Eid-ul-Maulid: NOA Task Nigerians On Peace, Development

Eid-ul-Maulid: NOA Urges Nigerians to Promote Peace, Unity, and National Development

ABUJA – As Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-ul-Maulid, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has extended warm greetings to the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians, urging citizens to embrace the values of peace, forgiveness, and national unity in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). In a statement released Friday and signed by the Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, the agency called on Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the Prophet’s life and commit to fostering a peaceful and progressive society. The Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and promoting values that unite the nation. “On the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we urge Nigerians to embrace forgiveness and draw closer to the noble life and teachings of the Prophet, which remain a guide for peaceful and upright living,” the statement read. Issa-Onilu noted that unity among Nigerians is a critical tool in combating insecurity and achieving lasting peace. “When citizens stand together and support ongoing security efforts, the nation is better positioned to overcome violence and build a stable future,” he said. Describing the Prophet as an embodiment of peace, compassion, and tolerance, the NOA chief called on Muslims to reflect these virtues in their daily lives and interactions, while also contributing to national harmony and development. The statement included a prayer for peace, unity, and progress across Nigeria, as well as guidance and wisdom for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his efforts to lead the country toward sustained growth. Earlier, the Federal Government had declared Friday, September 5, 2025, a public holiday in commemoration of the Eid-ul-Maulid celebration. In a related message, the Ministry of Interior, through a statement by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary, on behalf of the Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulated the Muslim faithful and urged all Nigerians to reflect on the Prophet’s timeless virtues of love, humility, tolerance, and compassion. The ministry also encouraged Nigerians of all faiths to use the occasion to pray for national security, stability, and unity, and to support ongoing government efforts to strengthen peace and development across the country.

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Pope Leo XIV Becomes First American Pontiff—Monthly Paycheck and Heavenly Perks

VATICAN CITY — The Roman Catholic Church has elected its newest leader, and for the first time in history, the papal office will be held by an American. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, officially assumed the papacy after white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling his election by the College of Cardinals. Alongside the spiritual and symbolic responsibilities of leading the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, the role of pope also comes with substantial material benefits — including a monthly salary of €30,000 (approximately $33,800), amounting to over $400,000 annually. The six-figure paycheck aligns the pontiff’s earnings with some of the highest-paid global leaders, including U.S. presidents and top university executives. However, unlike most heads of state, the pope enjoys a range of unique privileges: access to the iconic Popemobile, round-the-clock security, a private chef, unlimited free meals, and even a personal pharmacy inside Vatican City. According to Daniel Rober, a professor of Catholic studies at Sacred Heart University, the pontiff’s compensation reflects the administrative and diplomatic demands of the position — which includes governing the Vatican, overseeing Catholic doctrine, and representing the Church on the world stage. Still, the papal role is ultimately a spiritual one. The late Pope Francis famously rejected his papal salary, choosing instead to have it redirected to charitable causes. It remains to be seen whether Pope Leo XIV will follow suit or accept the full benefits of the office.

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Dua to Recite Before Halal Intimacy in Islam: Sunnah Protection from Shaytan

A religion that doesn’t just guide us in prayer and fasting…But teaches us how to sleep, eat, enter the restroom, and even what to say when engaging in intimacy with our spouse? Yes, even in our most private and pleasurable moments, Islam offers us a beautiful and powerful du‘ā—words of protection and blessings. The Prophet ﷺ said: “If one of you says before having intercourse with his wife: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ جَنِّبْنَا الشَّيْطَانَ، وَجَنِّبِ الشَّيْطَانَ مَا رَزَقْتَنَا Bismillah, Allahumma jannibna ash-shaytaan, wa jannib ash-shaytaana ma razaqtana (‘In the name of Allah. O Allah, keep the Shayṭān away from us and keep the Shayṭān away from what You provide for us’) …then if it is decreed that they should have a child, Shayṭān will never harm that child.”_(Sahih al-Bukhari, 141) But take note: by halal intercourse, we mean intimacy that occurs within the sacred bond of marriage.In Islam, pre-marital and extramarital sex is strictly forbidden. It transgresses the limits set by Allah ﷻ and leads to immense spiritual and societal harm. Engaging in such acts invites the displeasure of our Creator. Yet for the lawful couple, Islam elevates even this act of pleasure turning it into an act of worship, of blessing, and of reward. Let us revive this beautiful Sunnah.Let us honor the completeness of our Deen.Islam is not just a religion; it is a way of life.

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Trump Draws Fire from Catholic Leaders Over AI Image of Himself as Pope

The New York State Catholic Conference has strongly condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump after he posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as the Pope, calling the move disrespectful and untimely. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the group, which represents New York’s Catholic bishops, criticized the image as offensive, particularly in light of the recent death of Pope Francis on April 21. “We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave… Do not mock us,” the statement read. The image, originally posted on Trump’s Truth Social account and later reshared by the official White House X account, shows Trump dressed in ornate papal robes and a mitre, raising a finger as if giving a benediction. The post sparked divided reactions online, ranging from laughter to outrage, particularly within religious circles. Adding to the controversy, Trump reportedly joked to reporters days earlier that he would like to be Pope, calling it his “number one choice” when asked about the conclave. Trump attended Pope Francis’ funeral last week—his first major international appearance since returning to public office—raising eyebrows as some viewed his remarks and the AI image as politically tone-deaf and opportunistic. The incident underscores a broader tension between AI-generated satire and religious sensitivity, particularly at a time of mourning and transition in the Catholic Church.

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