of Ramadan extend beyond the holy month and are integrated into their daily lives.

“The essence is that we cannot now say, because Ramadan is over, we should return to our past ways. It, therefore, behoves us to be compassionate and empathetic towards our fellow human beings so that we can all live a good life as Nigerians.

“The essence of fasting, as stated in the Holy Quran, is for piety, for us to worship God, and to believe in all His commandments. In all His books, what He emphasises most is compassion and empathy towards fellow human beings,” he said.

Former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Fashola (SAN), in his remarks, called on Nigerians to unite in building a better and greater Nigeria, stating that it was time for reconciliation and extending hands of fellowship to one another, focusing on the collective goal of building a great nation.

“As Nigerians, this is a time for us to build, not a time to break. This is a time to reconcile, not a time to reproach. This is a time for us to stretch our hands in fellowship to one another and focus on building the great country that Allah Almighty has provided for us,” he said.

Fashola, who is a former Governor of Lagos State, also emphasised the importance of Muslims continuing the spirit of Ramadan through acts of charity, peace, gratitude, and prayer to Allah.

In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nolla, noted that the month of Ramadan is a period of blessings, prayers, forgiveness, reflection, and peace. He added that it is a time for charity and seeking the face of Allah.

According to him, the holy month underscores the principles of discipline and perseverance, stressing that life itself is full of challenges, and perseverance, coupled with discipline, remains a hallmark of righteousness.

Sheikh Abu-Nolla urged Nigerians to continue embodying the spirit of perseverance beyond Ramadan to further enhance the nation’s development and growth.

“It is important to recognise that the spirit of perseverance, unity, and diverse cultural values is key to our national development. Let us adhere to the principles of discipline, piety, charity, and righteousness beyond Ramadan, and let us continue to uphold honesty and strengthen our relationship with Allah,” the Grand Chief Imam said.

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