Ramadan: Cleric urges Muslims to be prepared spiritually, steadfast in prayers
Malam Abdulmumin Apaokagi, the Chief Imam of Markaz Al Adaby Mosque in Ilorin has urged Muslims to be spiritually prepared for the forthcoming Ramadan fast by moving closer to Allah and be steadfast in prayers.
Apaokagi made the call in Ilorin on Friday while delivering lecture as the last Friday preceding the Holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the month which Muslims fast for 29 or 30 days as prescribed for them in the Holy Qur'an chapter 2 verse 183 as "O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn) self-restraint.''
The cleric said Muslims should not only prepare for Ramadan by stocking their homes with foodstuff but by purifying their hearts to usher in the holy month.
He added that "in few days to come now, the Ramadan fast will start and as we know, some people will stock their houses with food which is not a bad idea. "But the essence of the fast is to make us closer to Allah, so our preparations should be toward getting our hearts ready for that.
"We have to prepare spiritually through supplications and reading the holy Qur'an when the month comes.'' Apaokagi said Ramadan was a time to work spiritually and not the time to lazy around due to tiredness.
"The month of Ramadan is a month of favour, where Muslims have the opportunity to ask and be granted by the grace of Allah. "So, it behoves on us to make optimum use of the opportunity for the benefits not to pass us by.
"We should try and seek for forgiveness more with the intention of not going back to sins after the month.'' He, however, urged Muslims to remember Nigeria in prayers for the country to overcome its present challenges. (NAN)
Cloud Tag: What's trending
Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.
Jani Ibrahim Agbarere Ilorin Likeminds Foundation Ajasse-Ipo Tayo Awodiji Sarkin Malamai Akande Idowu Ayoola Muhammed Issa Manzuma Ahmad Uthman SWAN Oyin-Zubair Lanwa Ajakaye RTEAN Societe Generale Bank Of Nigeria Yusuf Badmus Oko Erin Kwara State Television Umar Bayo Abdulwahab T And K FOODS Alfa Modibbo Belgore Muslim Stakeholders Of Kwara State Abdulraufu Mustapha Babaloja-General Popo-Igbonna Principal Private Secretary Quareeb Harrison Osauwagboe Bamidele Adegoke Abubakar Imam Col. Taiwo Olaosebikan Mohammed Ibrahim Federal Road Maintenance Agency Abdulrahman Abdulrasak Students Union Government Abikan Amule Elementary School Alfa Modibo Belgore Abdulganiyu Salahudeen KW-GIS EFCC Anilelerin NSCIA Oniyangi Kunle Sulaiman Radio SBS Asa Oke-Ode Muftau Akanbi Oke Agboola Abdulraheem Wahab Agbaje KWSIEC Bolakale Kawu Agaka Orisun Igbomina Bashir Adigun Raliat Islamic Foundation Sarakite Ahmad Olanrewaju Belgore Arinola Lawal Oba Mogaji Abdulkadir Sebastine Obasi Ibrahim Orire Opobiyi Esuwoye Ganmo Electricity Sub-Station Ibikunle Ogunleye Usman Yunusa Government House KWIRS Sabitiyu Grillo Usman Rifun Abubakar Abdulraheem Aisha Gobir Suleiman Idris Turaki Of Ilorin Idowu Laro Rice Farmers Association Of Nigeria

