Ramadan: Emir Cautions Islamic Preachers

Emir of Gudi, Gadaka in Fika Local Government area of Yobe State, Alhaji Isa Bunuwo Khahaja, has warned Islamic preachers against provocative sermons capable of inciting disharmony and disunity among the faithful during and after the Ramadan fasting.

The Monarch gave the warning while speaking with newsmen at his palace in Gadaka town on Sunday.

He cautioned clerics that religious preaching during Ramadan should be targeted at ensuring peace, cordial and harmonious relationships among the people.

The Monarch said that such harmonious relationships should always be promoted to enhance peaceful coexistence as well as strengthen unity and the progress of Gudi Emirate, Yobe State, and the country at large.

Reminding the clerics of their important roles as representatives of God on earth, the monarch urged to strive at all time to be shining examples both in words, deeds and practice.

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

He used the forum to appeal 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.

“I urge all Muslims in the country to use the month of Ramadan to pray for the peace, unity and progress of Yobe and Borno states as well as Nigeria at large”.

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

The Emir reminded Muslim faithful 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 preached 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.

To the generality of Nigerians, he appealed for the tolerance of one another, live in peace, irrespective of religious, cultural and ethnic differences.

On the increase in the prices of food items, he also appealed to traders not to make consumption of food difficult through excessive profiteering during and after the Ramadan.

According to him, 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 to have a rethink and fear God,” he said.

NAN