IN the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful. Surely, All praises belong to Allah-the most high, come rain, come sunshine (all conditions of life man finds himself). We sincerely bear witness that Allah is one, having neither partner nor equal. And we also bear witness that Prophet Muhammad is a Messenger of Allah, sent as mercy to the entire world (universe). May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His noble Prophet, His households, His companions and the generality of Muslims.
Brothers and Sisters in Islam worldwide, we use this golden opportunity to congratulate ourselves over the Divine Grace to partake in this year 1442A.H Ramadan and the grace to complete it, even in the face of multiple challenges. The Quran puts it that the days of Ramadan fast are numbered (Quran 2:184). Ramadan 1442 A.H has come and gone. So also is our sincere believe in Allah that the threatening challenges occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic would soon be over with our devotion to Allah, prayers unto him and total reliance on him.
We have all realised that the Coronavirus, which brought about lockdown of states in 2020 and restriction of gatherings in 2021 in which people are banned from gathering of over 50 people, has not only affected our religion congregation activities, it has also unleashed untold havoc on the world socioeconomic and educational settings. We should all admit that this period is really a trying time by Allah’s design and by his grace, we would overcome that trial.
Remember that Allah says in the Quran: “Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘we believe’ and will not be tested? And we indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make it known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test”, (Quran 29:2-3).
However, it is in recognition of the fact that the present pandemic is a test that Muslims should rise to the occasion. We need to intensify our prayers for divine intervention for Allah to end the ravaging COVID-19. It is in connection to this that we commend our government at the federal and state levels on various steps taken to combat the pandemic.
Brothers and sisters in Islam, Ramadan has left with us a lot of lessons, including love and compassion for other fellow, the less-privileged and vulnerable in the society, endurance and perseverance, increased devotion to Allah and piety. All these lessons should not be allowed to slip off we Muslims but rather, we should hold-on to them, because we never knew if another Ramadan will come to us while still alive, hale and hearty.
Brothers and sisters in Islam, we use this forum to enjoin us to observe health guidelines of the state and Federal Governments to ensure that we are safe healthwise. The laid down guidelines of the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC) should be adhered to in order to stay safe, because only the living have ample time to worship Allah, through series of Ibadah.
The holy Prophet has also recommended that Muslim should be observing prayers to ward-off evils of pandemic thus: “Oh Allah! I seek your protection against leprosy, insanity, infirmity and denigrating ailments.”
We exited the holy month of Ramadan with the belief that we are forgiven and purified due to our display, constraint, self-control and restrictions. As rightly put by our model Rosulullahi (S.A.W), “Whoever observe Ramadan fast in faith and sincere hope (of rewards and forgiveness) would be forgiven of his/her sins.”
In this case, the Ramadan 1442 A.H is marched out, Allah remains and therefore, our devotion to him as well should be faithfully sustained. All good deeds like obligatory prayers (Salawat al-mafruudoh), Sadaqat, (arms-giving), Nawafil (non-obligatory prayers) tilawatul-Qur’an (recreation of the Qur’an), Silatur-Rahim (keeping up good relationships with relatives) tarku’amal shuuhi wal qawlu-shuuh (abstinence from evil deeds and foul talks), adhkar (remembrances of Allah from time to time e.t.c) should be sustained.
Finally, we congratulate ourselves that we are graced to witness the end of Ramadan fast of this year, while we are alive. May Allah forgive all Muslim across the globe who lost their lives to this trying period and console their survivors.
Brothers and sisters, Ramadan is exiting to usher in Shawwal, observe your Shitta-Shawwal according to the sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.W) because doing that attracts great rewards. Anyone who fasts six days in Shawwal to accompany Ramadan would be considered to have fasted for the whole year. We pray to Allah to accept it as an act of Ibaadah.
As-salaam alaykum warahamotullahi wabaraqaatuhu
