Izala Sect to Deploy 10, 000 Preachers During Ramadan

More than 10, 000 Imams are to be deployed to mosques nationwide by the Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'a Waiqamatis Sunnah, an Islamic sect, to preach peace and mutual respect among Nigerians during the Ramadan.

The National Chairman of the sect, Abdullahi Bala-Lau, stated this on Wednesday in an interview with newsmen ahead of a three-day special orientation seminar for the Imams in Kaduna.

He said the Imams, as religious leaders, have the moral duty to promote peace, unity and mutual respect among all Nigerians.

Mr. Bala-Lau said the sect would dedicate the Muslim fasting period to also preach for tolerance and pray for the restoration of peace and stability in the country. He called on the Federal Government to lift the curfew imposed on Adamawa, Yobe and Borno as a result of the state of emergency, before the commencement of the Ramadan fast.

He said this was necessary in order to allow Muslims to perform their religious obligations during the period without any hindrance. He also appealed for the restoration of telephone services to the affected states.

The cleric urged wealthy individuals to support the poor, particularly orphans and the needy, in order to give them a sense of belonging and promote peace in the society.

He expressed concern on the negative attitude of traders, who use the Muslim fasting period to hike the cost of goods in the market.

Mr. Bala-Lau urged them to be compassionate in their dealings with customers by reducing the prices so as to earn the blessings of Allah.

NAN