Abubakar Felicitates Muslims Worldwide on Ramadan, Calls for National Healing and Renewed Piety

Speaking in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, the retired General described Ramadan as a divine blessing that offers opportunities for reflection, growth, and restoration in the lives of individuals and the nation at large.

“It is with a sense of praise to the Almighty Allah that I welcome Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the globe to this year’s glorious month of Ramadan,” Abubakar said.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, charity, and deep spiritual reflection. During the month, adherents abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset, while intensifying acts of worship and compassion.

Abubakar noted that the core essence of Ramadan—sacrifice, devotion, and piety—remains especially relevant in the face of contemporary challenges confronting both individuals and the nation.

“As Muslims, we understand that the basic tenets of this holy month are about sacrifice and devotion in worship to God,” he said. “For us as individuals and as a people, we are at a point of despondency and confusion. But the month of Ramadan has come to us as a blessing from the Almighty with an opportunity for us to wash away our worries, doubts, and hopelessness.”

The elder statesman stressed that the spiritual discipline demanded by Ramadan provides a pathway to healing personal and collective wounds. According to him, the principles of patience, self-restraint, generosity, and sincere devotion are critical ingredients needed to restore unity and peace within society.

“It is quite clear that the essential principles of this holy month are what is needed to heal our wounds, both as individuals and as a country,” he said.

Abubakar further called on Muslims to extend the spirit of sacrifice beyond their immediate families, urging them to support one another and contribute to the noble cause of peace and national cohesion.

“Ramadan is an auspicious time for sacrifices not just to one’s family but to those around us in the noble cause of peace,” he stated. “And secondly, is the requirement of piety from us all in the worship of God.”

He encouraged Muslims to make the most of the sacred period by seeking spiritual guidance, strengthening their faith, and fostering harmony within their communities.

“I, therefore, enjoin all Muslims in Nigeria and the world over to use the benefits of this holy month of Ramadan to seek spiritual guidance, as I wish us a happy Ramadan fasting,” he said. “May God bless you all and count our sacrifices in this holy month as acts of worship.”

Abubakar concluded by praying for a successful fasting period for Muslims everywhere and expressed hope that the spiritual lessons of Ramadan would translate into lasting peace, unity, and progress for the nation.