As Moslems across the world successfully concluded the 1442 AH Ramadan, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Muslim community has called on the faithfuls to sustain the practical implications of fasting.
Felicitating with colleagues and people of other faiths, Muslims at the UNILAG enjoined Nigerians to show tolerance, demonstrate love for the country and offer prayers for the nation’s leaders and as well exhibit mind of forgiveness at all times.
In a statement by its Chairman and a former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Lai Olurode, the UNILAG Muslim community commended all Muslims for abstaining from foods and drinks, display of tolerance and withdrawing from idle talks during the period.
“The statement read in part: As important as these are, we call for the sustenance of the practical implications of fasting such as tolerance, love of our country and prayer for our leaders and mind of forgiveness. The essence of fasting is behavioural modifications in the month of Ramadan but, particularly beyond it and until the next Ramadan.
“No doubt, Nigeria confronts numerous challenges, rickety security architecture being the most intimidating and protracted. Our brothers and sisters in Islam are hereby enjoined not to be Ramadan Muslims. In the post Ramadan phase, we also call for more prayers for Nigeria, enhanced spirit of forgiveness and listening ears from our leaders.
“We advise Nigerians to realise that the world itself is in great turmoil and peaceful co-existence is constantly under threat. Yet, no country can be permanently at war with itself and still know peace and development. Nigeria’s disintegration will spell doom for even the world at large and would further compound current dismal poverty index in Nigeria and global agonies.”
The UNILAG Muslim community asked leaders at local, state and national levels to listen to and respect grassroots opinions, tinker with governance structure as being agitated for and facilitate speedy reforms for the sake of Nigeria’s corporate existence.
The statement continued: “Leaders at all levels must demonstrate more compassion and visible sense of empathy. No doubt, Nigeria is potentially a great country, once it can get its act together. Nigerians should also move away from permanent skepticism about their own goodness and that of Nigeria and develop a more positive mindset that is development supportive. Muslims should behave as if everyday is for fasting. We say to all, happy Eid-El-Fitri.”
