In a profound message to the Muslim community, Alhaji Lukman Abdullah Atanda, President of the Ilorin Likeminds Foundation (ILMF), has called for strict adherence to the principles of Ramadan fasting. He asserts that such dedication is vital for receiving the full extent of spiritual blessings during this holy month.
Atanda’s statement, disseminated by Mohammad Abdulkadri, the Foundation’s Director of Publicity, stresses the necessity of approaching the Ramadan fast with sincerity. He implored Muslims to engage in acts of compassion, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and intimate relationships from dawn until sunset, fostering a spirit of spiritual renewal anchored in the fear of God.
Wishing the Muslim Ummah a “Ramadan Kareem,” Atanda expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this spiritual journey. He highlighted that Ramadan serves to strengthen bonds among Muslims, cultivate empathy towards the underprivileged, and inspire a deeper commitment to the Quran through reading, Tafsir, and prayer.
The ILMF President extended his greetings to Muslims globally, with particular emphasis on the residents of Ilorin Emirate, Kwarans, and Nigerians as a whole. He urged collective prayers for divine assistance in overcoming the challenges posed by bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists threatening the nation’s peace.
Atanda also conveyed special regards to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, the Baloguns, the Council of Ulamas, and the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU). He fervently prayed that the blessings of this Ramadan would encompass maximum mercy and forgiveness, marking it as an accepted act of Ibadah.
Following the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, Muslims throughout Nigeria commenced their Ramadan fast on Wednesday, as announced by the Deputy President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai El-Kanemi, acting on behalf of the President General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
