Nigeria's unity should be put above ethnic variations – Sultan

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’advert Abubakar III, has referred to as on Nigerian Muslims to place apart ethnic, regional and social variations and work collectively to advertise nationwide unity, non secular tolerance and peace.

He warned that ethnic and regional pursuits shouldn’t be allowed to weaken the Muslim group or undermine efforts to construct a peaceable and affluent Nigeria.

The Sultan made the enchantment on Sunday in Ibadan, Oyo State, whereas talking on the eleventh General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria, MUSWEN, held on the M.O. Abdul Hall, University of Ibadan Central Mosque Auditorium.

The gathering attracted Islamic students, conventional rulers, authorities officers and different outstanding personalities. It was held underneath the theme, ‘Insecurity in Nigeria: A Technology-Driven and Collective Approach for National Development’.

Abubakar, who can also be the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, stated Muslims should recognise their shared non secular id and keep away from something that would divide them.

He defined that humanity was created as one household by Almighty Allah, including that non secular duties and customary human values ought to take precedence over ethnic affiliations.

“We are one big family. Ethnicity should never be a determining factor in identifying who is a Muslim and who is not. Almighty Allah created us as one human family and commanded us to worship Him alone and glorify His name,” the Sultan stated.

He urged Muslims to not enable political pursuits, ethnic sentiments or regional loyalties to take priority over the teachings of Islam.

“It must be Islam first, Islam first, Islam first, and Islam last,” he declared.

The monarch additionally burdened that each one human beings have been equal earlier than Allah, no matter their ethnic background, social standing or monetary place.

According to him, righteousness, good character and concern of Allah are the qualities that decide an individual’s standing earlier than God.

“Before Allah, we are all equal. The best among us is the one who possesses the greatest degree of piety and righteousness,” he stated.

The Sultan referred to as on Islamic leaders, non secular organisations and establishments to strengthen their dedication to serving each Islam and humanity.

He cautioned in opposition to permitting ethnic and regional pursuits to destroy the unity and shared aspirations of the Muslim Ummah.

He additional urged Muslims to advertise peaceable coexistence and spiritual tolerance, noting that Islamic teachings ought to be mirrored in sensible efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s safety, stability and improvement.