By Marvellous Nyang
June 17, 2024
The sacrificial ram of the Chief Imam of the Mista Ali community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdulkadir, went missing on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir, sparking outrage and condemnation from the community.
During the sermon after the two Raka’at prayers, Imam Haruna Yaqub revealed that the ram was stolen during a downpour in the area, describing the incident as “insensitive” and indicating a lack of fear for God.
Yaqub emphasized that the act was “scary” and showed that people were willing to engage in criminal activities, including stealing, for personal gain. He urged the community to be God-fearing and to repent from their wrongdoings.
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Yaqub said, “The Ram of our Chief Imam, which he purposely bought to sacrifice, has been stolen in the night. We are really shocked by the incident. We were surprised to hear this story. This means that people are not God-fearing. It is scary that people have gone to the extent of stealing ram meant for religious activity.”
He further urged people to stop committing bad things and act according to Allah’s commandments, stating, “It is high time people repented and took the path of Allah. It is not too late. People should stop committing bad things and act according to Allah’s commandments.”
The incident has left the community in shock and has raised concerns about the lack of respect for religious practices and the fear of God. The Chief Imam’s ram was specifically purchased for the Ed-el-Kabir celebration, and its theft has disrupted the community’s plans for the occasion.
