The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, called on Muslims to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, and submission to Allah’s will, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
This appeal was made in his Sallah message to the Muslim community in his domain and across Nigeria, marking the Eid-el-Adhah celebration at the Eid-el praying ground in Bida on Sunday.
He emphasized the significance of the celebration as a testament to total submission and obedience to Allah, mirroring the actions of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail.
Abubakar stated, “Today’s celebration is a commemoration of total submissiveness and obedience to the will of Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail.”
He highlighted the importance of keeping promises, both to Allah and to others, citing Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering commitment to sacrifice his son as a prime example.
“Prophet Ibrahim made a vow to sacrifice his son to Allah, and when it was time to fulfil the promise, he didn’t back out. That is a strong virtue worthy of emulation,” he said, adding that Allah’s intervention, converting the human sacrifice to that of a sheep, was a divine acknowledgment of Ibrahim’s faith.
The monarch urged Muslims to avoid societal vices such as bribery, corruption, drunkenness, and gambling, noting that these do not benefit individuals, society, or the Muslim faith. He encouraged all believers to reflect on the true essence of the celebration, which promotes piety, sacrifice, and love—qualities essential for societal progress.
He also appealed to the affluent in society to support the less privileged, ensuring that everyone could partake in the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
“God has endowed wealth on people not for themselves and their immediate families, but for the benefit of entire society,” he remarked, stressing the need for such generosity amid the current socio-economic challenges.
Abubakar urged Muslim faithful to pray for divine assistance for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders, to help them navigate the economic and security challenges facing the nation.
He also advised parents to keep a close watch on their children to prevent drug abuse, a growing issue among the youth.
Concluding his message, the Etsu Nupe prayed for a successful Hajj and the safe return of all Muslim pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.
