By Khadijat Ibrahim
A Muslim group IRFAN CENTRE Nigeria in Lagos organized a special prayer for the nation on the 18th of June, 2022 for the success of Nigeria as a nation over her challenges and also for the prosperity of the good people of Nigeria. The group prayed that Almighty Lord should restore peace and tranquility to every part of the country and to help the leaders in doing what is right.
The group which is mainly constituted by patriotic Nigerian youths and free from any political affiliation is being led by Ustaz Nurudeen Ibrahim, a medical biochemist and prolific writer, has been involved is so many humanitarian services and youth training for nation building.
The leader of the group Ustaz Nurudeen Ibrahim during his speech mentioned that it is a necessity to pray for one’s nation because Almighty God has given us example of this in the Quran of the life of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) in Q2vs126 and that God will not give an example except He wants us to use it or learn from it. He also pointed out that the reason Muslims are having several challenges is because Muslims are not doing the right thing. He said Allah has given us three powers that we are failing to use: the Power of Dua (Prayer), the Power of Mimbar (Pulpit) and the Power of the Qur’an. Unfortunately, the Muslims are not making use of these. He therefore prayed for the entire nation as well as for the Muslims that may Allah secure this nation by making it habitable and free from insecurity and also bless the nation and the people with resources.
The Chairman of the programme, Mr. Abdul Rasheed Babalola (Executive Secretary of MICA) in his speech mentioned that the programme is an Avenue for friends to reunite and also an opportunity to pray to the Almighty for the benefit of the nation and emphasized that there is blessing in what is done in an assembly like this and should be more prioritized.
The guest lecturer Dr. Sideeq Uthman Kadara from Lagos State University spoke on the Role of Muslims in Nation Building and Participating in Politics. In his lecture, he expressed his concern that the Muslims are too backward in this regard. He mentioned the case of Owo where innocent souls were massacred and how it was mischievously linked to the Fulanis from the northern part of Nigeria before the truth now started manifesting. He urged all Muslims to actively participate in nation building in addition to getting their PVC.
In attendance was Hon. Jubril Abdul Kareem (former Chairman of Agege Local Government). He addressed the gathering and thanked them for coming up with such a laudable programme. He mentioned that politics should not be left in the hands of certain people who will not get it right but every good person should be involved. He said Muslims should not be spectators that will just sit back and watch politics from afar either to command or criticise but they should be actors actively participating in politics in any political party of their choice even though politics come with a lot of challenges that you must endure. He added that if you are doing what is right in politics, it is certain that some people will praise you and some people will speak ill of you. Same goes with if you are doing the wrong thing.
Mr. Sulaiman Arigbabu (HEDA Resource Centre) who happened to be one of the special guests commended Honorable Jubril Abdul Kareem for his goodwill in politics and how his good name has benefited him in places where he was not present. He prayed that Allah continue to elevate Hon. Jubril Abdul Kareem. He also prayed for the entire nation that may there not be war or distability of any kind and that Allah should out an end to all the challenges of insecurity witnessed in the nation. Finally, he prayed for the progress and prosperity of the Muslims.
A special prayer session was led by Ustaz Nurudeen for three important personalities: Late Professor Hussein Abdul Kareem, Late Mrs Falilat Yusuf and Late Sister Hassanah Olaide Alasa (nee Bashua) that may Allah continue to bless their souls and be with all those they left behind.
In conclusion, Imam Taofeek Abolaji (an Industrial Biochemist) felicitated with the host (Ustaz Nurudeen Ibrahim) and commended him for representing Nigeria and Africa at the recently concluded International Sunni Conference Islamabad 2022. He also led the prayer session for the governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwolu and all the leaders in charge of affairs of this country. He prayed for their successes that may Allah continue to guide them. He also prayed for the people of Nigeria as a whole and asked Almighty Lord to preserve our lives to witness the next IRFAN Prayer for the Nation in 2023.
Engr. Saheed Adara (Staff of Lagos State Government and member of MICA) in his vote of thanks appreciated everyone who came to participate in the programme including Ustaz Mustapha Oladipupo Shaffi who led the opening prayer. He added that may the Lord appreciate everyone at the programme.
IRFAN CENTRE Nigeria
