Sultan Declares Prayers Against ‘Murderous Bandits, Terrorists, Enemy Of Nigeria’

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across the country to offer special prayers against enemies of the Nigerian state and seek divine intervention in the nation’s security challenges.

Naija News reports that the call was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Secretary-General of JNI, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu.

According to the statement, the Sultan urged Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the Islamic months of Tasu’a and Ashoora to pray fervently for peace, security and stability in Nigeria.

The Sultan also advised Muslims to remain committed to the worship of Allah, uphold moral values and continue to be law-abiding citizens despite prevailing challenges.

He urged the faithful to remain peaceful, industrious and God-fearing at all times.

“As Muslims, we should be optimistic that the Lord of Musa (peace be upon him) who made Prophet Musa victorious over Pharaoh, remains the Lord of the world and unto Him alone we should rely for restitution over the most unfortunate security challenges bedevilling Nigeria,” he said.

Drawing parallels from Islamic history, the Sultan said Muslims should reflect on the story of Prophet Musa and Pharaoh and seek Allah’s intervention against those responsible for insecurity in the country.

“The way Allah, the Most High, rescued Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and his people from the evil machinations of Pharaoh and his people, so shall we seek from Him over the murderous bandits, insurgents and kidnappers denying us peace and tranquillity in Nigeria.

“We should draw lessons from what transpired between Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and Pharaoh on the 10th day of Muharram, which we commemorate as the Ashoora,” he stated.

‘Pray For Destruction Of Enemies Of The State’

The JNI leader said the current security situation in the country made it necessary for Muslims to intensify prayers for divine intervention against criminal elements threatening national peace and unity.

“The Sultan of Sokoto also states that it has become imperative to use this period of Tasu’a and Ashoora to pray fervently for Allah’s apt intervention and destruction against all the enemies of the Nigerian state, while we continuously seek His forgiveness through Taubah and Istighfar,” the statement read.

The Sultan further encouraged Muslims to engage in sincere repentance and constant supplication, stressing the importance of seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

He cited a saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), noting that persistent supplication and repentance attract divine relief and blessings.

“Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘Whoever persists in seeking Allah’s intervention and relief through Istighfar, Allah will relieve him of his/her pangs,’” the statement added.

The JNI’s call comes against the backdrop of persistent security challenges across different parts of the country, including banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and other violent crimes that have continued to claim lives and disrupt economic and social activities.

The Islamic organisation urged Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to combine prayers with lawful conduct and support for efforts aimed at restoring peace and security nationwide.