Muslims in Kubwa, a satellite in Abuja came out in large numbers to attend the Eid el-Fitr prayers in spite of downpour in the area, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The prayers, which held at the Eid Praying Ground, Phase 3, Kubwa, Abuja, saw a large turnout of gaily dressed Muslim faithful, most of who got drenched in the rains.

Imam Abdurrahim Muhammad, the Chief Imam of Kubwa, in his sermon, enjoined Muslims to draw from the lessons of Ramadan and continue to live responsible lives.

He emphasised the importance of the Zakatul Fitir, which, according to him, all Muslims are obliged to pay on behalf of themselves and members of their families.

“The days of Ramadan were made lively through fasting and increased remembrance of Allah, while its nights were lightened through night prayers, and people retained an expected kind of behaviour.

“ Ramadan has left us with several lessons, like truthfulness, piety, justice, patience and goodness, and all these should be retained afterwards.

“Allah has enjoined all Muslims to observe the Zakatul Fitir at the end of Ramadan, and this is meant to increase our faith, complete or worship and perfect His favours upon us.

“It is obligatory on Muslims to give out Zakat on behalf of himself and those under his care, including wives, children, parents, relatives and house helps.’’

The Imam decried the spate of insurgency in the country and urged the government to take decisive steps to end the scourge.

“Boko Haram is a major challenge to Islam and we urge government to take the necessary steps in ensuring that the menace is ended and its perpetrators and sponsors brought to book.

“It is also necessary for parents to pay more attention to proper upbringing of their children.’’

Also speaking, Malam Muhammed Mahmoud, the Chairman, Kubwa Muslims’ Community, said that though it was joyful to attend the Eid after successfully completing Ramadan, insurgency and wanton killings in parts of the country constituted a major setback.

“It is actually a bitter-sweet feeling because, though we are celebrating the Eid el-Fitr, so many people have been thrown into mourning by these wicked people.

“We can only pray that Allah accept the souls of the departed in paradise, and assist us in eliminating these insurgents for good,’’ he said.

In a remark, Alhaji Muritala Agboola, a member of the Kubwa Muslim Community, advised parents and other social groups to pay particular attention to skill acquisition and empowerment of Muslim youths.

“Empowerment is necessary for our youths so that they can be self-sustaining and not be misled into imbibing wrong ideologies,’’ Agboola said.