by crossriverwatch admin
The annual eid-il fitr prayers which are normally observed in an open arena by Muslim faithfuls could not hold in Calabar on Thursday due to heavy downpour in the city.
The prayers were however observed in the various Juma’at mosques across the state capital. A visit by CrossRiverWatch to the Eastern Naval Command Central mosque, 13 Brigade headquarters mosque, Akim, Izalla and Bogobiri Central mosques saw crowds of Muslims who defied the rains to attend the prayers.
The downpour which started at about 5 O’clock early on Thursday morning was still heavy till 9:30am. Consequently, the two Raka’at prayers were observed inside mosques.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of 13 Brigade Central Mosque, Calabar, Major Ibrahim Sofolahan urged Muslims to continue to follow the teachings of Allah and his messengers after the holy month of Ramadan.
Imam Shofolahan reminded the faithfuls of doing good to their neighbours for peaceful living and co-existence which he says is the position of Islam.
On the torrential down pour on Sallah day, Sofolahan said it was a sign of immense blessings that usually end the holy month of Ramadan and a demonstration that peace will soon return to troubled parts of Northern Nigeria.
He enjoined Nigerians to love one another irrespective of their religion or ethnic background, stressing that only peace and love can guarantee development.
On his part, the Imam of Eastern Naval Command mosque, Navy Commander Muhammed Zakariyya prayed for peace to reign in Nigeria and Cross River state.
Imam Zakariyya urged Muslims to remember the six voluntary fastings in the month of Sawwal to compliment the obligatory part of Ramadan. This he said is part of the purification of souls.
He also urged Muslim faithfuls not to go back to their bad deeds which they have abandoned during the holy month of Ramadan.
follow us on twitter @crossriverwatch
Leave feedback about this