*As journalism body set to distribute food packs to 2000 fasting Muslims
* Ramadan is an opportunity for Muslims to get closer to Allah – Ajayi
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced the Chief Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad and UNILAG’s best doctoral thesis award winner, Dr. Aminat Ige-Ariyibi as guest speakers for her maiden Annual Ramadan Lecture.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 12 by the NUJ Lagos Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi and Chairman of the Ramadan Lectures Committee, Mr Jamiu Alonge at the press conference held at Council Lagos Secretariat, Ikeja.
Muslim News gathered that the event with the theme: “Islam and the Sanctity of Life” will see the respected Islamic scholar speaking on the topic, “LGBTQ: Protecting the sanity of the Ummah“, while Dr Ige-Ariyibi, a Mathematics lecturer at the Lagos State University will be discussing: “Mitigating marital discord occasioned by economic crisis.”
The first edition of the union’s Ramadan lecture scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, at Combo Hall, Radio Lagos LTV complex, Agidingbi Road, Ikeja, will feature recitation of the holy Qur’an from pupils and students in Lagos public schools, and distribution of food packs to no fewer than two thousand fasting Muslims, among others.
Ramadan is an opportunity for Muslims to get closer to Allah: Ajayi
Mr. Ajayi noted that the Union, in recognition of the enormous spiritual opportunities and benefits inherent in this holy month, is organising the programme in unison with our Muslim colleagues, members and media practitioners in particular and the Muslim world as a whole.
The Chairman said Ramadan is the holy month in which the Muslim faithful observe 29 or 30 days of fasting, increase reading, learning and imbibing the Qur’an, and give more charity and benevolence to the needy and poor.
He described the month of Ramadan as a training and re-training opportunity for believers to aspire, strive and get closer to their Creator, Almighty Allah SWT.
According to him, Ramadan has a lot of tremendous blessings including Laytatul Qadr, the Night of Majesty observed within the last ten days of the month. This night, for those who can catch up with the time in devotion, affords them an opportunity to earn reward of over a thousand nights.
Highlights of the event
Highlighting the programme of the Ramadan Lecture, the NUJ Chairman said, “On the day, the 19th of March, 2024, guest speakers of great clout, intellectual and spiritual weight have been invited to do justice to the topics that address issues having to do with the sanctity of our system as a whole.
Students from our public schools have been invited to bless the audience with readings from the glorious Qur’an.
“The first, second and third best reciters will be appreciated with tokens from the Union, So also, packs of food gifts to break fast will be given to not less than two thousand fasting Muslims.
We desire that the media publicize this programme not only for people to support and attend, but also to encourage other well-meaning individuals and organisations to embark on similar programmes for the soul-lifting opportunities of the season.
“We are committed to ensuring that this programme becomes one of our annual events. Once again, you are all welcome and charged to give the program the desired publicity.
Appeals to Muslims to pray for Nigeria
He, therefore, appealed to fasting Muslims to use the opportunity of Ramadan to pray for Nigeria to survive the present economic and social challenges and bounce back much better in line with the lofty dreams of our founding fathers.
“Pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, local government leaderships and members of their respective cabinets to succeed.
“Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists identifies with the entire people of Nigeria and prays that Allah accepts all our individual and collective prayers by making the efforts our leaders are currently making yield positive results. Ramadan Kareem! Thank you”, he added.
Significance of Ramadan, by Alonge
The chairman planning committee also said the Union is organising the lecture to identify with the Muslim faithful and the spirit of the season which comprises many virtuous deeds such as feeding the poor and needy, drawing closer to Allah through reading and learning the Qur’an, abandoning all that are evil and embracing the righteous path.
Alonge also quoted several verses of the Qur’an including Al-Baqarah 2:185, Al-Qadr 97:1 and the authentic narrations of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to emphasise the significance of Ramadan, one of the twelve Islamic months in which prayers are answered, sins are wiped off, and bad destinies are changed to good ones.
He said, “Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is identifying with Muslim faithful and spirit of the season which comprises many virtuous deeds such as feeding the poor and needy, drawing closer to Allah through reading and learning the Qur’an, abandoning all that are evil and embracing righteous path.
“Prayers are answered, sins are wiped off, and bad destinies are changed to good ones in this holy month.
“Allah revealed the Qur’an in this month, as He says in the verse quoted above (interpretation of the meaning): “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…” [al-Baqarah 2:185] And Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).” [al-Qadr 97:1]
“Verily, we have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah on that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months). Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allah’s Permission with all decrees, (All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.” [al-Qadar 97:1-5]”.
