The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the umbrella Muslim body in Nigeria has requested that the federal government should be alive to safeguarding lives and properties of Nigerians.
Recall that Nigeria has witnessed several killings and violent acts across the country in recent months.
This request was contained in a statement released on Sunday by the secretary-general of JNI, Khalid Abubakar.
The secretary general said the government must live up to its primary responsibility of security.
He said Muslims should engage in supplications and be more dedicated to the worship amidst the daunting challenges and many uncertainties bedeviling the country.
He also appealed to wealthy Muslims to assist the needy who are affected by the present economic hardship in the country.
“The last ten days of Ramadan-1442AH and the need for sober reflection in Nigeria,” the statement read.
“The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, uses this medium, to implore Nigerian Muslims to fervently engage in supplications and be more dedicated to the worship of Allah (SWT), amidst the daunting challenges and many uncertainties bedevilling the Nigerian state.
“We again reiterate that Muslims should intensify their generosities in giving alms to the poor, the needy and the orphans in the society, especially now that many families are finding it very unbearable, as a result of biting economic challenges bedevilling the country.
“We must nonetheless pray also for the economic overturn and restoration of security, in Nigeria. Government should, however, be more alive to the primary responsibility of its existence – i.e. safeguarding lives and property.
“In the same vein, Muslims are, reminded of the Zakatul Fitr (Ordained Alms Giving at the end of Ramadan Fast), which is supposed to be given out to the needy in the last three days of Ramadan or in the early hours of the first day of Shawwal i.e the ‘Eid-el-Fitr day, before the commencement of the ‘Eid prayer.”
He called for “prayers for the Ummah against all manners of misfortunes, relief and succour for the myriads of economic and security challenges hampering the nation.”