The Umbrella Islamic Organization in Kogi State, Jama’atu Nasril Islam under the leadership of Ambassador Usman Bello has enjoined Muslims in the State to use the forthcoming Ramadan to pray for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
Amb. Usman Bello, the Kogi State Chairman of JNI gave the charge in an address he delivered marking the annual pre Ramadan Press Briefing, urged Clerics to abide by the guidelines as set out both for the conduct of TAFSEER and general preaching as approved by the National Headquarters of JNI.
Amb. Bello urged that the Central focus of preaching/TAFSEER should be to explain the meaning of the Quran, using the Quran, Hadith and the sound statements of the past renowned scholars with the aim of increasing the fear of Allah and piety in the hearts of Muslims.
He urged Clerics to dwell on major highlights on what is Halal and what is Haram towards enlightening Muslims to shy away from all Mustabahats, thanked clerics for the sustaining inter religious harmony.
He cautioned against engaging in controversial issues that would divide the Ummah and diverting attention from problems facing the Ummah.
Similarly, the JNI Chairman urged the clerics to address matters that will improve the individual Muslim, his family and the society, added that they should proffer solutions to problems that have become endemic to the society.
The JNI Chairman equally called on the Clerics to preach the importance of Salat, correct ways of collection and distribution of Zakkat.
While he cautioned against promoting or propagating personal opinion during Mufassir, urged them to use refine languages and explanations during TAFSEER, cautioned against using the Quran as a platform to attack others..
Amb. Bello urged that the preaching by the Clerics should at all times take cognisance of Maslaha as it partain to peaceful Coexistence of the Muslim ummah.
Amb. Bello equally use the briefing to express the profound gratitude and appreciation to Gov. Yahaya Bello for the wonderful support he accorded JNI in the State, equally thanked the Governor for extending same gesture to the Christian Association of Nigeria, commended the State Government for promoting peaceful coexistence amongst religious bodies.
In his remarks, the Secretary of JNI, Alhaji Isah Adeboye, described the month of Ramadan as a Sensitive month, urged Clerics to ensure that their preaching is devoid of hate speeches, urged for prayers for the nation, State, leadership and the Muslim ummah in general.
Highlights of the Press Briefing was the recitation of the Holy Quran, admonition on the dos and don’t during the month of Ramadan as well as Special Prayers for the Nation, State and it Leadership as well as for the Muslim ummah in general.