As Nigeria prepares to mark its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has organized a national prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja. The event brought together Muslim scholars, chief imams, traditional leaders, and representatives of Muslim communities from across the six geopolitical zones. The gathering, led by the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, aimed to seek divine guidance and intervention in the country's affairs.
The Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized that the National Mosque provided a platform for Muslims to come together and pray for Nigeria, regardless of their political affiliations. He noted that the participation of individuals associated with different political parties did not alter the religious character of the gathering. Oloyede stressed that prayer for the country transcends political affiliation and is a responsibility of citizens who desire Nigeria's progress.
Imam Harun Mohammed Eze, one of the Imams of the National Mosque and Deputy National Legal Adviser of the NSCIA, highlighted that the national prayer formed part of activities preceding the Independence Anniversary. He identified insecurity, poverty, hunger, and socioeconomic difficulties as issues reflected in the prayers, saying the gathering focused on peace, stability, and development. Eze prayed for Allah's intervention in areas of national concern, seeking peace, stability, and development for the nation.
The national prayer also included prayers for the country's political leadership, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the National Assembly, the judiciary, and other public officials. Imam Eze prayed for sincerity, commitment, and divine guidance for those entrusted with responsibilities in the public sector. He asked Allah to guide them and bind them to do what is right for the country, so that Nigeria could come out of its current difficulties.
The gathering brought together Islamic scholars and religious leaders from different parts of the country, providing a platform for broad representation of the Muslim community. Imam Eze noted that the convergence of religious and traditional leaders from the six geopolitical zones reflected a collective commitment to praying for the country. The event featured traditional leaders from the South, North, and other zones, as well as scholars and Imams from across the country.
In an admonition, Professor Imam Khalid Abubakar Aliyu urged Nigerians to sustain attention on issues central to national development, including education, peace, security, economic prosperity, and the welfare of families and communities. He emphasized the importance of the Qur'an in Islamic life and welcomed the decision to combine Qur'anic recitation with prayers for Nigeria. Aliyu also urged Nigerians to contribute positively to the country's development within their respective capacities.
The national prayer session offered Muslims an opportunity to recommit Nigeria and its leadership to Allah while seeking peace, unity, security, prosperity, and guidance for the country. The NSCIA said the exercise was part of its Independence Anniversary observance, which included reflection on Nigeria's journey as a nation and prayers for guidance as the country confronts its present challenges. The prayer session precedes the NSCIA General Assembly, scheduled to commence after the Independence Day activities.
Key points
- Muslim leaders pray for peace, security, and prosperity at National Mosque in Abuja.
