By AbdulQudus Abiola Ojomo
The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and Lagos State College of Medicine (LASUTH/LASUCOM) Muslim Community held their second annual Ramadan public Lecture on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
The event which was held within the premises of the iconic LASUTH/LASUCOM mosque was themed “Economic hardship: Surely after hardship comes ease” (Q 94: 5).
Declaring the lecture open, the Chairman of the Muslim Community, Professor Nasir Ibrahim, a professor of General Surgery at the Department of Surgery, LASUCOM appreciated the Muslim Community for the continuous organisation of the yearly Ramadan public lecture which started a year ago.

“I pray Almighty Allah makes us witness more of this kind of event in our lifetime”, he added.
Dr. AbdulMujeeb Isa, the guest lecturer who doubles as one of the Imams of LASUTH/LASUCOM mosque explained that the economic downturn the country is experiencing is not a strange, adding that it’s a test from Allah
According to him, “What shows we are creatures of Allah is the test we go through. There is no need to doubt it because we are created to be tested. It is because we pass this test that we qualify to be Muslims. Our forefather, Prophet Adam (AS) passed the test recognising Allah as his Lord. Those who fail the test become kufaar (unbelievers)”.

Dr. Isa further emphasized that Muslims need to understand the Qur’an verse referenced in the topic (Q 94: 5). He said, “This topic before me, if it is not properly understood by Muslims, it can result in losing their faith. And in fact, many people have left the fold of Islam because they do not understand this verse. Everyone has a problem. Because Allah said he created man into problems.” He added.
What causes economic hardship in Nigeria?
“If one experiences hardship, it could be as a result of predestination or due to what he caused upon himself”, explained Dr. Isa.
“The hardship we are experiencing in Nigeria is as a result of what we brought upon ourselves. Nigeria has one of the best weathers in the world. When we talk about natural resources, we have abundant deposits. But, we are ungrateful to Allah.
“The 1967-1970 Biafran war was a result of greed of some Nigerians who wanted all for themselves. Due to this war, we went backwards. When we emerged from this war and started oil production, we got a lot of money. But, shortly, we hosted Festac 1977… An event that wasted our resources.” He added.
When will ease come?
Referring back to the verse in the topic of the lecture, Dr. Isa reiterated that Allah has promised ease after every difficulty (Q 94: 5).
He added that “Everything that passes through a difficulty will surely experience ease. However, for a kaafir, his ease is only in this world. But, for a Muslim he experiences ease both in this world and the hereafter.”
He mentioned the example of the economic hardship experienced by the people of Prophet Yusuf (AS) in Egypt and how the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with him) used his mastery of economics to overcome the hardship.
He said “if we pass through this economic hardship (currently in Nigeria) in accordance with Allah’s injunctions, we will be rewarded both in this life and in the hereafter.”
“In conclusion, he highlighted three practical ways for individual Muslims to overcome this economic hardship. He said “Be one of those that give gratitude to Allah all the time (true gratitude from your heart not just mere saying Alhamdulilah with the tongue) ;Istighfar (even Nigeria needs to seek forgiveness from Allah). Imagine the number of people killed unjustly and those that committed suicide during the cash crunch of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele and lastly, give a lot of charity.”
Other dignitaries present at the lecture included the Chief Medical Director (ably represented by Mr AbdulJalil Oyekan), heads of departments, including the HOD LASUTH Pharmacy, Mr Idris Lateef among others.