Emulate Prophet Muhammad, Promote Unity In Diversity And Become Advocates for Justice, Salako Charges Muslims
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako has urged Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad who was a master at uniting diverse tribes and communities under the banner of justice and peace. Salako made this call at the 70th Annual Conference of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, held in Ilaro, Ogun state on Sunday, 22nd December, 2024. The Minister said that holy Prophet Muhammad taught that our differences should not divide us but rather enrich our shared humanity.
“In a world grappling with division and conflict, we, as followers of this divine message, must therefore become ambassadors of mercy, advocates for justice, and bearers of compassion. This theme challenges us to embody the mercy of the Prophet in our own lives. As Nigerians, the most populous black nation in the world, we are uniquely positioned to reflect on the relevance of this mercy in our vastly diverse and dynamic society. Our country is blessed with a rich cultural and religious diversity, but it also faces challenges that demands commitment to unity, mutual understanding, and service to one another.
” Promoting Unity in Diversity: Nigeria is a nation of diversity—ethnic, linguistic, and religious. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was a master at uniting diverse tribes and communities under the banner of justice and peace. He taught that our differences should not divide us but rather enrich our shared humanity. As Nigerians, we must embrace this lesson to build bridges of understanding and strengthen national cohesion”, the Minister noted.
He said the Prophet exemplified compassionate leadership, placing the welfare of others above personal gain. “We as leaders, whether in government, business, religion or in our different communities, can draw from this model to prioritize the needs of the people, especially the most vulnerable. Advocating for Social Justice: The Prophet (peace be upon him) stood firm against oppression and inequality, ensuring the rights of women, children, and the marginalized were protected. In Nigeria, where poverty and inequality persist, his example should inspire us to champion social justice, equity, and the dignity of all citizens.
Salako noted that the Prophet’s treaties and interactions with non-Muslims demonstrate his commitment to peaceful coexistence. “In our multi-religious society, this is a powerful reminder that mutual respect and dialogue are the keys to harmony. As followers of this divine message, we must embody the Prophet’s mercy in our actions, for he (peace be upon him) is a role model for humanity, who Allah has commanded us to emulate in the Surah Al-Ahzab, chapter 33:21 “Indeed in the Messenger of Allaah you have a good example to follow”.
“Whether addressing intercommunal tensions, providing for the needy, or ensuring justice for all, we must be sources of hope and positive change. Let us remember, the best way to honor the Prophet (peace be upon him) is not just in words but through action, by striving to bring joy not only to our families, communities, fellows humans especially those who are downtrodden, vulnerable and not privileged. As the holy prophet said, “The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.” “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself”.
“Almighty Allah directed us as believers in Surah An-Nisa chapter 59:4 to not only obey him and the Messenger but also those in authority among us. The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasize the importance of loving one’s country and always acting in the best interest of one’s country as a key component of faith. The Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (ASW) equally teaches us that love for one’s country is an integral part of Islam. Quoting from the writing of the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, he said “Sincere patrotism is a requirement in Islam. To truly love God and Islam requires a person to love his nation. A Muslim must strive to reach the highest standards of loyalty to his country”.
“Against this background, I will like to enjoin us as Ahmadi Muslims to constitute ourselves to a cohort of lovers of Nigeria, who continues to pray for the country and the leadership, who always think and act positive about our country and who go out to encourage others to do the same. In the words of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR “do not condemn your own nation, this is your country, do not abuse it, do not curse Nigeria”
“Our country and the citizens without doubt is going through hardships occasioned by unavoidable reforms if we must redirected our trajectory in the path of sustainable and inclusive development. I likened what is going on to a radical surgery and chemotherapy that must be applied to save the life of a patient suffering from a long standing malignant cancer that has spread all over the body. The treatment will definitely come with some pains and suffering but the hope for a complete cure and a better life will keep the patient going.”
He said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu having diagnosed the ailments of the country correctly, is courageously applying the right kinds of treatment, some of them radical and painful. “We survived 3 years of brutal civil war, decades of military dictatorships, several economic downturns and many civil unrests. With the transformative agenda of the current government we are gradually getting out of our security challenges in many fronts, the economic outlooks is becoming positive and hope is being restored. Our future is rosy, let’s keep working and praying, Almighty Allah is on our side.”
