The Chief Imam of Jos Fiber Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Auwal Danladi, has appealed to Muslim faithful to live peacefully with their neighbours.
Sheikh Danladi made the appeal on Wednesday while speaking with journalists shortly after delivering his sermon at the mosque to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration. According to him, peaceful coexistence would promote development, joy, and harmony within society.
Speaking on the significance of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the cleric said the festival symbolises obedience to the command of Allah. He recalled how Prophet Abraham obeyed Allah’s instruction and attempted to sacrifice his son before God provided a ram to be sacrificed in place of the child.
He urged Muslims to emulate Prophet Abraham by remaining obedient to constituted authorities and upholding the values of peace and sacrifice.
Commenting on insecurity in Nigeria, Sheikh Danladi called on governments at all levels to prioritise human lives and ensure the safety and security of citizens.
Similarly, Abdurahama Ibn Mohammed, a senior citizen who worshipped at the Jos Fiber Mosque, advocated peaceful coexistence during an interview with journalists.
Abdurahama, a retired senior staff member of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), encouraged both Muslims and Christians to live exemplary lives in accordance with the teachings of their prophets. He also stressed the importance of obedience and mutual understanding.
On his part, a former member of the House of Representatives for Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, Suleiman Kwande, called for prayers for Nigerians amid the current economic hardship in the country.
He noted that the times were turbulent and emphasised that prayer remained vital in overcoming the nation’s challenges.
“What we need now as Nigerians is prayer. We believe God answers all prayers,” he said.
Earlier, Abubakar Yahaya Kanam, Special Assistant to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Intergovernmental Affairs, described the celebration as important, noting that it forms part of the fulfilment of the five pillars of Islam.
Commenting on the slaughtering of sacrificial animals, Kanam explained that it is not compulsory for Muslims who are not financially capable.
“People should not borrow money to buy sacrificial animals for Sallah. Allah understands when you do not have,” he said.
The Eid-el-Kabir prayers observed at the Jos Fiber Mosque were peaceful and adequately secured by security operatives.
