President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday led other Nigerian leaders and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to felicitate Muslims on today’s celebration of Mawlud Nabbiy, the birthday of Prophet Mohammad (SAW).
In a statement in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, President Buhari urged Muslims to strive for “forgiveness and closeness to the noble life and teachings of the Prophet (SAW) whose birthday is being marked on this blessed day. On this auspicious occasion, I wish you all the blessings of today”.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan advised the Muslim Ummah on the need for peaceful coexistence, love and tolerance among Nigerians and other people across the world.
“Beyond celebrating with immediate family, we should also extend a hand of fellowship to others around us, regardless of affiliations, creed, and religion.
“We must also take time to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet, especially as they relate to our dear nation, Nigeria. We must embrace charity to one another, living a life of piety, while doing our part towards ensuring our peaceful co-existence as a nation.
“Thus, I enjoin us all to, in these times, continue to seek God’s intervention in all our affairs as a nation.”
CAN congratulated the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and all Muslims across the country on the celebration of this year’s Mawlud Nabbiy.
A statement by its General Secretary, Joseph Daramola, said: “We send the best wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters from CAN on this year’s occasion of the birth of Prophet Mohammed (SAW). His birth has given them the power of peaceful co-existence, code of conduct and boldness to live holy lives here on earth and assurance to enter into Paradise in the Hereafter without any hindrance…”