After congregating at different praying grounds to observe the Eid prayers which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Kano residents were set for the commencement of the Sallah celebrations in the state.
The residents urged other Muslim faithful around the country to utilize the period of Eid–El–Fitr to build peace and unity amongst their fellow citizens, as it is among the lessons learnt during the holy month of Ramadan.
Eid-el-Fitr: Ooni, religious leaders seek prayers for peaceful coexistence
Daily News24 monitored the Eid-El-Fitr celebration in the metropolitan areas of Kano state and spoke with various residents on how the Sallah celebration can foster peacebuilding and unity among Nigerians.
‘’We started with Bisimilah and we are ending with Alhamdulilah’’ Alhajii Abubakar Ismail told Daily News24. He believes that in a period like this the Eid celebration is the best festivity that can foster peace and unity in Nigeria.
‘’I am certain that Allah is going to forgive us all our sins and provide all what we need, especially in the kind of situation Nigeria has found itself.
‘’Earlier today, we prayed for Nigeria, our children and all that concerns us. May Allah be with us and help us to use this moment to build unity in Nigeria. I believe that Allah will come into our aid.’’ He stated.
Mr Abdulateef Karim said Nigerians have to come together irrespective of religion and tribe to celebrate in a bid to strengthen understanding and unity among Nigerians. He Stated that Nigerians have erred in the past through tribalism which breeds nepotism adding that the Sallah celebration is another time to bridge the gap because we are all one.
‘’We all have to come together in unity and use this medium to pray to almighty Allah to build Nigeria for us again. Irrespective of the high cost of foodstuffs in the market, we have to be patient and hope for the best but all we have to do is to build peace and unity among ourselves.’’ He concluded.
Mr Garba Umar explains that irrespective of the fact that Kano has Muslims as the majority, all other religions and tribes are treated equally and advises other states to imbibe the harmonious relationship residents of kano have displayed over the years.
‘’As far as peacebuilding is concerned in Kano state, even though we have individuals of diverse cultures and beliefs, we are accommodating and as you can see around Kano, both the Igbos, Yorubas, and others are celebrating Sallah with us.
‘’They are our brothers and sisters and coming together to celebrate with us and this symbolizes peace and unity in the state and with that, we will sustain the harmonious relationship which we have built over the years.’’ He expressed.
Despite hardship, unity is preferrable
Mr Dauda Mustapha told Daily News 24 that despite the hardship which the masses are passing through, unity is preferable.
‘’We had a peaceful prayer and the celebration is going peacefully. Even though we are suffering, Alhamdulilahi we have come together to guarantee our peaceful coexistence as citizens of this country.
‘’I am calling on the government to come to our aid because we are facing a lot of hardship. I was not able to buy new clothes for my children and both the Nigerian and foreign rice are all expensive, talk more of tomatoes and meat.
‘’May God keep us alive and help us with good leaders who can care for the masses’’ Mr Mustapha said.
