Muslim brothers and sisters around the World have been advised to always reflect on the messages of Ramadan such as, love, generosity and peaceful co-existence in the face of present economic challenges in the Country for desired spiritual growth and societal development.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu gave this advice during the 2nd Ramadan Lecture, organised by the Muslim Community of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, tagged; “Being A Muslim In A Challenging Economy” held at Cinema Hall of June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Prof. Arigbabu said the lecture was to remind Muslims about their faith and also to give them spiritual diet which will assist them in their spiritual growth and to serve as an opportunity to benefit from fountain of knowledge of the speaker.
He noted “This period is not only to deny ourselves of food and drinks, but time to consult the Holy Quran, read a lot of Islamic literatures that we may be able to upkeep and develop ourselves spiritually”
In his lecture, the Guest Speaker, Sheikh Ibrahim Azzakawly said Muslims must be tolerant, prayerful and avoid using foul languages in every situation they find themselves.
He urged Muslim Faithfuls not to think of committing suicide, engage in money rituals or turning their children into beggars, and never to be in hurry to make money, but to rather pray, saying, “If people can cultivate the habit of committing themselves to God in prayer, the present situation in the Country will soon be abated”
Underscoring the importance of the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Abdulamid Omoowo enjoined the well to do in the society to expend part of their wealth on the poor, irrespective of their religious beliefs, for them to be adequately rewarded.
In their goodwill messages, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Lateef Lawal, the Amiru Musulumi of Southwest Nigeria, Sheikh Iskeel Awwal and the Imam of Abadiyya Central Mosque, Abeokuta, Sheikh Abdulateef Ismail appreciated the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for being an advocate of religious tolerance, enjoining Muslims to extend hand of goodwill to people in this Ramadan period.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Alhaja Mariam Oloko and Amira of Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Alhaja Sekinat Jinadu said Muslims must be problem solvers, train their wards moral values in Islamic way and maintain good intentions in order to grow up spiritually and mentally.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Muslim Community, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Alhaji Akeem Bisiriyu appreciated the Commissioner for the support towards the success of the programme, while congratulating the Muslim Community around the World for partaking in this year Ramadan fasting.