An Islamic cleric, Luqman Zakariyah, has advised Nigerian leaders to repent their sins and seek Allah’s help in order to overcome the country’s myriad challenges

Mr Zakariyah gave the advice in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the Ramadan Lecture organised by the Nasrul-Lahi-Fatih Society (NASFAT) in Abuja on Saturday.

He was the guest speaker at the lecture, with the theme, “There is no Help Except from Allah’’.

Mr Zakariyah, a professor of Islamic Jurisprudence, Department of Islamic Studies, University of Abuja, said that all the challenges facing the country were caused by people’s sinful acts.

According to him, such challenges can be overcome when leaders seek sincere repentance and return to Allah’s right path.

“For us as a country to overcome our challenges, our leaders should first repent their sins and seek Allah’s help to guide them to the right path.

“By doing that, I believe Allah will answer our prayers, and we will overcome the nation’s challenges,” he said.

The cleric urged the federal government not to compromise the security of lives and property, adding that security challenges bedevilling the country have affected everyone.

“He urged leaders not to politicise or publicise steps being taken to address security challenges, adding that all basic amenities should be provided to the people according to their preference.

These, he said, would go a long way in curbing kidnapping, banditry and socio-economic challenges in the country.

He said that the main focus of the lecture was that there were so many words used for seeking Allah’s help.

“Some of those words are meant for Allah alone, and some are shared between Allah and human beings.

“Even with the one you can seek from human beings, your mind should be with Allah always that only He can grant what you seek.

“If you are not in spirit and you are not very close to Allah, you have to repent and seek help from Allah.

“When you seek repentance and Allah accepts it and helps you, your mind will now come back to Him,” he said.

Mr Zakariyah urged Muslims to always seek help for their faith to be strengthened and firm, as no one else could direct or help them except Allah.

 (NAN)