Clerics, PFN sue for peace, tolerance at Eid

As Nigerians joined the rest of the world in celebrating the Eid-el-Fitr, which marked the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Felix Omobude, yesterday felicitated with all Muslims in Nigeria and around the world.

In a statement sent to The Guardian, which was signed by the Director of Media and Public Relations at PFN, Simbo Olorunfemi, Omobude enjoined Nigerians to embrace mutual tolerance and understanding in their conduct and relationships, irrespective of faith, ethnicity or gender, “so we can take Nigeria to greater heights in the different areas of life.”

The PFN president called on all religious leaders to continue to lift up the country in their prayers so that there can be an end to bloodshed in the land and eschew all forms of hate and provocative speech.

“I pray for wisdom for those in public office, so they are able to guide the nation in the right direction and attain success in the march for a restoration of the right values among Nigerians and a speedy turn-around of the nation’s economy.”

Meanwhile, thousands of Muslims in Auchi and Jattu-Uzairue, Etsako West local council of Edo State yesterday joined their counterparts across the world in the Eid prayers in celebration of Eid-El-Fitri.

In a sermon at the Arafat mosque prayer ground, Auchi, the Chief Imam, Prof. Zakarriya Oseni, said no matter the tribe or belief, Allah is one. He enjoined Muslims to uphold the Islamic tenets at all times.

At Jattu-Uzairue Central mosque prayer ground, the Deputy Chief Imam, Sheikh Mohammed Shuaib, urged Muslims to imbibe the Ramadan lessons in their daily living.In their goodwill messages, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru Momoh, the Otaru of Auchi, urged Nigerians to have the fear of Allah and pray for those in leadership positions. The Ogieneni of Uzairue Clan, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kadiri Imonikhe Omogbai the Fourth, enjoined Muslims to be submissive to Allah.

Prophet Muhammad is believed to have received the first revelation of the Holy Quran during this month. The exact date of Eid depends on a combination of the sighting of the new moon and astronomical calculations.
 
Eid festivities begin only after the sighting of the crescent moon. Abiding by the Sunnah — the record of teachings of Prophet Mohammad, people wake up early in the morning, chant the Salat ul-Fajr (daily prayers), take a bath and wear ittar (perfume). They also eat a hearty breakfast before heading off to perform special congregational prayers known as Salat al-Eid (Eid prayers).

Many Muslims also recite the takbir (declaration of faith) on the way to the prayer ground and take part in Zakat al-Fitr (charitable contributions). Muslims look forward to Eid el-Fitr as an occasion of peace, happiness, joy, and festivity. It’s a day for special prayers and an extension of forgiveness and generosity. The day brings people together as the festival celebrates togetherness and encourages fellowship.