The President of Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT), Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulrauf, has called on Muslims to uphold the values of peace, sacrifice, compassion, and unity as they observe Eid al-Adha. In a statement released on Monday ahead of the celebration, Abdulrauf extended his congratulations to Muslims in Nigeria and around the world, describing Eid al-Adha as a time for prayer, reflection, and charity.
Significance of Eid al-Adha
According to Abdulrauf, the festival serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, sacrifice, and caring for the less fortunate in society. He noted that NASFAT members marked the occasion by distributing rams and cash gifts to various communities within and outside Nigeria to support families during the festive period.
Hajj Pilgrimage
Abdulrauf also praised the dedication of Muslim pilgrims currently participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. He highlighted that over two million Muslims from across the globe are taking part in this sacred journey, which he described as a unifying event that transcends race, nationality, and social status. The NASFAT president mentioned that the organization's travel agency, Tafsan Tours and Travel Limited, continues to provide services to pilgrims and remains a benchmark in Hajj operations. He prayed for the safe return of all pilgrims and wished them "Hajj Mabroor," signifying an accepted pilgrimage.
Muslims in National Development
Speaking on the role of Muslims in national development, Abdulrauf emphasized that Nigerian Muslims are making significant contributions to the country's growth across various sectors, including medicine, technology, education, public service, business, and the creative industry. He stated that Muslims remain an integral part of Nigerian society and help strengthen communities nationwide.
Security and Economic Concerns
However, Abdulrauf expressed concern over the insecurity and economic hardship affecting many Nigerians. He noted that this year's Eid celebration comes during a difficult period, with numerous communities facing attacks, kidnappings, and killings. He called for peace and dialogue to address the security challenges confronting the country. Beyond Nigeria, he also voiced concern over ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, lamenting the suffering of innocent civilians, particularly women and children who have lost family members, homes, and livelihoods.
Advocacy for Peace
The NASFAT president stated that the organization will continue to advocate for peace, dialogue, and humanitarian support for conflict victims. Regarding the Gaza crisis, Abdulrauf said NASFAT supports efforts to achieve lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis through dialogue and peaceful negotiations. He added that the organization believes a two-state solution remains the best path toward enduring peace in the region. He also called for peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Sudan and other troubled areas worldwide.
International Support
Abdulrauf urged the international community to continue protecting vulnerable communities facing persecution and violence. He specifically mentioned the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and the Uyghur Muslims in China as groups facing serious challenges that deserve global support and protection.
Eid Message
The NASFAT president appealed to Muslims and all Nigerians to use the Eid period to strengthen relationships, promote tolerance, and show kindness to one another. "In the spirit of Eid al-Adha, let us renew our commitment to compassion, empathy, and mutual respect," he said. He also wished Nigerian pilgrims a safe return home after Hajj and congratulated Muslims worldwide on the celebration. "To all Muslims across the globe, we wish you a blessed and meaningful celebration. Eid Mubarak," Abdulrauf concluded.
