The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, the umbrella body of Islamic groups in Nigeria, has declared that the month of Dhul Hajj begins today (Monday) which means Eid-el-Kabir Sallah would be observed on Wednesday, September 23.
The JNI, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad, stated this in a statement on Sunday.
The statement signed by its secretary general, Khalid Aliyu, said the Sultan and the JNI “felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah over the successful commencement of Dhul-Hajj today Monday 14th September, 2015. This is indeed gratifying as Wednesday 23rd September 2015 will mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, In-Shaa-Allah”.
The JNI implored Muslims who can, to fast for the first nine days of the month, especially on the Arafat day, as recommended by the Prophet Muhammad, for non-pilgrims.
“We should also seek Allah’s forgiveness, glorify and extol Him more. This is so because of the special virtues of the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, and the immense benefits therein,” the statement said.
The JNI also lamented Thursday’s kidnap of the Chief Imam of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Sheikh Adam Idoko.
It said the Imam is a famous Muslim leader in the South East, who also serves as the Vice President-General, JNI Enugu State chapter.
“Indeed this ugly incident is strongly condemned by the JNI. Hence, the JNI appeals to the government and security agencies at all levels to do everything humanly possible to rescue the distinguished Muslim Scholar, hale and hearty, from the hands of the criminals,” it said.
The JNI paid tribute to the pilgrims who died in the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Friday, due to the collapse of a crane.
“This is indeed a great tragedy to the Muslim Ummah specifically and the entire world generally.
“This is a pointer to us that death is inevitable. Therefore, we should be conscious of our actions and inactions, because death may descend anywhere, anytime. Therefore we must remain righteous, so that we may be hopeful of Allah’s forgiveness.
“We therefore, pray that Allah’s Maghfirah and Rahmah will be with those who lost their lives in the tragedy, we also wish their families and the entire Muslim Ummah the fortitude to bear the loss. For the injured and the traumatized, we pray for quick recovery and mental stability.
“More so, we commiserate with the Saudi authorities especially the custodian of the two holy Mosques at this moment of grief over this tragic event. We pray Allah to continue to give them the strength and will to continue taking care of the two holy Mosques.
“We sincerely pray for our Muslim brethren who are currently observing this year’s pilgrimage in the Holy land to have a hitch-free Hajj and wish them safe return back to their countries and re-union with their respective families,” JNI said.
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