Tolerate The Rights Of Others To Practice Their Religion-Imam Tells Muslims

Tolerate The Rights Of Others To Practice Their Religion-Imam Tells Muslims

Col. Sani Bello, Chief Imam of the Nigerian Army’s 34 Artillery Brigade Central Mosque, Obinze, Owerri, said on Friday that it is important for Muslims to tolerate the rights of others to practice their faith without aggression, as this is the crux of Allah’s message to all.

Bello made the remarks while speaking to the Muslim faithful at a special Juma’at prayer on Friday in Owerri to commemorate the 2022 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

The cleric described religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence as “essential factors for promoting national unity and development,” and emphasized religious tolerance as an indispensable ingredient for national unity.

He urged Muslim faithful in Nigeria not to let hatred of others blind them to injustice and intolerance, quoting the Holy Quran (Q 5:2), and described national unity as the bedrock of sustainable development.

“Islam promotes peaceful co-existence with adherents of other faiths, thus it is pertinent for Muslims to tolerate the rights of others to practice their faith, devoid of aggression. This is the crux of Allah’s message to us “, the Muslim cleric said.

He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, for entrusting Imo with hosting the 2022 NADCEL.

He also urged all Muslims to pray for Nigeria’s leaders and valiant soldiers to help the country overcome its difficulties.

Yahaya praised the gallant men and officers of the Nigerian Army for upholding the tenets of national unity and peace, as well as pursuing national cohesion, throughout the Nigerian Army’s 159-year history.

Maj.-Gen. J. H. Abdulsalami, representing Yahaya, urged Muslim faithful to seize the opportunity to pray for the safety and success of troops while assuring officers of his commitment to their welfare.

The Muslim faithful gathered in Owerri and its environs to observe the requests.