The Power of Faith: U.S. Ambassador Calls for Using Religion to Foster Peace and Empower the Less Privileged
U.S. Ambassador’s Call to Action
The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., has urged Nigerians to use their faith to foster peace and empower the less privileged in society. He made the call during the breaking of fast (Iftar) and distribution of food to thousands of fasting Muslims and non-Muslims at the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS) in Abuja.
Islam as a Religion of Peace
Mills described Islam as a religion of peace that focuses on spirituality and helping the less privileged in society. He drew from his experiences serving as the US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Lebanon, where he gained a deeper understanding of Islam’s emphasis on spirituality, charity, and helping the less fortunate.
Charity and Empowerment
The Ambassador charged other religious organizations and well-to-do individuals to reach out to the poor in society, emphasizing that "it’s a privilege to be part of those sharing meals and people are smiling." He also emphasized that when the poor are well-fed and empowered, there will be less crime in society.
Shared Values among Religions
Mills noted that the values shared by many world religions, including Christianity and Judaism, are similar to those of Islam, which emphasizes spirituality, charity, and helping the less fortunate.
Reactions from Dignitaries
Former Governor of Plateau, Sen. Simon Lalong, also attended the event and commended the organizers for the initiative. He highlighted the importance of sharing meals with the needy, stating that "when the poor are well-fed and empowered, there will be less crime in society."
Conclusion
The event, attended by officials from the U.S. embassy in Nigeria, diplomats, traditional rulers, and Islamic scholars, demonstrates the power of faith in promoting peace and empowerment. The Ambassador’s call to action serves as a reminder that our individual and collective actions can make a positive impact on society, particularly in the lives of the less privileged.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the purpose of the event?
The event was a breaking of fast (Iftar) and distribution of food to thousands of fasting Muslims and non-Muslims at the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS) in Abuja. - Who attended the event?
The event was attended by officials from the U.S. embassy in Nigeria, diplomats, traditional rulers, and Islamic scholars. - What was the Ambassador’s message?
The Ambassador emphasized the importance of using faith to foster peace and empower the less privileged in society, highlighting Islam’s emphasis on spirituality, charity, and helping the less fortunate.
Source: nannews.ng
