Ramadan fast: Muslim faithful charged to set aside grudges, purify their hearts

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

Ahead of the Ramadan fasting next month, the Grand Sheikh of Ilorin Emirate, His Eminence Imam Sheikh Dr Abdul Kadir Al Salman Sholagberu, has urged Muslims to “purify their hearts, set aside grudges, and embrace the true spirit of brotherhood.”

Sholagberu, who delivered an inaugural sermon at the National Mosque recently in Abuja, reminded Muslims that “our strength lies in our unity.”

He further called for unity among Islamic scholars and preachers, urging them to bridge doctrinal divides and work towards a common goal.

Sholagberu, recently appointed as one of the Chief Imams of the National Mosque, Abuja, noted that religious discourse should be guided by wisdom, tolerance, and mutual respect rather than conflict and rivalry.

He warned against the growing trend of disputes over non-essential matters of faith among scholars, which he said has led to unnecessary divisions within the Muslim community.

The cleric expressed concerns that “it is painful to witness scholars and preachers engaging in public quarrels over matters that are not fundamental to our faith.”

According to him, instead of uniting to guide the Ummah, some scholars and preachers have turned religious discourse into a battlefield of accusations and counter-accusations.

The Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate faulted the increasing tendency of scholars to challenge and discredit one another over differences in jurisprudence and religious practices.

He noted that such disagreements, especially when aired on social media, only serve to weaken the Muslim community.

The cleric said: “Preachers of the nation, is it reasonable what is happening between our Islamic parties of hateful gangs, severe disputes, bitter enmities, and mutual slander, as if we are of conflicting religions and contradictory doctrines?”

“These differences have caused estrangement and animosity, the consequences of which only Allah knows. How many opportunities have they delayed and missed for Muslims that only Allah knows!!”

“My brothers in the call, feel your responsibilities, and diagnose yourselves in a way that befits your position. There you will discover that you are the core of society, and that you are its pivot.”

“Scholars of the nation, why don’t we excuse each other, learn from each other, and forgive each other!! Isn’t it correct according to Sharia and belief, or is it not among the established principles of religion, that we cite the words of someone who has made a mistake?”

He called on Islamic leaders to reflect on historical precedents while also reminding them that even during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, scholars held varying opinions but remained united in their faith and mission.

“The great scholars of Islam differed in their interpretations, but they did not allow their differences to breed hostility. We must learn from them and practice tolerance,” he added.