EKITI EX-DEP GOV URGES MUSLIMS TO ALWAYS SUBMIT TO ALLAH

Former deputy governor of Ekiti State and the Baba Adinni of Ekitiland, Alhaji Sikiru Tae Lawal has urged Muslims in the country to always submit themselves to the will of Allah. He said: 'What Prophet Ibrahim exhibited by offering his only son as sacrifice to Allah was the height of submission to Allah's will and this should be emulated by all Muslims.'

In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Mr. Joseph Ogunsemi, Dr. Lawal, in his goodwill message to Muslims on the occasion of this year's Eid-el-Kabir said the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir goes beyond slaughtering of ram or merry making, adding that Prophet Ibrahim showed total faith in Allah and submitted to His will and Muslims should emulate him.

'The test Allah gave Holy Prophet Ibrahim was a tough one but he did not question Allah. Ismail, his son too was an epitome of faith and total submission to the will of Allah. 'When Prophet Ibrahim had a dream that he was slaughtering Ismail as a sacrifice to Allah, he (Prophet Ibrahim) told Ismail and he (Ismail) said without hesitation: 'Do what you are commanded, you shall find me very patient insha Allah.'

'Both Prophet Ibrahim and his son submitted to the will of Allah. And at a point when Ibrahim had laid his son prostrate, put his forehead on the ground and directed a sharp knife towards his neck, Allah called him: 'O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the dream! Thus do We reward the good doers!' A big sheep was sent down from heaven to be slaughtered instead of Ismail, which Ibrahim did, and they both had a big celebration that day.

'That was the height of faith in Allah and total submission to His will and I urge our Muslims brothers and sister to learn from this rare demonstration of faith in Allah,' he said. The Muslim leader also urged love and unity among Muslims in the country and other religious sects, saying; 'Love is the greatest give of all. Where there is love, there will be peace and harmony. And where peace and harmony reigns, development will thrive.