Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has charged Islamic faithful not to return to all their old ways and habits forsaken during the 30-day Ramadan Fast.
He gave the charge in his congratulatory message to felicitate Muslims in the country as they join their counterparts across the globe in celebrating Eid-el-Fitr.
The paramount traditional ruler of Ibadanland stated this in a press statement by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola.
Oba Balogun said the gains and blessings of the Ramadan Fast are not limited to the period of observation and abstinence alone.
He said they extend to after the injunction and to access the blessings, adding that Muslims are expected to keep to the tenets of the Holy Quran as regards the Ramadan Fast and Eid-el-Fitr.
“While congratulating my brothers and sisters in Islam for the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast, I admonish us to ensure our keeping faith with the demands of the Holy Month.
“If it was possible for us to keep away from certain habits considered unbecoming of devout Muslims for a whole 30 days, it should not be difficult for us to forsake such things for the rest of our lives.
“We should continue with all our good deeds of Ramadan Fast period and make them our ways of life.
“That is the purpose and that is the teaching of Holy Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Unto Him).
“We are not people of genuine faith if our concern and love for our neighbours only last during the Ramadan Fast period,” Olubadan added.
The traditional ruler asked for moderate celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, and enjoined all to be cautious, doing things within the ambit of civility and consideration for others.
“Our Almighty Allah wants us to be humble in every situation and show kindness to others.
“Let not our self denial of 30 days be of no spiritual value by our conducts during the celebration,” he added.
Oba Balogun also prayed for the country’s leadership at all levels, Nigerians in general and his Ibadan subjects in particular.
He prayed that it would please the Almighty Allah to grant all the grace to witness and participate in many more of Eid-el-Fitr in sound and robust health.
