EID EL MAULUD: CLERIC TASKS MUSLIMS ON PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

REPORTER: UGONNA AGU

Muslims have been called to emulate the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad by being law-abiding and coexisting peacefully with one another as they commemorate this year’s Milad un Nabi.

The Grand Imam of Imo State, Sheikh Emetuma, made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Owerri on the significance of the celebration.

Sheikh Emetuma said that Eid-El Maulud or Milad un Nabi is a day set aside to honor the birth of the holy Prophet Muhammed, although some Muslims are opposed to the idea because they believe the prophet did not celebrate his birthday.

“The Malid un Nabi celebration, which marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad is done so that we can be able (sic) to reflect on the teachings of the prophet and use it to better our lives as Muslims,” he remarked.

Sheikh Emetuma explained that Eid-el-Maulud celebration holds on a different date for Shia and Sunni Muslims.

He stated that while the Sunni celebrate theirs on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’al-awwal, the Shia Muslims celebrate on the 17th day of the month.

Meanwhile as Muslims across the world commemorate the day today, many governments, including Nigeria have declared today a national holiday.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU