Muslims in Nigeria, as did their counterparts around the world, spent yesterday celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir. Much as it was an occasion for fanfare, a thought needs to be spared for the spectre of insecurity and the lack of unity among Nigerians, prevalent at a time when selfless sacrifices should be at the centre of national discourse. The untold hardship being suffered by the thousands of Nigerians under siege by Boko Haram insurgents, who hide under the cover of religion to inflict, sorrow, death and pain on our countrymen and women calls for sober reflection on our relationship and obligations to one another, and between us and our God.
Fortuitously, the foundation of the relationship between man and God, as enunciated in the two principal religions in Nigeria – Islam and Christianity – places priority on the sanctity of life and the Golden Rule of ‘do unto others as you would have them do to you’. It also emphasises the need for people to fulfil the terms of agreements and respect for divine will. As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, Nigerians are reminded that its essence is not the blood or the flesh of the rams slaughtered, but for them to imbibe the virtues of the Prophet Ibrahim, who obeyed God by offering for sacrifice his only son in obedience to God’s directive.
We would like to appeal to our brothers and sisters across faiths to make the necessary sacrifices to sustain the country’s unity. We need to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, love and respect for one another. To this end, we urge Nigerians to not only exchange gifts and visits during this Eid-el-Kabir celebration, but to also sustain such goodwill beyond the festive period, to foster socialisation and integration among the diverse ethnic and religious groups of the nation.
This is an opportunity to return to the basis for human existence, to seek justice and fairness in the distribution of the nation’s wealth and positions, and for the government to muster the political will to address issues raised, in the interest of peace and healthy co-existence in the country and as a matter of the social contract entered into with the electorate during campaigns.
Leaders should preach and act according to the divine will of God, tackling insecurity, corruption and intolerance. Only then can they face the seemingly intractable insurgency raging in the North East successfully. This is a time for prayers and reflection. It’s now 175 days since 219 secondary school girls were kidnapped from a government school in Chibok, Borno State. Those who perpetrate the dastardly killings and torture should know that Islam as a religion means peace and they should allow peace to reign. The Eid calls for no less sobriety. We should all take the opportunity this season provides to exhibit our Creator’s infinite mercy and kindness to humanity and reconnect to Him.
