* Urges sustainability of Ramadan lessons
* Muslim community eulogizes revered Muslim scholar’s commitment to Da’wah
In a powerful post-Ramadan sermon that moved hearts and drew thousands to the temporary mosque of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, the former Chairman and CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, delivered a resonating message of hope and devotion, emphasizing that poverty does not exclude any Muslim from earning rewards of charity (sadaqah).
Speaking as the Guest Imam at the college’s Post-Ramadan Special Juma’h Service held on Friday, April 11, Alhaji Hassan offered a deeply insightful khutbah (sermon) on the theme “Lessons from Ramadan 1446 AH: Sustaining Spiritual Growth.”
The Special Juma’h was attended by the Rector, Dr Ibrahim Abdul. Other top management staff of the institution who are Muslims were also in attendance, some of whom are the Chairman of the Muslim Community, Dr Moruf Adebakin; Chairman Ramadan Committee, Dr. Ojokuku Sikiru; school’s Chief Imam, Raji Abdulahafeez and the Director, Centre for Linkages, Partnership and Internal Relations, Dr Moshood Ajala, among others.
You May Not Have Money, But You Still Have Sadaqah
Alhaji Hassan urged Muslim faithful, particularly students, to remain steadfast in worship and righteous deeds beyond the month of Ramadan. He especially addressed the concerns of Muslims who struggle financially and feel excluded from giving charity.
“Sadaqah as well is important. Of course, some times you may not have money, especially as students. I will remind you that one of the very poor among the Muslims went to meet Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and he complained.
“What was the complaint? He said the rich among us have gone with all the rewards. He said they do solat, we the poor also do; they fast as we fast. But they do one thing we cannot do which is spending so much of their own wealth in the cause of Islam. We are not able to do so.
“The Prophet (SAW) now reminded them that when they chant adhkaar, Allah will give them the reward of charity. So now that Ramadan is gone, we should not be tired of saying the adhkaar.”
Alhaji Hassan added that while Muslims should never be lazy, some are destined to face poverty despite efforts. “A Muslim must struggle, don’t be a lazy one. But when you have struggled to a position, you accept your destiny. May our destiny not be ending up poor. May we have access to halal income,” he prayed.
Beyond Ramadan: A Call to Consistent Worship
The former NAHCON chairman called on Muslims to continue with acts of devotion cultivated during Ramadan, such as Qur’an recitation, nightly prayers (qiyaamu layl), and attending Islamic gatherings.
“Misers embraced generosity and philanthropy during Ramadan. People consciously joined and participated in Islamic gatherings. Even our media houses aired Islamic programmes concurrently, in contrast to their usual practice.
“The centrality of my message today is that as Muslims, we should be committed and consistent worshippers of Allah. We should not be among those who are only devoted in Ramadan alone.”
Encouragement on Fasting Sittu Shawwal and Beyond
Hassan also reminded the congregation about the six recommended fasts in the month of Shawwal (Sittu Shawwal), saying they complement any shortcomings from Ramadan.
“We are still in Shawwal. If you have not fasted the six days recommended after Ramadan, you can still do so now.
“The Prophet (SAW) said whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for the entire year.”
He further highlighted other supererogatory fasts such as those on Mondays and Thursdays, the day of Arafat, and the white days in the lunar month.
Don’t Abandon the Qur’an and Qiyaamu Layl
The founder of Fajr Centre (an Islamic Qur’an memorization school in Ikorodu) passionately appealed to Muslims not to neglect the Qur’an and night prayers after Ramadan.
“You also know that qiyaamu layl is not gone. You should not say because Ramadan is gone, you won’t do qiyaamu layl anymore.
“Also, you have to continue to read the Qur’an… the Qur’an will be our intercessor when we go to meet our Lord.”
Solat in Congregation: A Duty, Not a Choice
He stressed the importance of observing prayers in congregation, saying: “Some scholars regarded a Muslim male who deliberately refuses to do solat in the masjid as a sinner. I advise my listeners to be wary of this.
“Again, we should not forget to continuously look for a place to learn about Islam on a regular basis. The Qur’an told us all the time, look for good people to associate with.”
Commendations for the Rector and the Muslim Community
Alhaji Hassan praised the leadership of YABATECH Rector, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, and the entire Muslim community for their commitment to da’wah. He led the two-rakaat Juma’h prayer, which drew a large congregation including students, staff, and top management officials.
In a show of appreciation, Dr. Moruf Adebakin, Chairman of the Muslim Community, said: “Even when Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan held powerful positions, he was still an Imam and Ustaz. That is the kind of prayer for everyone, that when we hold a powerful position, Allah should not take Islam away from us.”
He disclosed that the current mosque location is temporary, adding that plans are underway for an ultramodern central mosque for the institution. He prayed that Alhaji Hassan would return to lead another prayer when the mosque is commissioned.
Chairman of the Ramadan Committee, Dr. Ojokuku also thanked the former NAHCON chair for taking time out of his tight schedule to honour the YABATECH Muslim community.
He appreciated members for their large turnout at the special juma’h service.
“May Allah bless and reward each and every one of us,” he prayed.
Rector Pays Tribute to His Mentor
Later in his office, the Rector revealed that Alhaji Hassan had been his mentor since university days.
“By the time I gained admission into university, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan was among the people that took me through the tutelage of what an ideal Muslim should be,” said Dr. Abdul.
“We enjoyed his lecture as we have always been enjoying it for decades. The melodious voice with which he recited the Qur’an was also captivating.” Read more about the reception HERE
Faces at the special Jum’ah
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