The Chief Imam of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Husein Eleje, has tasked Nigerians on sanctity of human life
above every other considerations.
Eleje gave the task on Friday in an homily during Eid prayers to mark the commencement of Eid-el-Kabir celebration held at the Eid Prayer Ground in Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.
He decried the spate of violent and ritual killings within the country, adding: “Almighty Allah will never approve such unnecessary waste of blood especially as it concerns human lives, which He holds dearly.”
The cleric alluded to the Holy Quran where Prophet Ibrahim obeyed totally Almighty Allah instruction to use his son for sacrifice.
“At the point of carrying out the instruction; Almighty Allah told him not to lay his hands on the lad and He (Almighty Allah) provided a ram in replacements of the son (human).
“This account in the Holy Quran clearly points out that Almighty Allah do not take pleasure in any form of killings or sacrifice, which involves taking a human life.
“We as humans must follow Almighty Allah’s footsteps and do all within us to protect, preserve and prioritise human lives in order to make it better than we met it,” he said.
The chief Imam also said that Eid-el-Kabir is a celebration of love and charity, adding that what Prophet Ibrahim did by having undivided faith and trust in Almighty Allah reconcilied man back to Almighty Allah.
“It is a season to share love and give to your neighbours especially to the less privileged.
“It is a time of sacrifice, when one should give and render selfless services that might cost him or her fortune, time and comfort.
“For our communities and neighbourhoods to be at peace and progress, there is a need for some sort of sacrifice from all individuals and most especially the leaders,” he said.
Eleje urged Muslim faithful to continue to obey and prayer for all constituted authorities for Almighty Allah’s sound health, wisdom and understanding to lead with His fear.
He prayed for wisdom and sound health for the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu; the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; the General Officer Commanding of 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye; various commanders and troops.
The highpoint of the Eid prayer was the symbolic slaughter of the Sallah ram by the chief Imam.
