By Flowerbudnews
The Chief Imam of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Husein Eleje, has urged Nigerians to use the month of Ramadan to draw closer to Almighty Allah (God) and shun materialism.
Eleje told newsmen on Sunday in Enugu that the month of Ramadan and its fasting opens up “the Mercies of Almighty Allah upon Mankind.”
He said that “Almighty Allah always showers us with His limitless bounties and generosity during Ramadan, even as the fasting disciplines one to feel the pain of hunger and emptiness as a mortal.”
“Sincerely, we all needed Almighty Allah’s help and grace to live above sins and personal shortcomings.
“The Holy month of Ramadan and its fasting help to draw us closer to obtain the generous mercy and grace of the Almighty Allah as well as His bountiful blessings on all Nigerians.
“We are also enjoined as Nigerians to use Ramadan period to pray for Almighty Allah’s wisdom and guidance on our leaders, as they needed our continuous prayers and support to excel,” he said.
The chief imam said that the Ramadan fast is made compulsory for every adult Muslim, who has reached the age of puberty.
According to him, Ramadan fasting is compulsory as Commanded by Almighty Allah. It is in fact, one of the compulsory five pillars of Islam.
“Ramadan fasting is compulsory for all except for little children or those sick and weak to observe it.
“Other persons excerpted from fasting are the aged, above 70 years who are weak; nursing mothers and pregnant women who do to their special condition cannot make it as well as those on long journeys.
“However, those that missed fasting during the Ramadan would have to do theirs when they are relieved from their previous condition or situation,” he added.
The Holy month of Ramadan and its fasting started on March 1 all over the country after Muslim faithful sighted the new moon.
