By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Thousands of Muslim faithful from across Nigeria and beyond converged on Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, for the grand celebration of the 58th Maulud and the 298th Birthday Anniversary of Khutubul Maktum Ahmad Tijani.
The annual religious gathering featured special prayers, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, Islamic lectures, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and sermons centered on peace, unity, love, and unwavering devotion to Allah.
Participants reflected on the teachings and enduring legacy of the revered Islamic scholar, describing the occasion as spiritually enriching.
Lokoja was transformed into a centre of Islamic worship and spiritual reflection as worshippers from different states thronged the city to participate in the event.
The atmosphere was marked by deep devotion, gratitude, and brotherhood, with participants offering fervent prayers for the nation and seeking Allah’s blessings.
The ceremony attracted prominent Islamic clerics, traditional rulers, political leaders, and other dignitaries from various parts of the country.
The Maigari of Lokoja was represented at the event by the Waziri of Lokoja, Alhaji Abdulrahman Idris, alongside other distinguished guests, who described the annual gathering as a significant spiritual event that continues to strengthen unity among Muslims while promoting peaceful coexistence and religious harmony.
In their sermons, the clerics urged Muslims to emulate the exemplary character of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by embracing honesty, humility, patience, compassion, and justice in their daily lives.
They stressed that adherence to Islamic teachings remains essential for building peaceful families and a stable society.
The scholars also called on Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s leaders, asking Allah to grant them wisdom, justice, and sincerity in tackling the nation’s economic and security challenges.
According to them, sustainable national development can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace, unity, and mutual understanding.
They further encouraged Muslims to remain steadfast in supporting one another, caring for the less privileged, and sustaining acts of charity, noting that compassion and service to humanity are fundamental teachings of Islam.
In their separate remarks, Sheikh Ibrahim Shaibu Kenchi, the Magajin Gari of Lokoja, and Ustaz Muhammad Jawaidu Abubakar Kenchi highlighted the spiritual significance of the annual Maulud celebration, describing it as an opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their faith, deepen their love for Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and uphold the values of peace, unity, and righteousness.
They also prayed for continued peace, progress, and prosperity in Kogi State while appreciating all guests and Muslim faithful who travelled from far and near to grace the occasion.
They prayed that Allah would reward them abundantly and grant them safe journeys back to their various destinations.
Special prayers were offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the people of Kogi State.
The clerics prayed for lasting peace, economic prosperity, abundant rainfall, bumper harvests, and divine protection against all forms of insecurity.
Goodwill messages from invited guests highlighted the significance of the annual Maulud celebration, with many commending the organisers for preserving the rich spiritual heritage and teachings of Khutubul Maktum Ahmad Tijani for future generations.
Many participants described the gathering as spiritually uplifting, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to worship alongside fellow Muslims from diverse backgrounds.
They noted that the annual celebration continues to foster brotherhood, strengthen the values of tolerance and mutual respect, and inspire greater commitment to faith.
As the ceremony drew to a close, prayers of thanksgiving were offered, with participants departing Lokoja inspired to uphold the virtues of peace, righteousness, and unwavering faith while looking forward to the next edition of the annual Maulud celebration.
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