The inspiring message of Eid el-Fitr

Muslims in the past four weeks, as the Islamic injunction requires of them, have lived a life of moderation and self-denial, refraining from negative conduct and other acts that run contrary to the teachings of the Islamic faith. Ramadan, as usual, is a period when Muslims seek closer ties with Allah through diverse acts of […]

Muslims in the past four weeks, as the Islamic injunction requires of them, have lived a life of moderation and self-denial, refraining from negative conduct and other acts that run contrary to the teachings of the Islamic faith. Ramadan, as usual, is a period when Muslims seek closer ties with Allah through diverse acts of worship that include charity, recitation of the Qur’an, observance of prayers at night, and seeking forgiveness of their sins. 
The injunction to share with others during Ramadan even the little that was available to us is one significant message that should inspire us to eschew selfishness, greed and covetousness, which are evils that have continued over the years to hamper the development of the self and the Nigerian society. The Zakat or poor rate payable by Muslims in the staple food of their respective communities to the poor and the indigent at the end of every Ramadan fat is equally one religious duty that underscores the need to care for others especially the underprivileged which is the basic message of Eidel Fitr. This also strengthens a good sense of altruism in the giver.
The end of Ramadan should not mean an end to the virtues of benevolence, good neighbourliness and tolerance which in the last one month characterized the private and public life of Muslims. They should not consider the end of Ramadan as a welcome opportunity to go back to old habits. With the end of this year’s Ramadan, celebration of the Eid el-fitr should be done in moderation as a practical expression of its lessons.
Nigerian Muslims should on this occasion pray for their leaders to be guided and be imbued with the wisdom and capacity needed to bring about good governance. The leadership of the country has repeatedly let the nation down in critical times. The Eid el fitr is a period for leaders to reflect on the state of the nation and strive to fulfill their obligation of making the living conditions of Nigerians better than what it is at the moment. Leaders should lead by examples and be sensitive to the aspirations of citizens to decent life, good education for children, clean and portable water, constant and affordable power supply, and good prospects for employment especially of graduates and skilled workers.
Those entrusted with power should exercise it for the common good of the people they lead, which in specific terms should translate in to the provision of basic amenities and infrastructure that will improve their living conditions. Conversely, on the part of the ruled, what is expected is obedience to law and order to enable everyone to go about his/her business peacefully. Further in the spirit of the season, Muslims should uphold the virtue of peaceful co-existence with adherents of other faiths and re-commit themselves to the pursuit of religious tolerance and societal rebirth. Hosting visitors across religious boundaries during this festive period could similarly facilitate the building of strong bridges of understanding in the multi-faith Nigerian society.
Insecurity has remained one of the greatest challenges facing the country in the past few years. It was incredible that in spite of the holy month of Ramadan during which Allah exhorts believers to show love, kindness and mercy to all; bombings and suicide attacks were carried out. The occasion of this year’s Eid el-fitr should be used to offer special prayers seeking the Almighty God’s divine intervention to bring the long-standing insecurity of lives and property in parts of the country to a peaceful end.
Barka Da Sallah!