Brave Dickson
The Rivers State central mosque in Port Harcourt has taken its message of love to the Muslim community in the state in commemoration of this year’s Eid-El-Fitri.
In his Sallah message, the Chief Imam, Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, Malik Yahya urged all Muslims to show love to everybody in respective of religion, ethnicity or social status.
The chief imam said, “I expect all Muslims to show love to all mankind on the surface of the earth, be it Muslims or non Muslims.
“The significance of this celebration is that we have completed the commandment of Allah and that He (Allah) has spared our lives till today. We are happy that we obeyed Allah and we are quite sure that He has accepted our obedience and will bless our obedience.”
Imam Yahya also enjoined politicians to govern the country in obedience to Allah while urging them to prioritize peace and security of lives and property.
His words, “politicians in power should be dutiful to what they have taken oat of office to do especially in protecting lives and property.
“Public office holders need to equitably distribute what is meant for all. They need to be up and doing. If they think people can not question them, the Almighty Allah will question them in due time.”
In his speech, the State Islamic Leader and Vice President General, Rivers State Council For Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor urged Muslims to take good care of their families and neighbours, adding that they should as well ensure the happiness of all.
According to Alhaji Uhor, “our joy as we celebrate the Eid-El-Fitri is to enjoy the blessings of Allah in full as conveyed to us by His last prophet to mankind.
“Therefore, ensure that you take good care of your family members. Do everything you can to make them happy with whatever Allah has provided you with.
“Do not neglect your neighbours, the orphan, the sick, the traveller, the widow, the needy as well as the aged.
“Eat and drink but do not be wasteful. Remember that food and money are very scarce these days. So it will be a sin to waste them without helping the needy around you.”
The state Islamic leader added, “you are expected to continue with all the good deeds, prayers and glorification of Allah you performed throughout the Ramadan.
“You are enjoined to shun the vices you abstained from during the month-long fast. That is the only way to show that you have adopted the lessons of the Ramadan as your way of life as intended by Allah.”
On his part, the immediate past Senior Special Adviser to Governor Wike on NDDC Matters, Barr Aribitonye Mohammed Okiri thanked Allah for His benevolence and called on everyone to pray for one another.
Barr Okiri said, ” all we need in Nigeria is peace and security. We should live peacefully in an atmosphere of love and respect.”
He also used the celebration to thank Governor Nyesom Wike for creating an enabling environment for Muslims to practice their faith unimpeded in the state.
