Islamic clerics and preachers have been admonished to avoid contentious issues, as well as divisive and inciting comments, in their sermons during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Yobe State Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana made the call when he declared open a one-day interactive session with Chief Imams of Friday Mosques and preachers across the 17 local government areas of the state.
Gubana said the purpose of the interactive session was to prepare the Imams for the annual Ramadan lectures.
He further explained that the meeting will also afford them the opportunity to interact and exchange views and ideas that will guide them in delivering their Friday sermons and Ramadan Tafsir.
The deputy governor enjoined the participants to avoid contentious issues that would give their followers wrong signals.
Instead, he said they should rededicate themselves in emulating the good virtues of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Gubana also urged them to use the medium to preach peace, harmony and basic knowledge about the five pillars of Islam, while admonishing parents on the need to educate their children on the value of religion.
“I therefore urge parents and guardians to ensure proper upbringing of their children, as God will ask each one of you how you bring up your children in the hereafter,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the participating Chief Imams and clerics, the Chief Imam of Bade, Imam Umar Ahmad Talba Kura, expressed gratitude and appreciation to the state government for bringing them together to learn a proper way of propagating Islam.
