Sallah: CAN chairman urges sacrifices for Nigeria’s security

Joseph Hayab, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Northern Chairman has urged political leaders to deepen sacrifices to ensure Nigeria’s security. Hayab who is the association’s lead in the 19 Northern States and the FCT has urged all Nigerians in positions of authority, particularly the political leadership, “to make a double sacrifice to secure Nigeria just as Muslims offer sacrifices in obedience to God during Sallah”. The CAN Chairman gave the advice in a Sallah message to the Muslim faithful as they join other parts of the world to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir. “This season, which honours Prophet Ibrahim’s total obedience and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of God, is a timely call for both leaders and citizens to demonstrate renewed faith, unity, and responsibility towards our nation. “In this spirit, Northern CAN encourages those in positions of authority, particularly the political leadership, to make a double sacrifice to secure Nigeria just as Muslims offer sacrifices in obedience to God during Sallah,” he said. The further advised the political elite to act in consonance with their constitutional obligation and moral responsibility in the interest of every Nigerian. “Our leaders must likewise act in obedience to their constitutional duty and moral responsibility to protect the lives and dignity of every Nigerian. “The country is groaning under the weight of insecurity, economic distress, and social disillusionment. “Nigerians are living in fear, and this climate of uncertainty is what gives room for enemies of peace to perpetrate evil without restraint. “It is no longer enough to issue statements or make promises. “The government must urgently remedy the conditions that have cast doubt on its commitment to the people. “Let the leadership act decisively so that Nigerians will no longer have reasons to question or complain,” Hayab added. According to him, the time has come for the Federal Government to take steps aimed at restoring public confidence and healing “our national wounds”. “CAN calls on Nigerians to use this solemn period to pray for the peace and unity of the country, while also reaching out to the less privileged in the true spirit of Eid. “We urge all religious and community leaders to continue fostering peaceful coexistence and to avoid making statements or taking actions capable of deepening our division. The CAN chairman expressed warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to the Muslim Ummah on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, as well as a joyful and spiritually rewarding Eid-el-Kabir. 

Fasting: Sultan declares Saturday as 1st Ramadan

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Dr Sa’ad Abubakar III has declared Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH in Nigeria. The Sultan made the announcement in a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Friday, confirming the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan in various parts of the country. He stated that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across Nigeria. “After due verification and authentication by the National Moon Sighting Committee, as well as confirmations from state committees, the new moon of Ramadan was officially recognised, marking the end of Sha’aban 1446 AH. “In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Saturday, March 1,” the Sultan declared. He urged Muslim faithful to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT) throughout the holy month and to use this period to pray for prevailing peace across the country and also pray for the leaders. Additionally, the Sultan encouraged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged, emphasising the importance of religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians. He prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the leaders in their commitment to leading the country. Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, entails abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset with the intention of worshiping Almighty Allah. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period during which adult Muslims observe compulsory fasting from dawn to sunset for a complete month. 

Muslims Asked to Watch for Sha’aban Moon on Wednesday

As the global Muslim Umma prepare for the commencement of Ramadhan fasting, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for the observance of the crescent moon of Sha’aban 1446 AH on Wednesday, January 29.  In a statement from Sokoto, the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs encouraged Muslims to report moon sightings to their local district or village heads.  READ ALSO: Gov Bago says Niger State to construct $2mn poultry farm in Bosso This observation marks the start of Sha’aban, the Islamic calendar’s eighth month, which precedes Ramadan. The Sultan offered prayers for divine blessings and guidance as Muslims prepare for their spiritual duties.

Eid el Maulud: FG declares Mon Sept 16, Public Holiday

The Federal Government has announced Monday, September 16, 2024, as a public holiday to celebrate Eid-ul-Mawlid, marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.   In a statement, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo extended congratulations to the Muslim community both in Nigeria and abroad.   Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, conveyed Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s message urging all Nigerians to embrace the values of patience, sacrifice, and resilience during this festive period.   “While congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the occasion, the Minister implored them to use the opportunity of the period to pray for enduring peace and a more prosperous egalitarian nation”, the statement added.