Sultan asks traders to fear God as Ramadan approaches

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar III, has asked traders not to raise food prices as the month of Muslim fasting approaches.

“I use this medium to call on all merchants who sell things to be afraid of what Almighty God will ask of them when they come to him on the day of judgment,” Mr Abubakar said.

He said traders should instead reduce commodity prices to receive God’s blessings.

“Instead of raising the prices of foodstuffs and other necessities, try to lower the prices in order to gain the blessing of Almighty God,” he said.

The Sultan made the call in Bauchi on Saturday following a week-long 2022 nationwide Quran recitation competition organized by the Bauchi State Government in collaboration with Usman Dan Fodio University in Sokoto.

He stressed the need for traders to be wary of judgment day and avoid extortion from bosses.

The sultan, who is also the general chairman of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, called on governments at all levels to devise measures to reduce the cost of living in the country.

“I think it is up to all of us to work together and bring this rising cost of food down to affordable levels so that we can all have a successful Ramadan.

“I think it’s not too much to ask of the government after all, we elected you to serve us and not for us to serve you,” the sultan said.

Muslims around the world will observe a 30-day fasting period (Ramadan) starting in April.

(NOPE)