By MOHAMMAD TIJJANI

The Sultan of Sokoto Sa’ad Abubakar III, has felicitated with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah on the commencement of the Islamic New Year, 1448AH, while expressing concern over the worsening security situation in the country.

In a message issued on Tuesday by the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Prof. Khalid Aliyu, the Sultan urged Muslims to use the occasion of the new Hijrah year to renew their commitment to Allah and pray fervently for peace, security and national stability.

The Sultan noted that the increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other social vices were troubling developments that required collective efforts from citizens and security agencies to address.

He called on Nigerians to work together with relevant security agencies to restore peace and stability across the country.

According to him, the month of Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam during which all forms of vice and criminality, including violence and war, are strongly condemned.

The Sultan therefore appealed to all Nigerians to de-escalate tensions and avoid actions capable of undermining national unity, peace and economic progress.

“As insecurity appears to be deteriorating, it is time for all of us to look inward, rededicate ourselves to Allah and play our respective roles in safeguarding our communities,” he said.

He further directed Imams leading the five daily prayers across the country to commence Qunootun-Nawazil (special supplications during periods of calamity) in the last rak’ah of each obligatory prayer.

The Sultan also urged Imams to dedicate the first Friday congregational prayer of the new Hijrah year on June 19 to special prayers against insecurity and other challenges confronting the nation.

He called on religious leaders to deliver solemn sermons and intensify supplications seeking divine intervention in Nigeria’s affairs.

The JNI President-General stressed the need for continuous prayers for peace, security and good governance, noting that the current wave of insecurity appeared to be resisting existing countermeasures.

He urged Muslims to remain law-abiding, God-fearing and steadfast in lawful pursuits while contributing positively to national development.

The Sultan also encouraged Muslims to observe the voluntary fasts of Tasu’a and Ashura on June 24 and 25, respectively, in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

He described the Hijrah as a period of reflection, sacrifice, piety and positive change, urging both leaders and citizens to uphold their responsibilities for the common good.

The Sultan prayed that the new Hijrah year would bring abundant blessings, prosperity, peace and security to Nigeria and the global Muslim Ummah. (NAN)