The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has issued a formal call to the Muslim Ummah across Nigeria to intensify prayers, acts of charity, and spiritual devotion during the final ten days of Ramadan. In a statement released on Tuesday by the Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Aliyu, in Kaduna, the organization highlighted the significance of the 20th day of Ramadan which fell on March 9 as the commencement of the search for Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree). Under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the JNI emphasized that this period should be leveraged to seek divine intervention for the various socio-economic and security challenges currently confronting the nation.
Beyond spiritual admonitions, the JNI statement addressed the prevailing economic pressures affecting many Nigerian households. The organization urged wealthy individuals and corporate entities to extend alms and kindness to the poor, orphans, and the physically challenged. This call for increased social welfare comes as the National Bureau of Statistics continues to report high food inflation rates, which have significantly diminished the purchasing power of the average Nigerian family. The JNI specifically reminded the faithful of the obligation of Zakatul Fitr, a mandatory charitable contribution to the needy that must be distributed within the final three days of Ramadan or early on the day of Eid-el-Fitr.
The organization also utilized the address to voice strong concerns regarding the state of national security. The JNI called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue kidnapped citizens and curb the rising tide of abductions and killings reported across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and Southern regions. The statement noted that the persistent nature of these security threats could undermine national stability if not addressed with urgency. Reports of recent protests in various parts of the country were cited as evidence of growing public frustration with banditry and kidnapping, highlighting the need for more decisive government action.
Furthermore, the JNI warned of the potential for social disorder if security challenges remain unresolved. The organization cautioned that a lack of visible government progress in securing lives and property might lead citizens to resort to reprisals or self-defense measures, which could further jeopardize peace and order. Consequently, the group urged security agencies to adopt more proactive strategies to restore safety in affected communities. By linking spiritual supplication with a demand for administrative accountability, the JNI aims to foster a holistic approach to national recovery during this holy period.
In addition to security matters, the JNI encouraged Muslims to deepen their engagement with the Holy Qur’an, advocating for increased recitation and a commitment to living according to its ethical teachings. The group expressed hope that the righteous conduct exhibited during the fasting period would extend beyond the month of Ramadan, contributing to a more disciplined and harmonious society. The statement concluded with prayers for the forgiveness and acceptance of the fast of the Muslim faithful, while wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and secure Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The Federal Government, in response to similar calls from various religious and civil society groups, has recently reiterated its commitment to upgrading security infrastructure and deploying more personnel to high-risk corridors. However, as the Ramadan season nears its end, the focus remains on whether these commitments will translate into a tangible reduction in crime statistics and an improvement in the overall economic outlook for vulnerable populations. The JNI’s appeal serves as a reminder that national stability is closely tied to both the effective governance of resources and the collective moral and spiritual efforts of the citizenry.
