By AbdulMumin AbdulQuadri
* Holds 10-Day Dawah Holiday Training Programme
* In unity lies Ummah’s strength: Ex-NAHCON boss says
The Companion, an association of Muslims in business and the professions, in conjunction with its women arm, ‘The Criterion’ and youth organ, ‘The Dawn’, has passionately called for unity and love among Muslims to foster progress in Nigeria.
Speaking at the formal opening of the 20th annual Dawah Holiday Programme (DHP’24) of the organisation held on Wednesday at the Lagos State Model College, Meiran, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Sheikh Dr Ridwan Jamiu said Muslims must coexist with love in a bid to foster progress.
Muslim News gathered that the 10-Day holiday camping programme with the theme: “Tapestry: Weaving Strong Bonds Across The Ummah” which commenced on Monday, 23rd December, 2024 will come to a close on Wednesday, 1st January, 2025. It’s being attended by delegates from six states across the federation, including the FCT.
The camping programme is featuring soul inspiring lectures on topical issues with educational, professional, life experience and spiritual benefits; Qur’an memorisation; capacity building training; mentoring, and networking, among others.
Speaking further at the formal opening which was graced by the leadership of the three organs, Sheikh Jamiu said, “As Muslims, we must coexist in love, peace, and harmony. This, we must do to record significant progress. We must learn to promote and propagate Islam through every channel, including social media.”
The respected Muslim scholar also urged Nigerians to stop cursing their leaders but advised them to be supportive in prayers.
He pleaded with every Nigerian, especially the youths, to propagate more of positive developments about the country.
According to him, “Let’s see the goodies on our soil. Let’s seek the knowledge of Islam and pride in it. Today, many youths already have their minds tied to countries of the West. They’re determined to leave at all cost. We should know that many are excelling and breaking grounds within the shores of the country.”
In unity lies Ummah’s strength, says Ex-NAHCON boss
Corroborating the statement of the Chief Imam, the former Chairman/CEO of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, called on Muslim organisations to remain united amidst differences, saying in unity lies the Ummah’s strength.
He said, “As Muslims and Islamic organisations, we should unite and hold unto to Allah as He has instructed in the Qur’an. In unity lies our strength. We’re bound to have our differences, but our duty is to eschew disunity and give way for peace and prosperity.
Couples must also exemplify unity – Amirah Criterion
The message of love and unity was also echoed by the Ameerah of The Criterion, Alhaja Modinat Akanni, who counselled couples to exemplify unity in their respective homes.
She charged women, especially to conceal their differences with husbands from the children.
“As mothers at home, let your children know that there is love and unity among you and your husband. Do things together. Trust and forgive each other. If the kids learn that from you, they will replicate it wherever they go.”
DHP initiated to train youth: National Amir
Earlier in his address, National Amir, The Companion, Engr Kamil Olalekan, disclosed that the DHP was initiated to train youths and nurture responsible members of the global community.
He said: “The DHP platform was created by The Companion in conjunction with The Criterion and with input from The Dawn to provide an avenue to train Muslim youths in Islamic ethics and skills in various spheres of life such as leadership, entrepreneurship, vocational and community services.”
He noted that the theme for the year is aimed at bridging gaps among Islamic practices and ideologies.
“The theme was carefully chosen in recognition of diversity and multiplicity of Islamic practices across the Ummah, both at the local and global environment where the proliferation of multiple Islamic ideologies, compounded by social media propagation, tend to create gaps and division within the Ummah.
“The need to demonstrate a strong bond is, therefore, a necessity. For this to be attained, the Muslim youth and I dare say Muslims in general must be carefully trained and properly guided.”
The Companion decries stampedes across the country
The Amir decried the ugly incidents which claimed the lives of many children that came out for palliatives in Ibadan, Abuja and Anambra, and implored the government to tackle poverty all levels.
According to him, “I also take this opportunity to express our condolences on the death of many people (including children) in different parts of the country while struggling to collect palliatives. This is most unfortunate and a wake-up call on governments at all levels to take necessary steps and institute policies to drastically reduce poverty and hunger as well as transportation and inflation in the country.
“It may not be out of place for the federal Government to consider declaring a STATE OF EMERGENCY on Food Security. I call on the public spirited individuals and organisations not to be deterred by the unfortunate incidents to stop reaching out to support the less privileged. Their philanthropic gestures should continue but with better arrangements and safety precautions.”
Engr. Olalekan urged the delegates to be of good conduct during the programme, and thanked everyone who contributed to make the programme a success.
We are delighted – DHP Delegates
Muhsinah Odunewu said: “The experience is overwhelming. I get to meet my friends and catch up again after a very long time. We have fun, learn, and upgrade our spirituality. In short, those who are not part of the DHP are missing a lot.”
Habeeb Fajimite said: “I’ve been attending the DHP since 2017 in terms of spirituality, social life and career development.”
Beautiful faces at the formal opening
