As Nigerian Muslims join others across the world to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, Muslim clerics and the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) have called for a change of heart among citizens and intensified efforts by the government to address insecurity across the country.

The Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria, Alhaji Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, and the Chief Imam of the University of Lagos Muslim Community, Prof Ismail Musa, said obedience, sincerity, patience and service to God remained essential to national renewal and lasting peace.

In a goodwill message to Muslims and Nigerians, Azeez stressed that Eid-el-Kabir symbolised obedience and service to Allah beyond the ritual sacrifice of animals.

According to him, “If Prophet Ibrahim had not obeyed Allah’s commandment, and had not placed service to Allah beyond his emotions, we would not be celebrating Eid today.”

He urged Muslims to examine whether their actions were genuinely aimed at seeking Allah’s pleasure or public approval, adding that the celebration should not become an avenue for showing off wealth or status.

“The celebration is not to show off the size of the animal they bought, but to demonstrate obedience to Allah and to seek His nearness and pleasure,” he said.

Azeez also cautioned against religious pretentiousness and reminded Muslims that Prophet Ibrahim’s enduring legacy was rooted in complete submission to Allah.

“Did we perform the Hajj just to add the title of ‘Alhaji’ or ‘Alhaja’ to our names?” he asked.

The cleric noted that intention occupied a central place in Islam, stressing that acts carried out solely to please Allah attracted divine blessings, irrespective of public recognition.

He, therefore, called on Muslims to retrace their steps from evil and embrace sincerity in worship and conduct.

In his message, Musa urged both leaders and citizens to replace arrogance with humility, selfishness with selflessness, and impatience with forbearance.

“We need piety, sincere prayer, and steadfast patience. Through patience, we taste the fruits of our devotion and supplication. Allah favours the patient and has commanded us to give glad tidings to those who endure,” he said, quoting Qur’an 2:155.

The Chief Imam observed that prevailing global and local conflicts had imposed severe burdens on people, adding that only a change of heart and renewed devotion to God could restore peace and stability.

Meanwhile, MUSWEN felicitated Muslims across Nigeria and the world on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir and congratulated pilgrims on the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement jointly signed by MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and Executive Secretary, Prof Wole Abbas, the organisation described Eid-el-Kabir as a season of reflection, sacrifice and obedience inspired by the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim.

MUSWEN urged Muslims to imbibe the values of patience, charity and selflessness by extending support to the less privileged during the festive period.

“We urge all Muslims to embody the core values of selflessness, patience, and charity, especially by sharing meals and extending kindness to the less privileged during this sacred season,” the statement read.

The organisation, however, expressed concern over persistent insecurity across different parts of the country, stressing that peace and security remained vital for economic growth and social development.

It called on governments and security agencies to intensify efforts towards protecting lives and property through more proactive and intelligence-driven measures against banditry, kidnapping and insurgency.