The Osi Basorun of Ibadanland, Alhaji Azeez Popoola Adeduntan has enjoined Muslims in the state and the country to continue to pray for the peace, growth and prosperity of the state and the whole nation.
Adeduntan, who is a Governorship hopeful in Oyo State in 2023 gave the charge in a statement on Monday in Ibadan, to felicitate Muslims on the occasion of New Islamic Year or Hijrah 1443 AH.
Alhaji Adeduntan said in the new year, Muslims should strive, as part of what Allah commanded them, to internalise the lessons of the essence of the Hijrah as exemplified by uncommon patience and endurance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the face of hardship.
Chief (Dr) Adeduntan -a cardiovascular surgeon,who is the founder of Dr Azeez Popoola Adeduntan Foundation (DAPAF) NIgeria and the USA,noted that the occasion was a vivid reminder of what Hijrah represented in the lives of Muslims, saying Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emigrated from Makkah to Madinah in 622 A. D. after the people of Makkah stressed his patience beyond its limit.
-But for this flight and seminal event called HIJRA,there would have been no ISLAM,similar to no Christianity without the resurrection of Jesus Christ.Hence the world wide importance of this holiday to Muslims.
“As we celebrate the Hijrah this year, we should not let its real lesson, that of patience with steadfastness be lost on us.
“On behalf of myself, my family and my teeming supporters across the state, I say congratulations and happy New Year to all Muslim faithfuls and we pray the Almighty Allah to grant the Ummahs the opportunity of this celebration many years ahead and preserve Nigeria for us as a single, united, peaceful and progressive nation.
He urged the Ummahs(Islamic clerics)to have spirit of forgiveness, promote peace and love; eschew rancour and bitterness; and be just and sincere.
“I equally call on the Ummahs to be steadfast in promoting the message and virtues of Islam in this trying and challenging time of the Nigerian nationhood.
“May almighty God bless OYO STATE and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May Nigeria succeed,” he concluded.
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