A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has urged Muslims to abstain from food, drinks and other worldly things as they observe the month of Ramadan.
In a message shared on his official Twitter handle, Tinubu urged them to be guided by the spirit of sacrifice, discipline, and perseverance.
He advised that such should be applied in their interactions with fellow Muslims and also in their relations with their neighbours and Nigerians of other faiths as well.
He said,
“During this month, adult Muslims are enjoined to abstain from food and drinks and other worldly things from dawn to sunset.
“This spirit of sacrifice, discipline, and perseverance symbolised by denying the body of food and drinks must engender the spirit of humility, mercy and kindness in us individually and as a true community of faith.
“Through this self-control and perseverance, we are moved to beneficial introspection, self-discovery and self-development.
“I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to be guided by this spirit in their interactions with fellow Muslims, but equally important also in their relations with their neighbours and Nigerians of other faiths as well.
We must do so not only for the holy month of Ramadan but every day of our lives.
“Nigeria faces many present challenges but none of these challenges can defeat us so long as we remain true to the tenets of our faith by extending the hand of brotherhood and goodness to those around us.
“We grow in strength through unity and compassion, not through division and recrimination. Thus, the call and spirit of the holy month are much needed now.
“May we all join as brothers in pursuit of peace and harmony for all Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
“May Almighty Allah continue to guide us with his munificent hand and open our hearts and minds that we may have the ability to fast, worship and reap the spiritual benefits of this holy month. Ramadan Mubarak.”
