As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, Alhaji Lukman Abdullah Atanda, President of the Ilorin Likeminds Foundation (ILMF), has issued a heartfelt reminder to Muslims: adherence to the regulations governing the Ramadan fast is essential for attaining the full blessings and rewards of this sacred period.
In a statement released by Mohammad Abdulkadri, the Foundation’s Director of Publicity, Atanda urged the Muslim community to engage in the Ramadan fast with genuine intent, highlighting the importance of spiritual rejuvenation rooted in the fear of God. He emphasised that acts of compassion, self-denial of food, drink, smoking, and intimate relationships from dawn until sunset are crucial during this time.
Atanda extended his warm wishes to the Muslim Ummah, saying, “Ramadan Kareem,” and expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting the faithful the opportunity to embark on this spiritual journey. He noted that Ramadan should foster greater brotherhood among Muslims, promote empathy for the less fortunate, and encourage devout engagement with the Quran through reading, Tafsir, and prayer.
In his message, Atanda specifically congratulated Muslims worldwide, particularly those in Ilorin Emirate, Kwarans, and Nigerians at large. He urged them to pray for divine intervention against the threats posed by bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists that jeopardise national peace.
The President also offered special greetings to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, the Baloguns, the Council of Ulamas, and the leadership of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU). He prayed that this year’s Ramadan would bring maximum mercy, forgiveness, and blessings as an accepted act of Ibadah.
Muslims across Nigeria commenced the Ramadan fast on Wednesday, following the moon sighting in both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. This decision was communicated by the Deputy President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai El-Kanemi, representing the President General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
