As Muslims celebrate the birth of Holy Prophet Muhammed Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Sultan of Sokoto, former Vice president Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House Yakubu Dogara, among others, have called for more understanding, unity and love among Nigerians to move the nation forward.
Felicitating with the Islamic community in Nigeria in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media Femi Adesina, the President called on all Muslims to use the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet who lived a life of piety, prayer and service to God and humanity.
Adesina said, “As they join the rest of the Islamic world in commemorating the prophet’s birthday, President Buhari urges the adherents of the Islamic faith to rededicate themselves to upholding the injunctions of the Holy Quran in their personal lives and in their relationship with others.
“He wishes all Nigerians Happy Eid-el-Maulud celebrations!”
Saraki also felicitates with all Nigerians
Senate President Bukola Saraki, in a goodwill message to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, said just like the birth of the Holy Prophet in Mecca ushered in a new dawn for humanity, Nigerians should view the occasion of this year’s Maulud Nabiyyi as an opportunity for a new beginning for the country.
According to Saraki, the country has made tremendous progress in terms of security of lives and property since the last celebration and urged Muslim faithful to use the occasion to further seek the mercy and protection of Allah for all Nigerians.
Sultan wishes Nigerians happy celebrations
The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, noted that this year’s Christmas celebration was significant as it almost coincided with December 24, being the birthday of Holy Prophet Muhammed.
The message by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Secretary-General of the Council stated: “We have every cause to celebrate and thank the Almighty God for the opportunity of life and the privilege of survival. At this time last year, Nigeria was under a lot of tension with the national conscience being tormented by the apocalyptic prediction of 2015 being the end of our corporate existence.
“Now that the year is ending and we remain united, it is as if God Himself wants us to learn through the near coincidence of the births of our revered Prophets, Jesus and Muhammad. As you traditionally celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25, the Muslims mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad on December 24, this year being the 12th day of Rabiul Awwal.
“The message inherent in this near-coincidence appears to be unity and mutual understanding. Therefore, the season of our double celebrations is an opportunity for us Nigerians especially to learn more about our two religious personages and rededicate ourselves to their true teachings.”
Atiku urges Muslims to emulate Holy Prophet
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in his sallah message urged Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad’s shining virtues of compassion, tolerance and commitment to peace.
The former Vice President noted with sadness that the activities of some misguided elements around the world “are inconsistent with the virtues for which Muhammad was famous, such as respect for life, tolerance and avoiding violence against the innocent.”
Dogara felicitates with Muslims
At the same time, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara on Wednesday felicitated with the Muslim Ummah on the celebration of Maulud Nabiy.
Dogara also called on Muslim faithful to imbibe the spirit of humility, gratitude and charity to one another as demonstrated by the life and times of the Holy Prophet.
In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to the Speaker Turaki Hassan in Abuja, Dogara said that the virtues of service and exemplary leadership as demonstrated by the Holy Prophet should guide both leaders and the led on the need to give their all.
Imbibe teachings of Prophet Muhammad – Odigie-Oyegun urges Nigerians
As Muslims commemorate the anniversary of the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW), the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday urged all Nigerians to collectively reflect on the virtues and ideals which he exemplified and taught.
Odigie-Oyegun in a goodwill message to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), urged Nigerians to imbibe the teachings of the Holy Prophet which are anchored on love, peaceful coexistence and harmony.
He urged Muslim faithful to use the occasion to pray for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration as it works to deliver on the change agenda.
Maulud, Xmas: Gov Ahmed tasks Nigerians on peaceful coexistence
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has advised Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers as they celebrate the birthdays of Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ.
He noted that Nigerians are marching towards a new Nigeria of religious stability and economic prosperity.
Ahmed in his Maulud Nabiyy and Christmas messages by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, said Nigerians should always walk the path of humility, moderation, self-denial and brotherliness, which are the hallmarks of the teachings of both religions.
Ambode also urges Muslims to follow Holy prophet
Ambode urges Muslims to emulate Holy Prophet
Also, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Habib Aruna, enjoined Muslims to follow the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet by promoting peaceful co-existence among the various segments of the society.
-Leadership/Vanguard
