The Association of Nigerian Imam (ANIM) has raised deep concerns to the preservation of unity,equity,religious harmony and Constitutional freedom that define the nation.
This was contained in an opened letter to President Ahmed Bola TInubu by the National Secretary of the Association, Dr. Umar Faruq Abdullahi stated that the ANIM was constrained to draw the attention of the Federal Government to the increasing challenges faced by Muslims faithful arising from the scheduling of political and electoral activities.
The letter raised some fundamental concerns related to the period in which some political and electoral programmes coincide with significant Islamic religious obligations.
The letter,with the Captured: “ Concern Over The Impact Of Political and Electoral Scheduling On Islamic Religious Obligations And Request For Institutional Consultation”
Explained that “ while we recognize the enormous responsibilities associated with national governance and electoral administration,we believe that greater sensitivity and consultation are necessary to ensure that citizens are not placed in situations where participation in public affairs conflict with the fulfilment of important religious duties
“ Our first concern relates to the scheduling of political activities,particularly party primaries. Conventions,and other critical political engagements, during periods that coincided with Hajj and Umrah obligations”.
The letter noted that the timing of the recently concluded political activities,particularly within major political parties,coincide with the preparations for this year’s Hajj exercise and significantly affected the ability of many public officials,political office holders,aspirants,delegates and other politically engaged citizens to undertake the pilgrimage
According to the letter, Hajj is not a religious gathering: but one of the five pillars of Islam and a mandatory act of Worship for every Muslim who is physically and financially capable of undertaking it.
“ For many believers,the opportunity to perform Hajj may come only once in a lifetime. Consequently, scheduling critical political activities during the Hajj season can inadvertently compel Muslims to choose between fulfilling a sacred religious obligation and participation in political processes that may be crucial to their careers,aspirations and civic responsibilities”
It pointed out as result,many individuals who ordinarily would have performed Hajj or Umrah this year were “ unable to do so because of unavoidable scheduling conflicts.
“ Such situations are preventable through proactive planning,dialogue,and coordination among government institutions, parties,and relevant religious bodies. Our second concern relates to the current electoral timetable and its potential impact” the letter concluded.
