By Idahosa Moses
Benin – Ramadan is a period of devotion, forgiveness, self-reflection and community support, hence the need for Muslims to extend kindness and share food with the less privileged in the society, the Chief Imam of Benin Muslim, Sheikh Abdulfattah Enabulele, has said.
Enabulele who made the call on Thursday morning in Benin while receiving members of the Edo State Chapter of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), also stressed the importance of prayers during the holy month.
He harped on the importance of emulating Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by practicing good neighborliness, urging members of MMPN to always uphold Islamic values in their reportage and avoid misinformation about the religion
“Muslims, especially the rich, should extend kindness and share food with the less privileged so they can also fast.
“Islam preaches peace, unity, progress, good neighbourliness and oneness of Allah.
“Be a good ambassador of the faith by doing, promoting, and propagating those deeds that are good rather than bad.
“Those deeds that preaches peace, promote security, economic growth instead of saboteur.
“Islam abhors killing of another person, Islam values human life, Islam hates fraud, be it internet fraud, otherwise known as yahoo yahoo among others.
“As media practitioners, these are what you should endeavour to correct and change by your reportage, characters and attitudes.
“I agree with you that we need to work together. Your coming at this time is timely. This collaboration is very strategic because the media is very key in whatever we do”, he said.
The renowned Islamic Cleric assured the association of his support in promoting accurate and balanced coverage of Islamic matters.
Earlier in his address, Abdullah Abdul-Kadir, MMPN interim Chairman in the state, said that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration, fostering a positive narrative about Islam as well as addressing some misconceptions about Islam.
“We are here to build a strong working relationship between the MMPN and the Chief Imam’s office, particularly in addressing misinformation surrounding Islam and promoting positive narratives about the Muslim community.
“In line with the aims and objectives of the constitution of the association, our visit aims to collaborate with your office as the Chief Imam for accurate and balanced reporting on Islamic matters.
“We aim to address misinformation about Islam and Muslim organizations, and to promote the contributions of Muslim leaders and organizations towards building the society”, he stated.
Abdullah said the association founded decades ago was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 1997.
The MMPN and the Chief Imam expressed their commitment to working together to foster a better understanding of Islam and promote positive community engagement during Ramadan and beyond.
Members of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) in group photo with the Chief Imam of Benin, Sheikh Abdulfattah Enebulele, shortly after the visit on Thursday in Benin.
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