#Ramadan: Etsu Nupe Warns Clerics against Provocative Sermons

The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar has warned Muslim preachers against provocative sermons capable of inciting the public during and after Ramadan.

Abubakar, who is also the Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, gave the warning on Sunday in Bida, Niger State when he met with Imams, other Islamic clerics and representatives of market traders.

He said that religious preaching during Ramadan should be targeted at ensuring cordial and harmonious relationships among the people.

The emir said that such harmonious relationships should always be promoted to enhance peace as well as strengthen unity and the progress of Nupe kingdom, Niger state, and and the country at large.

The monarch reminded the clerics of their roles as representatives of God on earth, saying that they should always strive to be shining examples both in words and in deed.

Abubakar warned against sectarianism in Islam and appealed to clerics to fashion out ways that would propagate the genuine teachings of the religion.

He also appealed to wealthy Nigerians to assist the less privileged in the society with food items and money so that they would be able to observe Ramadan with less stress.

“It is important that the highly placed individuals in the society should fathom out succour for the less privileged in the society,” he said.

He also called on Muslims in the country to use the month of Ramadan to pray for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.

“With ceaseless and fervent prayers during this Holy month of Ramadan, by God’s grace we will be able to overcome the security challenges bedeviling the country,” he said.

The emir reminded Muslim faithfuls that fasting was not only about abstaining from eating and drinking, but a period within which to emulate Prophet Muhammad in deed and action.

“Prophet Muhammad preach peace, love and unity and as true followers of Islam we are to emulate same so that we can enjoy blessings of God here and in eternity,” he said.

The Etsu Nupe urged Nigerians to continue to tolerate one another, live in peace with one another, irrespective of religious, cultural and ethnic differences.

He also appealed to traders not to increase the prices of commodities during the Ramadan period.

“This is a Holy month not a period to increase prices of commodities. It is a sin to do that, if you are in the habit do have a rethink and fear God,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chief of Bida, Sheikh Adamu Liman-Yakatun, urged the people to have the fear of God in their hearts and to remember that judgment awaited them after death.

He also appealed to wealthy individuals to assist in the feeding of the less privileged to cushion the effect of fasting during the Ramadan .

“I implore Muslims to spend their God-given wealth in moving the religion forward to the glory of Allah,” he said. (NAN)