The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., has called on Nigerians to use religion to foster peace and empower the less privileged in the society.

The envoy made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the breaking of fast (Iftar) and distribution of food to thousands of fasting Muslims and non Muslims at the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS).

He described Islam as a religion of peace which focuses on spirituality and helping the less privileged in society.

Mr Mills, the special guest of honour at the event, said his understanding of Islam since he served in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Lebanon has shown that the religion promotes peace and encourages charity to the poor.

He charged other religious organisations and well-to-do Nigerians to always reach out to the poor in the society.

“My view of Islam is the one I’ve had for so many years since I served in Saudi Arabia as the US ambassador, in Iraq, Lebanon that Islam is a religion of peace.

“It’s a religion that put emphasis on spirituality, relationship to God and the involvement of charity and helping the less fortunate.

“And this again reminds us of the values shared by many of the world’s religions, Christianity and Judaism,” he said.

The former governor of Plateau, Sen. Simon Lalong, in his remarks, said that when the poor are well fed and empowered, there will be less crime in the society.

“As a Christian, one of the best portions of the Bible was when Jesus Christ was sharing meals like this to the needy.

“Today, it’s a privilege to be part of those sharing meals and people are smiling.

“A lot of them when I came I was asking myself I hope there would be no stampede.

“I like the orderliness displayed and everybody got meal, very rich meal. Sharing the meals to them shows service to humanity by the Organisation (Al-Habibiyyah),” he said.

The national Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Mosque, Sheik Fuad Adeyemi, emphasised the need to use the Ramadan period to promote charity and world peace.

“We have to maintain world peace because that is what Islam stands for.

“We should imbibe the spirit of Ramadan because it is the month that fighting is completely prohibited,” he said.

The event was attended by officials from the U.S. embassy in Nigeria, diplomats, traditional rulers and Islamic scholars.

(NAN)