President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to consult credible religious leaders for divine counsel and spiritual insights to address the numerous challenges confronting the nation.
Sheikh Yusuf Abdussalam Jabratah, Chief Missioner of Aonu-Sunnah Islamic Da’wah Academy in Suleja, Niger State, gave the advice during the academy’s second annual national conference, themed ‘Contemporary Muslims’ Approach Towards Life’s Challenges: A Disturbing Trend’.
He emphasised the importance of righteous conduct among both citizens and leaders, asserting that while the government is making efforts, it must intensify its focus on citizens’ welfare.
“Current conditions are untenable; the government must work harder to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians,” he said.
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He called for engagement with God-fearing imams and pastors to incorporate divine guidance into governance, arguing that reliance solely on secular knowledge is insufficient.
Sheikh Jabratah urged patience among Nigerians, advocating the application of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad in daily life.
He also stressed the need to confront corruption, which he described as a major impediment to national development.
Similarly, Sheikh Imran Abdul-Majeed Eleha, Chief Imam of Daaru Na’im Central Mosque in Lagos, pointed out that the core issues plaguing Nigeria often lie with its citizens rather than solely with the government.
He stated that past grievances against various administrations indicate a broader societal responsibility.
He referenced a saying of Prophet Muhammad, suggesting that the nation’s difficulties stem from the behaviour of its people and called for greater integrity in economic dealings.
“Nigerians should know that the problems of the country are with the people based on their behaviours. Prophet Muhammad says that a nation would not be involved in giving less in measure and weight and decrease the rights of others without Allah subjecting them to three trials of hunger, inflation and unjust leaders,” Sheikh Eleha said.
The occasion was also marked by insights from several scholars, including Prof. Abdul-Azeez Balogun Shittu, pioneer head of Arabic and Islamic Studies Department, University of Abuja; Sheikh Nafiu Aljawhariy; Prof. AbdulWahab Jamiu Elesin and Sheikh AbdulHameed Akinyele Adeniji, who urged Nigerians not to resort to illegalities and disbelief due to the hardship but be steadfast in faith in Allah for enduring solutions.