The Chief Imam of New Airport Muslim Community, Ibadan, Sheik Hadi Bello, has called on the Muslim Ummah to strictly emulate the timeless virtues of absolute submission and steadfastness as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
He made the call while delivering his Eid il Kabir sermon, titled “Faith and Obedience to Allah,” at the Community’s Eid Prayer Ground, New Airport area of Alakia, Ibadan.
Addressing a large gathering of Muslim faithful who converged on the prayer ground, Sheik Bello emphasized that the celebration of Eid il Kabir extends far beyond the slaughtering of rams and social festivities.
He noted that the core essence of the season is rooted in unwavering faith, patience, and complete compliance with divine decrees.
“The willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in total obedience to Allah’s command remains the ultimate template of faith for all mankind,” the cleric stated.
“As believers, our lives must reflect this high level of obedience, not just during this festival, but in our everyday actions, transactions, and interactions with one another.”
The Islamic scholar admonished the congregation against prioritizing the physical and material aspects of the festival over spiritual enrichment.
Citing relevant portions of the Holy Quran, the Chief Imam reminded worshippers that neither the meat nor the blood of the sacrificed animals reaches Allah; rather, it is the piety and fear of God within the hearts of the believers that is accepted.
He urged the community to utilize the values of the festival to foster peace, promote neighborly love, and extend charity to the less privileged within Alakia and the wider Ibadan metropolis.
Following the conclusion of the two Rakat Eid prayer, Sheik Hadi Bello led special supplications for the peace and economic stability of Nigeria, Oyo State, and New Airport Muslim Community.
He specifically prayed for safety and prosperity around the Ibadan Airport corridor, a vital economic hub undergoing significant infrastructural expansion.
The service concluded with the symbolic slaughtering of a ram by the Chief Imam at the prayer ground, signaling the commencement of individual family sacrifices, merrymaking, and the distribution of charity across the Alakia community.
Among worshipers at the prayer ground were the Chairman, New Airport Muslim Community, Alhaji Wake Azeez, new Ameer of Alabidun Muslim Community, who is also the General Manager of Pensioners FM, Dr. Babatunde Tiamiyu and Niab Ameer, Alhaji Kabir Shonibare.
