An Islamic group, Volunteer and Patriotic Muslim Scholars, on Monday, commenced a three-day fast and prayers for national peace amidst rising insecurity in the country.
This is coming barely a day after the Christian Association of Nigeria completed a three-day fast and prayers which it instructed Christians across the country to observe.
The team leader of the Volunteer and Patriotic Muslim Scholars, Malam Salihu Abdullahi-Mai, said at a news conference in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, that the group mobilised 100 clerics for the three-day fast and prayers, adding that the spiritual exercise was aimed at calling on God to save Nigeria from terrorism, kidnapping, among others.
He said, “Prayers and fast had become mandatory for us. We invited preachers from all the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State to immensely embark on prayers and fasting for the country.”
“What is happening in Nigeria is a sign that we have offended God in so many ways, therefore, we have to seek for his forgiveness.
“We believe that in whatever situation we find ourselves, prayers and fast are solutions to all mankind problems because God listens to his servants at any time.’’
According to Abdullahi-Mai, during the three-day exercise, there would be the daily recitation of the Holy Qur’an and some other special prayers which would be offered at various Mosques.
He added that the spiritual exercise was also meant to strengthen military forces in the fight against insurgents.