Kogi Grand Khadi wants Muslims to promote societal peace, unity »

The Grand Khadi of Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Abdulkareem Aruwa has enjoined Muslims in the State to continue to promote peaceful coexistence in the society wherever they found themselves.

He made the recommendation in Lokoja while addressing newsmen.

The Khadi, who used the occasion to reiterate the virtues of the recently celebrated Eid – el – Kabir said the occasion symbolises why Muslims should be advocates of a united society because it is under such atmosphere that development would thrive.

He said the period demonstrates the virtues exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him), as well as his son, Ishmael, otherwise known as Prophet Ismail (Peace be upon Him), and described Abraham as the Patriarch of the Abrahamic Faith which include Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

“Man minus God is Evil. Man without the centrality of God in his life and activities is a hollow being and an easy vessel for Satan’s manipulation. There is difference in being outwardly religious without being innately good in all ramifications. It amounts to parroting God without fearing Him.

“Fear of God, while it is the solution to all problems, reflects in sacrifice and obedience to God on one hand, and sacrifice for, and goodness to God’s creatures, principally man, on the other hand.

“The sacrifice and obedience to God which Abraham exhibited lies in when he was asked to sacrifice his only son then; and the obedience exhibited by Ismail to his father lies in his agreeing to be sacrificed to God.

“The episodes form the hallmark and are symbolized by the Eid (Festival) of Sacrifice, otherwise called Eidul – Adha, or Edul – Kabir. It is usually celebrated by Muslims worldwide on 10th of Dhul – Hijja of every Islamic Calendar.

“Physically, the festival entails Ram sacrifice but beyond that, it connotes obedience to Allah, and readiness to obey him in all situations. It can only be imagined how good the world would be if people, especially leaders obey and fear God in all spheres; and how good the family and society would be if children obey and respect their parents as Prophet lbrahim and his son, Ismail exemplified for humanity to emulate.

“The underlying lesson for everyone, especially the Muslims, is to cultivate, and or sustain the virtue of obedience to God, and to constituted authorities.”

He enjoined Muslims to continue to love one another and share love among those they come across in the society as instructed by the Almighty God to make the world a better place and wished them a memorable celebration.