Islamic New Year 1447: Etsu Nupe urges sustained prayers for peace, unity, progress
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe in Niger, has urged the Muslim faithful to remain prayerful for the preservation of peace, unity, and progress in the country.
The Etsu Nupe, who is also the Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, stated this in his goodwill message to Muslim Ummah in commemoration of New Islamic Year (Muharram) 1447 on Thursday in Abuja
The esteemed royal father emphasised the significance of the Islamic event, which he said, revitalised the values of faith, sacrifice, obedience, love, tolerance, charity, and peaceful coexistence.
All these values, according to him, are exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Etsu Nupe said the first day of Muharram commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s migration from his birthplace, Mecca, in search of a peaceful and accommodating environment to practice Islam.
“It’s on this day that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) embarked on the Hijrah from Mecca, his place of birth, to Medina, the ancestral home of his mother, in order to peacefully practice Islam.
“This reminds us of the importance of embracing patience, perseverance, tolerance, moderation, and compassion,” he said.
The first class traditional ruler congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion of the new lunar calendar, Hijrah 1447, and urged everyone of them to reflect on the purpose of the day.
Abubakar advised the Ummah to reflect with the hope that humanity would be guided by its lessons and significance in daily life and interactions with others.
He stressed the need for religious tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion towards all individuals, regardless of their belief.
The chairman council of traditional rulers observed that Nigerians’ collective faith in God and their continuous prayers for peace, unity, and progress were essential for the realisation of the dreams and aspirations of the nation’s founding fathers.
He expressed confidence that sustained prayers would enable the nation to overcome the challenges and threats to its peaceful coexistence.
Etsu Nupe explained that the two major religions in the country preached peace and unity, “therefore, Nigerians should embrace these teachings instead of stirring up trouble.
“Let us revive the teachings of the noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by spreading peace wherever we find ourselves.”
The Etsu Nupe opined that as sincere Muslims, “we are supposed to follow all that the Prophet of Islam preaches and teaches.
“Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) preached peace, love, and unity, and as true followers of Islam, we should emulate the same principles in order to enjoy the blessings of God Almighty in this life and the hereafter.”
Abubakar called on Nigerians to uphold virtues of tolerance and live in harmony with one another, regardless of religious, cultural, and ethnic differences.
He emphasised that peace and unity were vital tools for national development, hence the need for Nigerians to strive hard to maintain them for the progress and development of the nation. (NAN)
