By
Bamanga Abdullahi Gombi
As Muslims across the world commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, the faithful have been charged to draw lessons from his leadership to foster unity and peaceful coexistence among Muslims and adherents of other faiths in Nigeria.
The Chairman Research and planning committee, Muslim council of Adamawa state, Professor Shehu Iya who gave the charge during an interaction with Radio Nigeria in Yola, said the life of Prophet peace be upon Him provides a timeless guide for justice, tolerance and service to humanity.
The professer noted that, one of the greatest lessons to imbibe from the life of the Holy Prophet is honesty, which earned him the title Al-Amin, meaning “the trustworthy”.
He recalled that during his business expeditions with the caravan of Sayyada Khadija, the Prophet SAW distinguished himself through honesty and integrity, which attracted Sayyada Khadija to seek his hand in marriage.
According to professor Iya, the Prophet’s migration to Madinah and his establishment of a society where Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Arab communities lived together in peace remains relevant today, urging Nigerians to emulate that spirit to overcome current challenges of division and mistrust.
The Professor stressed the need for parents and Ulama to use the occasion to instil values of respect, patience, and kindness in young people with a view to building a peaceful and responsible society.
He said the essence of Maulud is to thank the Almighty Allah for the gift of the Holy prophet, and revisit his life, as a timeless guide for humanity, noting that his life remains relevant forever.
Corroborating, the Chief Imam of Mopol 14 Jummu’at Mosque, Mbamba, Yola, Bashir Thahir, said whenever the month of Rabi’ul Auwal commences, scholars and faithful are gathering under the guidance of Ulama to reflect on the noble and timeless character of Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him.
He said religious leaders must be at the forefront of promoting peace and unity among their followers, urging them to emulate the holy Prophet who lead by example in words and conduct.
The Imam advised Muslims to constantly hold on to the teachings of the Prophet for success in this world and in the hereafter.
Imam Thahir further called on Muslims to emulate the people of Medina who shared their wealth with the Muhajirun, which according to him, built strong unity, noting that the same spirit is needed today for peace to reign in our communities.
He also recalled that when the Prophet migrated to Madinah in 622 CE, he ended tribal wars by uniting Christians, Jews, and Arabs under a treaty, that was built on peace and justice, saying that lesson of inclusion and fairness must guide NIgeria in addressing its challenges.
Imam Thahir who referenced Qur’an 33:21 that says “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example to follow” calls on Muslims to nurture their hearts with love for the Prophet Peace be upon Him.
From the beginning of this hijrah month 1448, across Yola and other parts of Adamawa State, mosques and Islamic centers were filled with lectures, recitation of the Holy Qur’an and special prayers, where Many Muslim also extended goodwill to neighbours irrespective of religious affiliation.
