Eid-el-Fitri: UNILORIN Chief Imam charges leaders on citizens’ plight

The Chief Imam of the University of Ilorin Central Mosque, Prof. Nasir AbdusSalam, has urged Nigerians, particularly those holding leadership positions, to always be sensitive to the plight of the ordinary people.

Prof. AbdusSalam made this call last Wednesday (April 10, 2024) while delivering this year’s Eid-el-Fitri sermon at the UNILORIN Eid Praying Ground.

The Chief Imam pointed out that it is very important for leaders to be sensitive to the plight of those they lead, saying that others should also show concern for their colleagues at work and  neighbours  at home and must develop keen interest in offering assistance to them whenever the need arises.

He added that offering assistance to others is one of the lessons taught by Ramadan.

Prof. AbdusSalaam explained that Nigerian citizens are the neighbours of the Federal Government, the inhabitants of a state are the neighbours of the State Government, workers in an industry/parastatal are the neighbours of the management of the MDA as he encouraged all to treat their neighbours with love and compassion to ensure their wellbeing.

He noted that to be interested in the plight of our neighbours is strongly connected with our level of faith, saying, “a faithless person will never enter Paradise”.

Prof. AbdusSalaam enjoined Muslims that have developed good acts and virtues during Ramadan to preserve such virtues even after Ramadan.

The Chief Imam added that the provision of food and drinks to the poor, the needy, and relations that was practised during the sacred month should not be suspended but continued after  Ramadan.

He also reminded the believers that though the month of Ramadan has come and gone, there are other recommended voluntary fast and good deeds that would keep them on the right track before the next Ramadan. He said  that, “among these are Zakatul Fitri, six days fast in this month of Shawwal encouraged by the Prophet (SAW) and other acts of righteousness, among several acts’’.

The Chief Imam, who quoted relevant verses of the glorious Quran and the sayings of the Prophet (SAW), said that the lessons imbibed from the one-month spiritual journey through Ramadan, include patience, endurance and self-restraint from sexual desires, generousity and feelings for others, which qualified obedient Muslims for Allah’s promised Paradise.

In his message at the event,  the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN,  thanked Allah for the privilege granted to members of the University community to witness the end of this year’s Ramadan.