By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Zaria
Islamic clerics in Zaria have appealed to the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, to introduce a grand horse riding parade involving all district heads as part of the annual Eid El Maulud celebration.
The call was made by Mallam Rabi’u Abdullahi Ganganfa, Kaduna State Chairman of Fityanul Islam, during this year’s Maulud procession for Islamiyya schools in Zaria.
Ganganfa praised the Emir for restoring discipline and orderliness in the conduct of the procession but said introducing horse riding, similar to Sallah festivities, would raise the standard of Maulud celebrations in the emirate.
“This will encourage wider participation from people across the country and promote greater awareness and love for our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W),” he said.
Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria, a prominent Tijjaniya cleric, also urged Muslims to uphold the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), stressing unity, brotherhood, and peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths.
Another cleric, Mallam Kusfa, commended the Emir for reviving and remodeling Maulud activities in the ancient city, while praying for Allah’s protection and continued guidance for his leadership.
Chairman of Majma’u Ahababul Rasulullah, organizers of the rally, Mallam Aminu Wazirin Kona, thanked all participating schools for adhering to laid-down rules, which ensured a hitch-free procession. He noted that the Emir’s leadership had contributed greatly to the smooth conduct of the annual event.
In his address, Emir Bamalli congratulated the Muslim ummah and called on Islamic scholars to use the Maulud period to pray for peace and stability in Nigeria, especially in the wake of persistent bandit attacks in neighboring Katsina State.
He urged Muslims to remain united, show brotherhood, and extend support to the needy and less privileged for the overall progress of society.
Hundreds of Islamiyya schools across Zaria took part in the one-day Maulud rally.