President of the Nigerian senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has urged muslims in Nigeria to use the period to pray for peace, security & Gods intervention in tackling the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.
In a statement to mark the commencement of this year's fasting season signed by Husuph Olaniyonu, his special adviser on media & publicity, the senate president thanked God for the grace to partake in another holy obligation as enjoined by the holy Quran.
He said " we have entered into another season of rededication to the worship of God & service to humanity.
This is a major commandment to mankind & a season of sacrifice & forgiveness. I enjoin all muslim faithful to rededicate themselves to the true ideals of Islam as a religion of peace.
Let us exploit the grace in this season to seek God's divine intervention in our lingering economic & security challenges. As a nation, we need God's power to overcome our present situation. Fasting is not mere abstinence from food, drinks & worldly pleasures alone, but a time to seek Allah's power through prayers to be able to faithfully carry out the sublime injunctions of the holy Prophet Muhammad (SWT) who was sent by Almighty Allah to show humanity the way to holiness, peace & brotherly kindness he said.
He said while the muslin faithful fervently strive for improvement in the living standards of the people, the federal government will on its part ensure that the right policies & laws that would make life more meaningful in the country are put in place & dutifully enforced to bring about prosperity & harmony in the society.
He also stated that the present administration will continue to work to ensure that insurgency, terrorism, militia groups & other criminal elements that have plunged some parts of the country into a state of anarchy are flushed out.
Saraki further urged Nigeria's not to succumb to despair but remain steadfast in the firm conviction that with courage, determination, focus & collective will the country will ultimately overcome its present travails & emerge prosperous & peaceful once again.
Sultan of sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar has announced the beginning of the Ramadan on Monday June 6, after the sighting of the new moon in different places.
Source: naij.com
