* As Abdullah and Fatima begin marital journey
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The Aqdu and Walimatul Nikaah between Fatima Mayowa and Abdullah Olalekan was a beautiful celebration of love and faith; a gathering rich with blessings, spiritual counsel, and joyful memories that will linger for years to come. Muslim News Nigeria was at the Nikaah and brings you glimpses of the colourful event…______
It was another glorious day in the family of Dr. Lukman Adejumo Abdurraheem, the immediate past Amir (President) of The Muslim Congress (TMC), when his first child, Fatima Mayowa, got married to her loving husband, Abdullah Olalekan Ibrahim, on Saturday, July 6, at Darlington Hall, Ilupeju, Lagos.
The marriage solemnisation was officiated by the renowned Muslim scholar and the immediate past Chairman of Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Dr. AbdulHakeem Abdullateef, while another respected Muslim icon Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf delivered a soul-stirring lecture at the colorful Nikaah.
Muslim News gathered that dignitaries, captains of industry and those that matter honoured the two families on their children’s glorious day, with their presence, support and gifts, as they offered words of advice to the couple.
Some of the guests included the Chairman of ArdoGreen Energy Limited, Alhaji AbdulWasiu Sowami; CFO, MTN Nigeria, Alhaji Modupe Kadri; Professor of Journalism at LASU and Director, Centre for Social Media Research, Lagos, Prof Tunde Akanni; Lead Consultant. AS & Associates, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib; ED Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Prince Sulaiman Olagunju and Chief Imam, Masjid Muhammad Rosululah Islamic Center, Sheikh Sa’eed Salman.
Also present were Arch Mutiu Adeboye, Chairman, Safamaq Group of Companies; MD, Seplat Nigeria, Mr Oladotun Isiaka; Rector, YABATECH, Dr Ibrahim AbdurKareem Adedotun; CEO Wheel Oil, Alhaji Maruf Akanni Toluwaloju, including all the past Amirs of The Muslim Congress (TMC), from the first, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Abdussalam and the current Amir, Alhaji AbdulWasiu Bangbala, among others.
Safeguard your marriage from disharmony: Prof Yusuf tells couple
In his lecture, Prof Yusuf, who is also the President of the Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals (IIFP), offered deep reflections on Islamic marital values.
“Marriage is hundred over hundred. Meaning that both couples must participate with all they can give. It’s not about fifty-fifty. Marriage is an act of worship. Yes, it is a contract, but one that extends from here to the hereafter,” he stated, while congratulating the couple and their parents on the auspicious occasion.
He further advised the couple to safeguard their marriage from disharmony, stressing the importance of affection and emotional connection.
Prof. Yusuf, a professor of Risk Management and Insurance at the University of Lagos, also called on the couple to be romantic adding that it adds more spice to their marriage.
“They must be romantic because they must add spice to their marriage. Marriage is to be enjoyed, not endured. They must understand one another – what are your interests, what are mine – so they can make their home blissful and blossoming.”
A father’s mixed emotions and gratitude
The bride’s father, Dr. Lukman Abdurraheem, who was filled with excitement, expressed profound joy and reflection, “For every Muslim who is blessed with female children, it’s always a mixed feeling. If you don’t raise them well, they can be a source of disgrace. But if you do, they bring you joy. Giving my daughter to someone who shares the same ideology with me is not just a blessing, it’s beyond my expectations.
How the marriage came about? He explained, “We raised our kids to respect Islamic principles without forcing them. She decided after graduation that she wanted to get married. After exploring different options, she was satisfied with the person chosen – interestingly, someone I’ve known for long time within TMC. So I wasn’t surprised.”
Dr. Abdurraheem, who served as the Amir of TMC for 11 years ( 2009-2020) before relocating to Brunei, in the southeast Asia, with his family, described the overwhelming support and turnout as unexpected and deeply touching.
According to him, “I am truly honoured today seeing all these great personalities and captains of industry that graced my daughter’s Nikaah. In fact, some didn’t get invite, they still attended out of love for us and our children.
We are profoundly grateful to them, particularly Alhaji Sowami who was not only here physically but also assisted me with materials. Even the past and current Amirs of TMC and top echelons were here, along with NASFAT, Ansar-Ud-Deen, Bariga Muslim communities, media professionals, and friends from my primary and secondary school days.
“I must also commend Alhaji Bolarinwa, a top politician in Lagos State who got to know about the Nikaah via a WhatsApp message and he was here to show solidarity to his boy, even while the meeting of Governor’s Advisory Committee is holding. This is a joy to the entire families and we appreciate it.”
He offered wise words for the couple: “The groom is one of the brilliant MSS members who took me as a role model without knowing he’d one day marry my daughter. We’ve already agreed on many things that matter. They understand the life she’s used to, and I trust they’ll thrive.”
The mother’s reflection and advice
With excitement written all over her face, the bride’s mother, Dr. Basirah Sobayo- Abdurraheem, couldn’t hide her happiness, describing the moment as fulfilling, witnessing the Nikaah of both her daughter and her beloved husband.
“I’m so excited and grateful to Almighty Allah. I pray that Allah grants this union a beautiful beginning and blesses them with good children. It’s a joyful day for me. Alhamdulilah,” she added.
The elated mother said her daughter was still in secondary school when she started sensitising her and other siblings on early marriage particularly when they reach certain age and complete their education.
“When the time comes for Fatima to get marry, after her graduation, we started planning and what we are witnessing today is the result of the planning. Alhamdulillah.
Advising the couples, Dr. Basirah Sobayo – Abdurraheem noted that marriage is a lifelong institution, and both the husband and wife should hold on to prayers, patience, and love. “I advise you to be prayerful. Prayer is key. Not once, not twice – pray always. In every situation, prayer is what works. Not shortcuts. Not alternatives. Just pure, sincere dua to Allah.
“But beyond prayer, you must also be patient. You must be involved and committed. And most importantly, love your husband – and love his family too. Because you’re not just marrying the man; you’re marrying into his entire family. Show love, respect, and kindness to all of them,” she noted.
The bride’s mother prayed Allah to bless the new home with wisdom, divine protection, and beautiful children.
“I wish you a joyful, peaceful, and prosperous married life. May Allah bless your home with wisdom, beautiful children, His mercy (Rahmah), and divine protection. Congratulations, my dear. May Allah continue to bless you both. Amen.”
The Groom’s family: gratitude and encouragement
The groom’s father, Mal. Sulaimon Ibrahim, also shared his joy, “This is the second marriage I’ve organised for my children. Abdullah is my second child, and I’m glad to witness this day. I thank God for His mercy and strength. I’m here to do my fatherly duty.”
His wife, the groom’s mother, Hajia Khadijah Sulaimon thanked Allah for the occasion and His mercies. “I’m happy to be alive to witness this joyful day. I pray Allah blesses this union.”
She appreciated the support from guests and spoke about her son’s maturity in deciding to get married: “He was never forced. He told us it was time, and we supported him. This is the kind of news every parent loves to hear.”
On what they saw in the bride that earned their support, Mr. Ibrahim said: “As is our tradition in Yorubaland, we considered the values of the bride’s parents. They are good people.”
She advise the couple to live according to Islamic laws and perform their duties to each other sincerely.
The groom’s mother also encouraged the couple to remain guided by the good examples set by their parents.
I marry a man with great goals and deen: Bride
The lucky bride, graceful and grounded, is a proud VAOSAite; an alumni of Vanguards Academy, and a Business Entrepreneurship graduate from Universiti Brunei Darussalam. She brings poise and purpose to the path ahead.
Her groom, a former Amir of MSSN UNILAG (2019–2021) and a Geophysics graduate from University of Lagos, earned admiration for his leadership during the COVID-19 era and now thrives in a top multinational firm.
She calls him “an intentional man with great goals and deen”, and together, they begin a journey filled with promise, principle, and prayer.
From all of us at Muslim News Nigeria: May Allah make their love a source of tranquility and barakah. May their hearts remain united in faith, their home filled with light, understanding, and grace. May He bless them with righteous offsprings, ease in trials, and joy in abundance. And may their journey together lead them closer to Jannah. Aameen.
Barak Allahu lakuma, wa barak ‘alaikuma, wa jama’a bainakuma fi khair to the beautiful couple! Ameen
OTHER GORGEOUS FACES AT THE NIKAAH
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