All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has joined Muslims in Nigeria and across the world in marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a special press statement on Tuesday by his Media Office and signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, the former Lagos governor said: “I join Muslims in Nigeria and across the world in observance of this blessed month of Ramadan. For thisspecial and holy month serves to remind us of the peace-loving and compassionate principles of our faith and encourages us to be even more faithful to these principles that we may all move closer to Allah in our daily lives.
“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 everyday 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 and 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.”