Eid-el-Maulud: Ex-Kaduna gov urges leaders to embrace justice, tolerance

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A former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has urged Nigerian leaders to emulate the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), particularly his commitment to justice, inclusivity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

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Makarfi made the call in Kaduna on Tuesday in a goodwill message to Muslims to mark the 1448 Eid-el-Maulud celebration, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

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The former governor, who congratulated the Muslim Ummah and humanity on the occasion, described the birth and mission of the Prophet as a turning point in world history.

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He said the annual celebration should go beyond festivities and provide an opportunity for Muslims and other Nigerians to reflect on the teachings and exemplary life of the Prophet.

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“As we rejoice and thank Allah (SWT) for the favour and blessings of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) birth and his subsequent mission, it is imperative that we are all reminded not to lose sight of the message that he conveyed to us,” Makarfi said.

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He urged Muslims to use the occasion for “sober reflections and deep introspection” on their conduct and relationship with the commandments of Allah as conveyed by the Prophet.

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According to him, the central teachings of Prophet Muhammad included submission to Allah, peaceful coexistence, good neighbourliness, universal brotherhood, humility and selflessness.

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Makarfi said the Prophet’s practical application of Islamic teachings, particularly his leadership style, provided important lessons for leaders governing diverse societies such as Nigeria.

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He urged political leaders to study and emulate the Prophet’s inclusive and equitable approach to governance.

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“Prophet Muhammad’s practicalisation of the teachings of Islam, as evidenced by his inclusive and equitable leadership, are worthy of note and imbibing by leaders of heterogeneous societies such as ours,” he stated.

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The former governor cited the Prophet’s leadership in Madina as an example of how people of different faiths and backgrounds could coexist under a fair and inclusive system.

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“The manner in which he was able to bring the Jews of Madina and the Muslims, and in fact all and sundry, under the umbrella of his leadership is a good study in inclusivity, equity and mutual respect,” he said.

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Makarfi said the lessons from the Prophet’s leadership were particularly relevant to Nigeria, given the country’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity.

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He urged Nigerians to strengthen peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect across religious, ethnic and tribal divides, saying doing so was essential to the country’s development.

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“It behoves on us, therefore, to derive lessons from these positive attributes as we continue to embrace peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect across religious, ethnic and tribal lines for the development of our country,” he said.

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The former governor also called on Muslims to use the occasion to pray for the country amid its numerous challenges.

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He urged Nigerians to pray for wisdom, righteousness, courage and justice for the country’s leaders to enable them steer the nation towards stability and development.

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“We should also seize the moment to pray fervently for our country as we grapple with the myriad of challenges confronting us as a people,” Makarfi said.

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He added that prayers should also be offered for the nation’s leaders “to be granted the wisdom, righteousness, fortitude and sense of justice and fairness to steer us towards stability and development.”

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Eid-el-Maulud is observed by Muslims in commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), with religious activities often featuring prayers, lectures and reflections on his life and teachings

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