The President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas of Southern Nigeria, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Dr. Jamiu Bello Kewulere, has called on Nigerians to use the commemoration of Maulud Nabiy to promote peace, unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence across the country.
Sheikh Kewulere made the call on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during a press conference ahead of the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), where he emphasised that the significance of Maulud should go beyond festivities to include reflection on the Prophet’s exemplary life and teachings.
He described Prophet Muhammad as a trustworthy, compassionate and accommodating messenger of Allah whose life remained a model for humanity, saying his message of the oneness of Allah and his conduct towards people of different backgrounds offered important lessons for contemporary society.
According to him, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was a man who accommodated people from different tribes and backgrounds and lived peacefully with them, demonstrating the importance of tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The cleric said Muslims should therefore strive to replicate the virtues of the Prophet by showing love and concern for their neighbours and treating others with the same consideration they desire for themselves.
He cited the Qur’anic verse in Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107, which describes Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a mercy to the worlds, stressing that mercy, compassion, honesty, justice, patience and humility should be reflected in the lives of those who profess to follow his teachings.
Sheikh Kewulere said the inspiration to commemorate Maulud was to continually remind Muslims of the Prophet’s character and encourage them to live righteous lives in accordance with his teachings.
He added that the occasion should serve as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, moral reformation and deeper commitment to the values of peace, compassion and justice.
On insecurity, the President-General condemned the killing of innocent people and violence perpetrated in the name of religion, stressing that no religion, including Islam, teaches the wanton destruction of human lives.
He called on religious and traditional leaders, governments and citizens to work collectively towards tackling insecurity, protecting human dignity and promoting peaceful coexistence, regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
The cleric also urged Muslims across the South-West, Edo and Delta to sustain the unity and peaceful relationship among Imams, Alfas and members of the Muslim community, attributing the progress recorded by the Robitotul Aimoh Wal Ulamoh to mutual respect, love and understanding.
He said the willingness of Islamic scholars and Muslims from diverse backgrounds to work together under one umbrella demonstrated the importance of unity in advancing the interests of the Muslim community and contributing to societal development.
Sheikh Kewulere urged Nigerians to shun religious intolerance and embrace one another irrespective of their religious differences, noting that national progress, unity and cohesion could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.
He also offered prayers for the peace, stability and prosperity of Nigeria, asking Almighty Allah to protect the country and its citizens and grant the nation sustainable development.
He prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking Allah to grant him wisdom, sound judgement, strength and the capacity to lead the country with justice and compassion.
The cleric similarly prayed for the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, asking Almighty Allah to guide and strengthen him in the administration of the state and grant him the wisdom and resources needed to deliver meaningful development to the people.
Sheikh Kewulere urged Nigerians to make the lessons of Maulud a daily commitment, stressing that anyone who genuinely follows the path of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) must demonstrate mercy, compassion, peacefulness and respect for humanity in his or her dealings with others.
