As Ramadan commences, Senator Kola Balogun has called on Muslim faithful in Oyo State and across the country to embrace empathy and peace in the spirit of the period.
The former lawmaker who represented Oyo South Senatorial District in the ninth Senate, stated this in a congratulatory message to the Muslim Ummah on the commencement of the Month of Ramadan 1445.
He also urged Muslims to use the period of the Ramadan fasting to increase their prayers for sustained peace, progress and development of the country.
Senator Balogun described the Holy Month of Ramadan as a blessed month in which the Almighty Allah (SWT) rewards the worship and supplications of the Muslim Ummah.
He urged Muslims and Nigerians in general to, more than ever, show empathy by reaching out to their fellow humans, especially in these trying times.
He advised Muslim faithful to emulate Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) by demonstrating his lessons of love, kindness and good neighbourliness.
He said praying for the country became pertinent in the face of the economic hardship, even as various leaders have been trying to turn the situation around.
“My wife and I felicitate Muslim faithful and Nigerians across the country on the occasion of the commencement of the Month of Ramadan 1445.
“This is another opportunity for us to diligently seek the face of Allah (SWT) and offer supplications to Him, collectively as individuals and as a people.
“I want to implore the Muslim Ummah to use the Month of Ramadan to especially pray for our dear country, prayer being the greatest key for believers to effect positive changes.
“Nigeria, and indeed, the whole world is going through some economic and political turbulences. Things are hard for the people, especially the less privileged.
“I urge us all to embrace the spirit of empathy and love and reach out to those who don’t have in our midst. This is particularly the period for us to let them know that they are loved.
“Let us bring out from what the Almighty Allah (SWT) has blessed us with and reach out to the have-nots among us.
“Those who have in abundance should, in the spirit of the lessons of Ramadan, remember their neighbours and show empathy, love and kindness.
“Nigeria, like most parts of the world is going through some economic hardship. While the leaders are doing their bits to reverse the situation, we should also support them with our prayers and supplications to God.
“Now and beyond the period of Ramadan, we should seek the face of God in our quest for sustained peace, growth, progress and development of our dear country, Nigeria.
“It is my fervent prayer that Allah (SWT) will reward our act of worship and accept it as Ibadah,” Senator Balogun stated in the statement.
