Saturday, 21 March

Eid-ul-Fitr message highlights faith, stewardship, and environmental responsibility

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Shaikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, National Chief Imam

On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the Office of the National Chief Imam has urged Muslims and all citizens to reflect on faith, moral responsibility, and environmental stewardship, emphasising the interconnectedness of spirituality and social duty.

In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary to the Office of the National Chief Imam (Shaikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu) the faithful were praised for their devotion, patience, and steadfastness during the holy month of Ramadan.

“All praise and gratitude belong to Almighty Allah, who in His infinite mercy and grace has granted us the strength, patience, and spiritual guidance to successfully observe the sacred fast of the holy month of Ramadan,” the statement said.

The message encouraged believers to seek blessings, forgiveness, and peace through acts of worship, charity, and prayers. This year’s reflections were anchored in the theme “Our Earth, Our Future,” highlighting the moral and spiritual obligation to care for the environment.

Islamic teachings remind humanity that the earth is a trust from Allah and that people have been appointed as Khalifah to manage it responsibly. The statement cited the Holy Qur’an, noting:

- “Indeed, I will place upon the earth a successive authority” (Qur'an 2:30), emphasizing human responsibility as caretakers.

- “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned, so that He may let them taste some of the consequences of their actions, that perhaps they will return to the right path” (Qur'an 30:41), warning against environmental neglect.

- “Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves” (Qur'an 13:11), highlighting the role of individual and collective action in effecting positive change.

The statement stressed the importance of protecting natural resources and discouraging harmful practices such as illegal mining (galamsey), uncontrolled deforestation, and indiscriminate sand winning, which threaten ecological balance and endanger future generations.

Community leaders, mosques, and Islamic institutions were urged to promote environmental education and responsible stewardship.

Prayers were also offered for global peace and stability, particularly in conflict-affected regions such as the Middle East.

Believers were encouraged to pray for reconciliation, relief for innocent people affected by war, and wisdom and compassion for leaders.

The statement concluded with warm Eid greetings: “May Almighty Allah accept our fasting, forgive our shortcomings, and grant peace, unity, and prosperity to our nation, to the Muslim Ummah, and to the entire world.”

Source: classfmonline.com