Temisan Olaifa
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has urged Muslims across Nigeria to intensify prayers, charity, and acts of devotion during the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan.
JNI made the call on Wednesday in a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Aliyu in Kaduna.
Aliyu said under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of JNI, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the organisation noted that the 20th day of Ramadan, which fell on 9 March, ushered in the final phase of the fasting period and the search for Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, believed to fall on the odd nights of Ramadan.
It said the blessed night is traditionally sought on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights of the holy month.
JNI expressed gratitude to Allah for granting Muslims the opportunity to witness this year’s Ramadan and prayed for strength to complete the remaining days successfully.
The organisation urged Muslims to intensify prayers for themselves and the nation, particularly for an end to the numerous challenges confronting the country.
According to JNI, Muslims should also extend kindness through almsgiving to the poor, orphans, the needy, and the physically challenged, noting that many families in the country are currently facing economic hardship.
It reminded Muslim faithful of the obligation of Zakatul Fitr, which is expected to be given to the needy in the last three days of Ramadan or early on the day of the Eid-el-Fitr prayer, before the prayer commences.
JNI also called on the government to intensify efforts to rescue kidnapped citizens and address the rising insecurity in different parts of the country.
The organisation expressed concern over the increasing incidents of killings and abductions reported in parts of the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and Southern regions of the country.
It noted that continued insecurity could threaten national stability if urgent steps were not taken to address the situation.
The group also referenced recent protests in parts of the country where residents demanded stronger government action against kidnapping and banditry.
It warned that if decisive measures were not taken, citizens might resort to reprisals and self-defence, further threatening peace and stability.
The organisation therefore urged the government to act swiftly to address the security challenges.
It further encouraged Muslims to use the remaining days of Ramadan to increase recitation and understanding of the Holy Qur’an and to live according to its teachings.
JNI prayed for Allah’s forgiveness and acceptance of the Ramadan fast of Muslim faithful and urged them to maintain righteous conduct beyond the holy month.
The organisation also called on Nigerians to continue praying for peace, security, and economic stability in the country.
It wished Muslims a blessed Ramadan and a peaceful Eid al-Fitr celebration in advance
