An Abuja-based Islamic Cleric, Imam Yahya Al-Yolawi, has urged Nigerians to pray for leaders and continued peace, progress, development and survival of the country.
Al-Yolawi, who is the Chief Imam of Area 10 Garki Abuja Jumma’at Mosque, made the call while delivering his Friday Sermon titled “Nigeria at 62 Special Prayer” held in Abuja.
The cleric said Islam encouraged every citizen to pray for his/her leaders, adding that the success of the leadership of any nation is the success of its citizens.
He said there is a big difference between advising, cursing and defaming leaders, adding that Muslims should offer sincere advice to their leaders, and refrain from cursing, attacking, shouting and stoning them.
This, according to him, might destroy the unity of the nation, instigating a larger evil than the what they seek to remove.
He added that “the power of prayer and supplications to yourself and your nation cannot be over emphasised.
“The prayer of a Muslim for his brother in Islam is readily accepted; an angel is appointed to his/her side whenever he makes a beneficial prayer to say ameen.”
Al-Yolawi also emphasised the need for Nigerians to have positive characters and attitude toward the country.
“We should tell ourselves the truth, be role models, worthy of emulation in our families, in the office, market place, banks and even on our roads while driving.”
The cleric commended the efforts of Nigeria’s great heroes, their ccontribution, their selfless services to humanity and prayed for the repose of their souls.
He said “Nigeria got independence 62 years ago; our founding fathers succeeded in putting a stop to the British colonial rule by fighting for the collective independence of what we are celebrating as a country today.
“The history of this nation will never forgot people like the Premier of the then Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr Nnamdi azikwe, Obafemi Awolowo and others.” (NAN)