* Holds special Juma’ah, turbaning, awards to celebrate Silver Jubilee
* Qareeb waxing stronger despite founder’s death – National President
In reflecting on the life of a remarkable man whose good deeds continue to resonate, we are reminded of the profound words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “When a human being dies, his deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”
This hadith underscores the enduring impact of our actions, particularly those that extend beyond our earthly existence. It invites us to celebrate not only the legacy left behind but also the ways in which his contributions continue to inspire and uplift others.
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Members of AlFathu-l-Qareeb Muslim Organisation of Nigeria within and outside the country have gathered to celebrate 25th anniversary of their organisation with a three-day event, recognising the ongoing charity of their founder, Sheikh Abdulmun’iim Taye Tijani, the wisdom he shared and the dedicated members he bred, who carry forward his values and prayers.
His life serves as a testament to the power of goodness and the ripple effects of virtuous deeds as confirmed by many of the members who spoke to Muslim News during the Silver Jubilee ceremony which began on Friday, 25th October with a special Jum’ah prayer led by the National Missioner, Sheikh Fadlu-r-Rahman Kehinde Tijani at the Qareeb National Headquarters Mosque, Ajayi Farm, Ikeja, Lagos.
The second day of the event held on Saturday, 26th October at the same venue, also witnessed a lecture delivered by renowned Muslim scholar and Mudeer of Markaz Salaam, Sheikh Romodon Jibreel Al-Ketuwiyy with recognition awards to members for their contributions to the growth of the Association.
The third day and the grand finale was the turbaning/special recognition award which was bestowed on Nigerians – Muslims and non-Muslims, on Sunday, 27th October at Oniwaya High School, Agege, Lagos, with fearless Nigerian Muslim scholar and Sayyidu-l-Wa’dhin (Leader of Preachers and admonishers), Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello as the guest speaker.
Alhaji Bello reaffirmed his dedication to the society, stating that he had a very cordial relationship with the founder before his demise, adding that he will continue to support the current Mukaddam.
He then showered prayers on the duo separately.
Qareeb is waxing stronger despite founder’s death – National President, Daudu
The National President of the Society, Barrister Abdulwasiu Adekunle Daudu disclosed that the organisation is waxing stronger despite the death of its founder 13 years ago.
Daudu, while speaking with Muslim News, declared that Qareeb now has branches both within and outside the country.
He said, “The Qareeb family was founded by Sheikh Abdulmun’iim Taiye Tijani on 6th June 1991. Meaning that, the society was 25 years old in June. We have only picked October to celebrate our anniversary. Alhamdulillahi, we are still waxing stronger as Islam continues to lead.
“Anybody who is sincere with his services in the cause of Almighty Allah will continue to thrive, so we praise Allah for sustaining us even despite the death of our founder, Alfathu-l-Qareeb Muslim Organisation of Nigeria is still growing.
“We have branches all over Nigeria and even outside Nigeria. We are present in almost all the states in this country. We have branches in FCT-Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Ondo, Kogi, Kwara, Oyo, Osun amongst other states and our headquarters is situated at Km 19, Ajayi Farm Bus stop Ikeja, Lagos. That is our national and international headquarters for anybody who cares to join us.
“For our activities, we meet every Sunday between the hours of 8am and 12pm. We do Asalatu session, then we observe solatul dua, thereafter we give short lecture to enlighten our members. Every first and fourth Friday of the month, we observe witr, we pray to Almighty and make tahajud.
“Our branches have tahajud on the second and third Friday, just to make sure that when you miss one, you can meet another one and Alhamdulillahi as we pray for ourselves individually, we pray for our communities and Nigeria.
“We thank Allah that He has always been accepting our prayer. We also have a clinic where we give first aid to our members who come for asalatu and tahajud.
“We have Nursery and Primary schools in Oyo, Osun and Kwara States and a girls secondary school in Kwara State presently. In shaa Allah, very soon we are aspiring to have a College of Education and a University for Alfathu-l-Qareeb Muslim Organisation of Nigeria, in a bid to contribute our own quota to the propagation of Islam and make sure that millions of Muslim youths who may not secure admission in other universities can easily seek admission in our own university without compromising the standard of admissions. We pray Almighty Allah to help us achieve this”.
At Qareeb, Allah has been our sustainer: Alhaji Olowu
The Chairman, Management Committee at the Headquarters, Alhaji Moshood Ishola Olowu, appreciated Almighty Allah for sparing their lives to witness the silver jubilee of Qareeb.
Alhaji Olowu, a retired estate manager, said if not for Allah, who gave them victory and assisted them to sustain Qareeb, the legacy of the late founder, Sheikh Abdulmun’im would have been forgotten.
According to him, Qareeb started long ago, and along the line, there were crises. We were only able to navigate through prayers and Alhamdulillah, we are here today. Allah alone has been our sustainer till this moment, despite the overwhelming challenges we’ve encountered. Some people have left already, but we remain here in the family, the one founded by Sheikh Abdulmun’im Taiye Tijani.
“In our 25 years journey, there were misunderstandings and conflicts, but we pulled through because we were courageous and prayerful. Thank God, today, Qareeb is waxing stronger, and I pray it continues to thrive.”
Alhaji Olowu ‘s greatest wish for the society is that its tentacles extend across the globe, with branches around the world including America, Africa, Asia and Europe.
“Although we have our members in diaspora, I’ll be happier if they can replicate our Asalatu and Tahajud where they are based”, he added.
Qareeb was founded to guide Muslims aright – Awofeso
Alfa Musa Awofeso, Personal Assistant to the late founder and current Mukaddam of Qareeb, has asserted that the zeal to help misguided Muslims retrace their path motivated Alh Abdul-Mun’im Taye Tijani to establish the society during his lifetime.
He believes the effort is in accordance with the Qur’anic injunction on inviting to good. He added that he has remained loyal to the society for the same reason.
He said: “I chose to stand with Qareeb because of the Qur’anic verse that says, “Let’s arise from among you, a group that invites unto goodness.” I realised that was what motivated Alh. Abdul-Mun’im Taiwo Tijani to establish Al-Fatihul Qareeb; to guide Muslims to the right path. Allah inspired him to gather Muslims for this purpose, that they may serve Him.”
He noted that the society strives to address national issues by arousing people’s consciousness and spirituality.
He disclosed “Qareeb’s approach to addressing national issues is the invitation of people and the arousal of their consciousness.
“To further boost their reliance on Allah, that He is our only source of succour. That’s why the society’s motto is Hasbunallah Wakil.”
He added that the society preaches reliance on Allah, and upholds fervent praying.
We use media to create awareness: Qareeb PRO
In his contribution, Lawal Kehinde Musa, the National Assistant Public Relations Officer, PRO of the Society disclosed that the deployment of social media has helped in creating awareness about the organisation within and outside Nigeria.
According to him, “We used all social media platforms to create awareness about the programmes of our organisation. We also talk to people one-on-one. And we have been using the media including broadcast media; TV and radio for our 25th anniversary, which attracted members from different States within and outside Nigeria.
Musa, who works with the National Union Of Textile Garment And Tailoring Workers Of Nigeria, Ikeja, spoke on the impact of the Society in his life.
He said, “Al-Qareeb has made a huge impact in my life. I had a scenario about four years ago at my workplace. I was given a sack letter, but with prayers, they called me back to resume work immediately. So, here in Al-Qareeb, we believe prayer is the key.”
Sheikh Abdulmun’im was transparent: Murshid
Tijani Murshid Oluwabukola who was born and grew up into AlFathu-l-Qareeb Muslim Organisation of Nigeria said that he lived with the late founder, Sheikh Abdulmun’im even before the establishment of Qareeb.
Murshid who also married a fellow of the Qareeb family described the late founder as an easy-going person, who was open, honest and straightforward in his communication and actions during his lifetime.
The mission board member of national headquarters of Qareeb, also said that Sheikh Abdulmun’im was a personality that believed and relied solely on Allah.
He pray Almighty Allah to grant him and other members who have passed on aljannah firdaus. Ameen.
I feel fulfilled being Qareeb family – Alhaja Ajimotokan
Also speaking, Alhaja Sariyat Oluwatoyin Ajimotokan, a retired custom officer said that she has been fulfilled through the organisation.
Ajimotokan while speaking further maintained that she joined Qareeb family through a former colleague, late Alhaja Serifat when they were at the airport.
She added that as at today, she has achieved her aim of joining the prayer group which was for her children, family, and business.
“During the crisis, we moved to Sheikh Abdulmun’im’s place at Ojokoro. From there, we started asalatu again! We also moved from there to Iyana Ipaja and later to secretariat and to where we are today.
“During the crisis, some Alfa (Muslim scholars ) left, and some of the members were going and coming. To the present, we have been trying our best, and Allah answers our prayers”.
She also appreciated Sheikh Kehinde Fadlu-r-Rahman for his kindness and wisdom in paddling the affairs of Qareeb with the support of the committee and members, praying Allah to grant Sheikh Abdulmun’im and other late members aljannah firdaus.
Qareeb’s future is bright – Amuda
Also speaking with Muslim News, another member of the finance committee at the headquarters, Alhaja Morufat Amuda, said that the future of the organisation is bright.
According to her, “I have been attending Qareeb since its establishment. I do attend all programmes including the tahajjud and Asalatu. Allah has answered my prayers and that of my children. That’s why I am still here and alhamdulillah, people have also joined through me. I’ve also followed Al-Qareeb to different places, and I pray that in the coming years, we will be more developed and achieve more than we have currently”.
It’s good to see our members coming together again: Alhaja Kolawole
Another stalwart of the organisation, Alhaja Rasheedat Kolawole, from Ikotun branch, said she has been contributing her own quota to the development of the organisation.
Kolawole who is the National Social Welfare of Al-fathu-l-Qareeb family, said that she accepted the post of role with the intention of transforming the organisation.
“I am from the Ikotun branch, where I was assigned the post of Akeweje Adinni of Ikotun, Igando. And now, I have been assigned the post of National Social Welfare of Al Qareeb family. Since I joined Qareeb, there’s been improvement in my family, and Allah answers our prayers.
“I accepted the post of National Social Welfare of Qareeb with the intention of transforming it and providing assistance to our members. Since then, we have been going to different places such as Ilorin, Ibadan, and more to unite our members in order to advance the cause of our organisation. Alhamdulillah, there have been improvements and development because this is not the way we were before.
“Alhamdulillah it’s good to see our members from different states and outside Nigeria come together again for the 25th Anniversary of our organisation. May Allah continue to uplift Qareeb family”, she added.
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