RIVERS STATE, Nigeria – As the world celebrates the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, Nigerian religious leaders called on Muslims to emulate the manners and lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), adding that God’s purpose of sending Muhammed was to guide human beings on the right path.

“He lived a life that is worthy of emulation, and as God himself had said in the Qu’ran, he is a role model for believers to follow,” Prof. Dawud Noibi, the Executive Secretary/CEO Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN), told Nigerian daily, The Guardian, on Sunday, December 11.

“Many people regard this particular occasion of his birthday as an opportunity to follow his footsteps. In all aspects of our lives on earth- be it social, economical, political or ethical- he was an embodiment of peace.

“So, this occasion reminds us of the need to study his lifestyle, his teachings, and the Qu’ran, which was revealed through him, and use it as a guide in anything that we do in life.”

Noibi said that God sent Prophet Muhammed to guide human beings on the right path.

“Another lesson we can learn from Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) and his early followers is that they went through difficult times and lived under the pressure of opposition and economic pressure, but in spite of all that, they did not give up their faith in God and neither did they find an evil way of putting an end to the challenges that they faced,” he added.

Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, Rivers State Islamic Leader/Vice President General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, echoed a similar opinion.

According to him, “the greatest lesson we can learn is to rededicate ourselves to obeying Allah’s laws. His lifestyle is the best example for mankind, not just for Muslims alone. And if our leaders can be truthful to themselves and abide by the directives of Allah, there will be no excesses in our actions and in whatever position we find ourselves.”

The Prophet’s birth falls on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal (the third month in the Islamic calendar).

Many Muslims see the prophet’s birthday as an important time to learn about and reflect on Muhammad’s life.

Lectures and speeches are often recorded and published as podcasts.

Around the world, celebrations of the prophet’s birthday include stalls selling Islamic books, leaflets, clothing, prayer mats and other materials.