The Chief Imam of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Husein Eleje, has called on Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, compassion, and mutual support for the collective good of society.

Lieutenant Colonel Eleje made the appeal on Wednesday during a brief sermon at the Eid prayers held at the 81 Division Garrison Parade Ground in Obalende, Lagos.

The cleric, who also serves as Acting Deputy Director of Islamic Affairs for the 81 Division, said the current challenges facing the country require citizens to become “their brothers’ keeper” and place the welfare of others above personal interests.

According to him, genuine faith must be reflected through love, solidarity, and protection of one another.

“The current moment calls for all of us to be our brothers’ keeper and to sacrifice our personal interests for the joy and comfort of many others,” he said.

He explained that true brotherhood demands active concern for the safety and well-being of others, stressing that no individual should remain silent in the face of danger or injustice.

“In applying this love and solidarity, one should do everything necessary to ensure that no harm comes to a fellow brother or sister,” he stated.

Citing teachings from the Holy Qur’an, Lieutenant Colonel Eleje noted that Islam encourages acts of righteousness and compassion while strongly condemning actions capable of causing harm to neighbours or the wider community.

“The Holy Book calls on the faithful to continue doing acts of righteousness and love. It also forbids involvement in evil or harm against one’s neighbour, regardless of who is concerned,” he said.

The Chief Imam further urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and courageous in preventing harm to others, adding that sincerity of faith is closely tied to one’s conduct toward fellow human beings.

“If I am aware of any danger likely to harm my neighbour or another person, I should stand against such an act or reveal the information in order to save lives,” he said.

“In our Muslim tradition, it is stated that he is not a sincere believer who does not stop harming others.”

He added:

“To be godly, we must do unto others what we want them to do unto us in terms of love and good neighbourliness, thereby preventing vices in society.”

Lieutenant Colonel Eleje also encouraged Muslim faithful to extend kindness and support to the less privileged during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and beyond.

“As we celebrate, eat, and drink together, it strengthens unity within our communities and deepens the bond of brotherhood among all that Almighty Allah has created,” he said.

“We are created to support one another in difficult times and rejoice together during happy moments. The needy and the poor should find relief in the generosity of the rich during this season.”

The cleric also offered prayers for Nigerian troops engaged in various theatres of operation across the country, praying for peace and security nationwide.

He further prayed for wisdom, protection, and good health for the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, whom he commended for what he described as inclusive and non-discriminatory leadership within the command.

Prayers were equally offered for the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; and President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.