The Special Adviser to Gov Makinde On Education Intervention, Honourable Oloye Suraj Abiodun Tiamy, has enlightened the general public on what Islam is all about and urged Muslims to borrow a leaf from the life of the great Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) as Muslims across the world commemorate the Maulud (Birthday) of the Prophet of Islam.
Hon Tiamy who spoke through his special assistant on Media and publicity, Sanusi Abdullahi Oyelekan, said embracing the great virtues for which the Prophet was known would change the attitude of Nigerians towards the nation, and boost peaceful coexistence among other faith adherents.
In an apparent reference to the economic hardship, the Tiamy called for moderation in the practice of Islamic teachings on expenses.
“The indiscriminate killing of innocent people, the kidnappings of males and females alike and forcing them into marriage or conversion is contrary to teachings and personal examples of the Noble Prophet Muhammad.
“Violent extremism is the single biggest challenge facing the image of Islam today which has been hijacked by a minority of misguided elements who are using religion to cover-up their criminal agenda.
“There is the urgent need for increased vigilance by Muslims in order to frustrate and stop the spread of violent ideologies that are causing human havocs and tragedies around the world.
“Extremism is like a cancer that needs to be attacked in its early stages before it grows malignantly out of control and harm the society”, Tiamy enlightened
Hon Tiamy however, advised the parents to safeguard their wards from being lured by extremist groups which according to him is the foundation bedeviling the naton.
Born 570CE, Prophet Muhammad is Islam’s last prophet through whom the Qur’an was revealed. Robiu-l-Awal 12 (the third month in the lunar calendar) is believed to be his birth date. While some Muslims around the world celebrate the date, some do not as it is believed to be an innovation which was not a tradition during the time of the prophet.
END.
