By Abimbola Ogunnaike
As the Muslim Ummah begins the annual Ramadan fast, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria(NAHCON), Jalal Arabi, has called Muslims not to give up as a result of the hardship currently being experience across the country.
Arabi called on them to show high level, of perseverance and faith in the face of challenges in the country.
Recalled that the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, had earlier declared Monday, 11 March, 2024, as the first day of Ramadan, noting that the declaration was based on the sighting of the moon in almost every part of the country earlier on Sunday, which was the 29th day of the Month of Shaban and signifying March 11 as the first day of Ramadan 1445.
“We got the information from Muslim leaders across the country, and we accept the sighting of the moon accordingly”, he said.
In his Ramadan message on Monday, the NAHCON chairman urged Muslims to endure the challenges, adding that part of a Muslim’s faith was the ability to recognise Allah’s wisdom, woven into every aspect of life, including moments of hunger and difficulty.
The message read in part, “As the holy month of Ramadan dawns upon us, I, on behalf of Board members, management and staff of NAHCON, extend heartfelt Ramadan Mubarak greetings to our fellow Nigerian Muslims. In this sacred time of reflection and devotion, we, in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria wish to emphasise the profound significance of perseverance and faith in the face of challenges.
“True, one or two challenges may exist within the society, but part of a Muslim’s faith is recognising that Allah’s wisdom is woven into every aspect of life, including moments of hunger and difficulty, juxtaposed with patience, sharing and empathy.
“A month is before us when prayers need to be intensified for divine intervention in all facets of our existence. As we embark on this spiritual exercise, let us collectively draw inspiration from our faith in Allah, finding strength to remain resilient in the face of trials.”
While felicitating Muslims on the onset of the Holy month, Arabi also encouraged them to embrace the spirit of Ramadan and see the challenges in the country as an opportunity for growth and spiritual development.
“We encourage all Nigerian Muslims to embrace the spirit of Ramadan wholeheartedly, understanding that challenges are opportunities for growth and spiritual development. May this month be a source of blessings, peace, and renewed determination for everyone”, he said.
