By Kadiri Tolani and Anuoluwa Babalola

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Shayk Agbotomokekere at the communal prayers, khutba (sermon) and zakat al-fitr (charity in the form of food), which is the 1436 Eid Fitri celebration sued Muslims for peace after Ramadan.

“I enjoin Muslims not to relapse into sins after Ramadan as the essence of fasting is for spiritual development.”

The open praying ground which was filled to the brim had several Muslim worshippers in attendance and adjoining roads were also occupied by those who could not gain entry.

The Chief Imam identified this festive day of Shawal as one of celebration sanctioned by Allah which is filled with lahda (rewards) for all those who observed the fasting in good faith.

Eid Fitr is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, which marks the end of Ramadan that is a month of fasting and prayer.

While delivering his Sallah message, he nullified the worship of gods and he described the carousing habits of some people after the celebration as an act which destroys rewards that were laboured for with the intention of making mends later, thereby losing originality. “It will only seem as if you bring agony to your labour.”

With the quest to know what Ramadan means to some Muslims and what would be missed by people about Ramadan, CEOAFRICA interviewed some Muslims. Excerpt.

Faruq Animashaun, a resident of Iwo Road maintained that Ramadan has made all Muslims more pious in the sight of Allah. He said: I wish we muslims would consolidate on the righteousness in which Allah sees us for observing the Ramadan fasting. The Ramadan month is the most important month in the Islamic calendar and whoever heeds to the blessings which the month offers is indeed blessed’’

Another Muslim at the praying round who identified himself as Muhammed Adebowale advised that Muslims should not derail from the virtues which the Ramadan has inculcated in them

Azeez Adeboye opined that the fear of God, alongside His love during Ramadan period would be greatly missed due to less of concentration. “The rate at which we had time to pray and give might reduce after Ramadan.”

Abdulahi Muhammad revealed that during Ramadan, people tend to worship more and practise “holy life through giving and Ramadan lecturers as well motivate people in emulating the mandatory commands of Almighty Allah, but after Ramadan, all these would drastically reduce and I hope that Almighty Allah gives us the grace to continue in obeying him.”

Ashiak Alhaji Abdulwahab Olorunkemi (Akewu Kewi) said, “Ramadan is mandatory for us Muslims to wash our sins and to feel the pains beggars and less privileged always go through.”

While asked about what he would miss about the period he said, “It is actually painful that Ramadan is finished; it is as if it should continue, the month is to have second thought on someone’s way of living and seek for forgiveness. I pray we will celebrate more Ramadan.”  

Among the dignitaries who observed their Eid Fitri prayers at the open praying ground was Senator Adesoji Akanbi representing Oyo South at the Upper Legislative Chamber, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP. Musa Katsina and the State Chairman of the NURTW, Mr Taofeek Oyerinde .In an interview with CEOAFRICA, Senator Soji Akanbi expressed  happiness over the successful completion of the month of Ramadan and prayed that Almighty Allah grants all Muslims the grace to witness subsequent ones in good health.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP. Musa Kastina urged citizens of the State to allow peace and corporate with members of the Nigeria Police, alongside all other security agency in the State in order to serve Nigerians better.

He however expressed gratitude to the Governor Ajimobi and members of the state for the level of magnanimity in terms of provision of information.

“The partnership between Nigeria Police and the good people of this State has been wonderful and it is a partnership that works.

 “For those that refused to heed to our calling to cross over to the part of decency and rule of law, my warning is I will go after them.”

Meanwhile, the security was beefed up perimeters away from the praying ground and even within the praying round.