* World full of distractions, Sheikh Ahmad preaches absolute focus
* We are celebrating Sound Sultan’s legacies: Olorunnimbe
* I miss praying with dad – Bidemi Fasasi
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “When a human being dies, all one’s deeds cease, save three: Ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who will pray for him. (Sahih Muslim).
The above message from an authentic hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) best applies to the late Nigerian music star and guitarist, Abdul-Ganiy Olanrewaju Fasasi, famously known as Sound Sultan, whose family, friends, and colleagues gather every Ramadan for soullifting in his honour and memory.
This year’s Ramadan was no exception, as they gathered the usual way at The Temple Headquarters, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, 5th March 2025.
Muslim News gathered that the lecture which culminated into iftar – the traditional breaking of fast, was organised for the Muslims in the creative industry.
Notable entertainers who graced the event include Bisola Aiyeola, Damilola Abdul Rasak Afolabi otherwise known as L.A.X, Hajia Sherifah Abiola-Andu (Arabel), among others.
The world is full of distractions: Sheikh Ahmad
In his lecture titled “Focus” which was in a hybrid model, the National Missioner of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad emphasized on the need for man to be focused, saying the world is full of distractions.
He said, “The world is full of distractions. It tends to make us forget our primary assignment here, which is to serve Allah.”
He added that worship, the purpose of creation, is all-encompassing.
“Worship, however, is not restricted to 5 daily prayers and genuflections only. It is all-encompassing, as it covers righteousness and kindness to others. These and more are the scopes of worship, and that’s our main goal in life.”
He concluded that although Islam permits the pursuit of earthly goodies, it should not be at the detriment of life in the hereafter.
“It’s funny that people always get distracted by the pursuit of fame, power, and wealth, and before they realise, it’s too late. This is but a subtle reminder for everyone. A reality check. This is a reminder that although Allah has permitted the quest for earthly goodies, it should not be a hindrance to our attainment of bliss in the hereafter.”
Elder sister appreciates Allah for good memories
Dr Azeezat Oyindamola, immediate elder sister of the late singer, appreciated Allah for the good memories of her brother, which comes in this blessed month of Ramadan.
According to her, “When he was alive, we had about two or three such series where he called the Muslims in the industry together for lectures. Alhamdulillah that after his demise, the programme has remained through the efforts of Mr Idris of the Temple Company.
“It gladdens my heart that we remember him in a Godly way. It’s because of him that we all gathered here today. Alhamdulillah. I am sure whatever we do here is going to be a blessing for him before Allah.
“This is the fourth series, and it’s our belief that we should still have this kind of programme for him for years to come.”
She noted that Sound Sultan is greatly missed by members of the family.
“We miss a lot about him. The family misses him. The children miss their daddy. We miss our brother. He is the one who usually gathered the family together through events like this even though he knew that we weren’t in the industry. He values family. We really miss him, but Allah knows best, and we believe he is in a better position before Allah because he lived his life for Islam. We will, however, continue to pray for him.”
We are celebrating his legacies – Olorunnimbe
The CEO of Temple Company, Idris Olorunnimbe, who has been organising the lecture yearly, noted that it is about remembering, honouring his friend, and celebrating his legacies.
He said: “As we all know, Sound Sultan had commendable familial and religious values. He was also an activist who fought for the right of people he knew and those he didn’t. So, to continually celebrate his personality and values, we’ve chosen to do this every year, and we will continue. We pray our successors uphold the legacy when we’re no more.”
He disclosed that Sound Sultan was a part of the programme during his lifetime.
“Sound Sultan and I actually started this together during his lifetime. After his demise, we decided to carry on with it in his honour and memory. That’s what we’ve been doing, and this is the fourth year. Our motivation is the zeal to create a value chain. There’s a significant Muslim population in the creative industry in our community. We try to bring them together and awaken their consciousness.”
He affirmed that the lecturer had a good relationship with Sound Sultan and added that the lecturer was impactful as always.
“This year, we brought Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad to inspire us with the word of Allah. He was here last because although many might not know, he had a very cordial relationship with Sound Sultan during his lifetime. As such, he is as committed to this mission as we are. In fact, he was so unhappy the year he couldn’t make it.
“The topic for the year is Focus, and Sheikh spoke extensively on shunning distractions. Without even delving so much into religion. We all understand the importance of shunning distractions and staying focused. The message came in very handy. I’ve really learnt a lot and I want to believe that everyone is going home with some valuable lessons.”
On Ramadan, he said, “It is a time of the year when we experience calmness and generosity of the highest order. It’s a beautiful time when one can look his/her spiritually. A time to ask for forgiveness.”
Bidemi Fasasi, told Muslim News that he missed his daddy a lot.
“I miss praying with him. I also playing basketball with him. We went to places together, but I can’t go with him now. I missed the way family and friends used to come to him, he added.
Other faces at the gathering
