Some Islamic clerics have called on Muslims to offer special prayers for Nigeria’s unity, peace, progress and economic recovery.

They made the call during a special Jumaat Prayers organised in commemoration of the Islamic New Year in Sokoto on Friday.

A popular Islamic scholar, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, emphasised the significance of collective prayers for Allah’s divine intervention for the nation to overcome its challenges.

Mr Yagawal, who is the Commissioner for Policy, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), urged people to promote peaceful coexistence of the country.

According to him, there is a need for people to imbibe the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW, which promote peace, honesty, patience, generosity, humility, sincerity, love, and fear of Allah.

He said the prophet brought divine guidance and enlightenment to humanity, stressing the need for collective prayers to tackle the country’s economic challenges.

Also, Dr Atiku Balarabe-Gusau, urged citizens to reflect on their relationship with Allah and fellow humans by making amends where necessary.

Mr Balarabe-Gusau urged people to follow in the footsteps of past leaders who moulded the characters of some generations positively.

He also called for prayers for peace, love and sincerity, for the nation to address its security challenges.

Mr Yusuf Zuru commended the organiser, Kabiru Mu’azu-Jodi, and urged Nigerian leaders to facilitate conduct of gatherings that promote peaceful coexistence and brotherhoods in the country.

According to him, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) signifies the arrival of mercy, compassion, and wisdom.

Mr Zuru said Tijjaniyya group’s revivalist, Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass, demonstrated wisdom and Allah’s mercy by introducing easier ways of memorising the Holy Qur’an, Qur’anic recitation and teachings.

Dr Aminu Sufi underscored the importance of seeking knowledge both Islamic and other courses, emphasising the need for males and females, especially young ones, to study professional courses to contribute to national development.

Leader at the gathering, Ibrahim Shehu-Dahiru Bauchi, called on Muslims to dedicate themselves to training young people on good characters and caution against promoting issues that cause disunity among people.

Mr Dahiru-Bauchi, who led other scholars from Nigeria, Mauritania, Senegal and Niger Republic during the prayer session, prayed for the nation’s peace, stability and progress.

The event featured the recitation of Quran and panegyric poems honouring Prophet Muhammad.

(NAN)