The Etsu Nupe and chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, has urged Muslims to shun acts capable of tarnishing the image of Islam, saying, “There is a reward for every action.”

Mr Abubakar made the call on Saturday at his Wadata Palace in Bida, in a message celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

Stating that being a Muslim is not enough, he urged them to exhibit the fear of Allah and treat fellow human beings with good conduct.

“I want to urge us to revive and rekindle the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) by preaching peace wherever we find ourselves, regardless of where we may be,” he said.

The traditional ruler appealed to them to pray for the sustenance of peace, unity, and progress in the country.

“I want to sincerely appeal to Muslims to seize this opportunity to offer special prayers for the unity, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria so that the country may overcome its recurring myriad of challenges,” he said.

He said the celebration of Maulud Nabiyi was “remarkable and reinvigorates the virtues of faith, sacrifice, obedience, love, tolerance, charity, and peaceful co-existence.”

According to the first-class traditional ruler, Maulud is not only a time for merry-making but also a time to emulate and reflect on the message of Prophet Muhammad, which guides and shapes humanity.

“Prophet Muhammad (PBUH ) preached peace, love, and unity; therefore, as true followers of Islam, we should emulate such virtues to earn the blessings of Almighty Allah both here and in the hereafter,” he said.

He urged the Muslim faithful to learn how to forgive, saying, “Almighty Allah Himself forgives in an unquantifiable manner.”

“We must also put aside our ethnic, religious, and political differences and come together to build a more united and peaceful Nigeria,” Etsu Nupe admonished.

(NAN)