By Deji Abdulwahab
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has organised a national prayer to encourage commitment to nation-building, its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has said.
Oloyede spoke on Wednesday at the Abuja National Mosque during the prayer session attended by religious and traditional leaders and Muslims from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
He said the prayer was for the country, its leaders and citizens, stressing the need for divine guidance and commitment to national development.
“What we are doing is praying for our country and our leaders. We are praying that all those who will participate in political activities will have the fear of Allah and commitment to this great nation,” he said.
Oloyede said the prayer was not organised to support any political party or candidate, but to seek Allah’s guidance and protection for the country.
“We have prayed for our nation and for everybody. What will a National Mosque have to do with politics? All those contesting are Muslims across all political parties,” he said.
He described the prayer as the Islamic community’s contribution to national development and wellbeing.
“It is our contribution to national development to hold this special prayer for our country and for our leaders at all levels, that Allah will continue to guide them aright and protect this country,” he said.
Oloyede said praying for the country was both a religious and civic responsibility.
“Anybody who does not want to pray for his or her country is doing a wrong thing. Every committed Muslim must pray that God leads my country aright,” he said.
He noted that Nigerians were not only Muslims but also citizens and stakeholders in the country’s development.
“It is a religious duty to pray for Nigeria,” he said, urging citizens to complement prayers with actions that promote peace and development.
Oloyede said supplications were offered in different Nigerian languages to demonstrate the diversity and inclusiveness of the National Mosque.
“This is a National Mosque and this mosque belongs to all those who say La ilaha illallah in the country. Almighty Allah understands every language,” he said.
He said sermons at the mosque were translated into Arabic, English, Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa, adding that the council was exploring technology to reach more Nigerians.
“Islam allows the use of Arabic for our canonical worship for uniformity, but for other supplications, Islam allows us to do it in the language of our thinking,” he said.
He urged Muslims to improve their character and relationship with Allah and fellow humans for their prayers to be accepted.
Also speaking, Prof. Khalid Aliyu, Secretary-General, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), said nation-building is a duty emphasised in the Qur’an.
“The importance of nation-building cannot be overemphasised. Allah (SWT) in many passages in the Glorious Qur’an draws our attention to its importance,” he said.
Aliyu urged Nigerians to be dutiful and responsible citizens.
He cited Prophet Ibrahim, who prayed for the safety and prosperity of Makkah, and Prophet Muhammad’s love for Makkah, to underscore the need for patriotism.
“I swear by Allah that you are the most beloved city of Allah, dear to my heart,” he quoted the Prophet as saying about Makkah.
According to him, Islam enjoins Muslims to improve the earth and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Our country, Nigeria, is in dire need of our own contribution to nation-building,” Aliyu said.
He urged religious leaders to guide their followers to support peace and development, noting that supplication is emphasised in the Qur’an but must be complemented with responsible action.(NAN)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
