Leaders at all levels have been enjoined to be merciful towards the general public in order for them to earn mercy of God and have a happy ending in their sojourn on earth.
This took the center stage of the Eid-el-Fitri sermon by the Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Professor Miftau Abdulrahman Oloyede after offering two units of Muslim prayer to mark the end of 2021 Ramadan.
Professor Oloyede warned leaders not to be nonchalant to the pain, suffering and agony of the people they are governing, stressing that Allah has promised to be merciful to those who are merciful to His people.
He called on religious leaders to always preach tolerance, perseverance and unity among their followers, adding that both Muslims and Christians must unite as they have a lot to do to ensure continued existence of Nigeria.
Professor Oloyede warned all Muslims to continue to refrain from sins as they did during the holy month of Ramadan, adding that what is prohibited during Ramadan is also prohibited in other months.
The cleric, who noted that the country is going through a difficult time as many family ties are cut while security agents deliberately soft-pedal for criminals to overrun the country, charged believers to brace up for the survival of the country.
The professor-cleric said:
“You are the hope of this country and they will abuse you, they will attack you. God charges you to be patient so as to ensure peace in the country.”
“Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said whoever is in position of power and makes life difficult for people, God will make life difficult for him and vice versa.”
“In another Hadith, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said position of authority is like a shade with a leader in charge of it, and no leader should chase away people from the shade. Whoever chase away people from the shade shall not enter paradise.”
“This is not matter of just being honest with money. Whoever is in power and makes his country go through war through his lackadaisical attitude shall be in agony on the day of resurrection and he shall not end well on the surface of the earth, and everyone that supported them while perpetrating evil too shall not end well both here and in the hereafter.”
“Meanwhile, everything we abstained from during Ramadan shall also be avoided after Ramadan. Ramadan became honour to us because of our worship therein. If we continue our acts of kindness after Ramadan, we shall continue to enjoy His comfort. Let us continue to abide by Allah’s rules.”
“Finally, we should all pray for Nigeria. We pray that Allah touch the hearts of our leaders to do good for the country, for us and for themselves. May God give those calling for war patient. May this not be our last Eidel-Fitri on earth.” Professor concluded.
Professor Oloyede appreciated Chief Rashidi Ladoja and many others for their unending supports for UI mosque.
Dignitaries at the praying ground include former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator Fatai Buhari, former Oyo State SSG, Barrister Sharafadeen Alli and former Chief Whip, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Adigun Ahmed Abiodun among others.