Abuja – Sheikh Nuru Khalid, the Chief Imam of Apo Legislators’ Quarter’s Jumat Mosque, on Saturday, urged Muslims and Christians to live in peace and harmony wherever they find themselves.
Khalid, who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja, said the call became imperative now that the country was facing serious security challenge.
He noted that the yuletide celebrations signified the birth of the two prophets, “hence we should always emulate their lifestyles while they were on earth.
“If we all call ourselves followers of the two prophets, I see no reason why we should not live in peace when they both preached peace.
“It is when we live in peace that the country can move forward the way it should be.
“If there is no peace, it will be very difficult for any country to attain any meaningful development’’, he said.
Khalid also advised Nigerians not to wait until times like this before they see it as a must to live together in peace and preach peace in their respective domains.
“We are all one, irrespective of our socio-political, religious and economic background.
“We should not allow disgruntled elements who find pleasure in destruction to destroy our nation in the name of religion.
“That is why we find it necessary, especially this time, to preach to those behind the security challenge in the country, to desist from such acts.”
The chief imam also urged Muslims in the country to devote their time to the worship of Almighty Allah and emulate the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
Khalid also reminded Muslims about the importance of sacrifice, spiritual cleansing and forgiveness of all their sins from Allah.
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He further urged Nigerians to assist the government in its effort to tackle the security challenge in the country, saying security was a collective responsibility of all.
“With peace and tranquility, the security of lives and property would be guaranteed in the country and the world at large”, he said.
He urged the federal government to create a more conducive environment for investors, especially foreign investors, for the development of the country.
Khalid urged the government at the centre to give priority attention to job creation, especially for the youths in order to avoid restiveness. (NAN)
