Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent best wishes to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world as they commence the 30-day Ramadan fast.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, quoted President Buhari in his message to the nation on the beginning of the Ramadan, as saying fasting was not just merely meant to stay hungry or thirsty, but an opportunity to strive for inner purification and self-accountability.
“It is meant to inculcate righteousness and discipline,” he was quoted as saying.
President Buhari enjoined fasting Muslims to increase their love for humanity, acts of charity, kindness, generosity and gratitude. He says the Holy Prophet Muhammad used to spend very generously on the poor and the needy during this period, and urges Muslims in the country and all over the world to copy the good example.
He called on Muslims and all Nigerians to always remember men and women who are less fortunate than themselves and to help the government in confronting the challenges facing the nation.
The President prayed Allah to grant all Muslims the strength to successfully complete the fasting period.