Ramadan: Let’s move closer to God, pray for Nigeria — Sen. Balogun

By Akeem Abas

Sen. Kola Balogun (APC- Oyo South) has urged Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic and religious biases, to be closer to God, and continually pray for the country.

This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan, to felicitate Islamic faithful on the commencement of the Ramadan Fasting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting , prayer and reflections.

Balogun also urged Muslims all over the world to grow spiritually and become closer to Allah and their loved ones during Ramadan.

The lawmaker said that moving closer to God requires abstinence from pleasures
like smoking, drinking and sexual intercourse between sunrise and sunset each day during Ramadan.

“Fasting during Ramadan, as one of the five pillars of Islam (the other four being faith, prayer, charity and pilgrimage to Mecca), includes prayers, charity and reflecting on the Holy Quran,” he said.

Balogun urged Nigerians not to limit themselves to praying for the country only during the period of Ramadan, noting that preaching the message of love to fellow humans should be a daily affair.

“Alhamdulillah!!! The month of blessing is here. May Allah grant our supplications and forgive our sins. May Allah perfect our dealings and favour us in this Holy Month and beyond.

“Tenets of Islam and the Quran admonish us to fast in the blessed month of Ramadan so that we may attain God-consciousness, being the purpose of fasting.

“Abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations, for certain parts of the day, teaches us the aspect of patience and tolerance,” he said.

He said that Allah told them in the Quran, to obey Him and ponder on the teachings of His beloved Messenger, Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh).

“Ramadan is the very time to develop a love for and connection with Allah, our Lord, without Whom, we are nothing.

“He has allowed us to be honoured, despite our disobedience towards Him. So let us turn to Him fully, every day, not just for 29 days or 30 days.

“We should continually seek to be closer to God every day. We should always pray for our country and seek to love our fellow human beings,” he said.

The lawmaker admonished Muslims to allow the blessings of Ramadan to enter the soul in a manner which leaves the soul in a state where it yearned for its maker.

“In essence, this is God-Consciousness. The thought otf Allah never leaves our mind and so we are protected from committing much wrong.

“If we are able to attain this level of God-consciousness, we will, Insha Allah, attain the purpose of Ramadan.

“It is on this note that my wife, Mrs Gbonjubola Kola-Balogun and I wish you a happy Ramadan. I pray the blessings of the month of Ramadan be on all of us,” he said.

Balogun prayed that Allah forgive their sins, have mercy upon their souls and accept their prayers and fasting.

“May the Almighty Allah see us through this blessed month and many more. May He accept it as an act of worship and Ibadah.

“As we started the Ramadan with Bismillah, may we end it with Alhamdulillah Ameen. Ramadan Kareem,” Balogun said.

(NAN)