* As organisation holds medical screening, world hijab day sensitisation
* Let’s strive for deeper understanding of Islam: Council Boss
A foremost Islamic scholar, Sheikh Hammed Yusuf Aderemi, has warned that Muslims who fail to purify their souls from vices before the commencement of Ramadan risk missing the immense spiritual rewards embedded in the holy month.
He made this assertion while delivering a powerful lecture at The Muslim Congress (TMC), Lagos State Pre-Ramadan Public Lecture, held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Shomolu Local Government Secretariat, Lagos.
Muslim News gathered that the programme commenced with the State Adhkaar (remembrance of Allah) and featured a free medical outreach, during which hundreds of residents benefited from health screenings, medications, eyeglasses after professional consultations, and the distribution of mosquito nets.
The Congress also used the occasion to mark World Hijab Day, which coincides with the global observance held every February 1 across more than 150 countries, including Nigeria, to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab.
Ramadan is a season of blessings, mercy and eternal success
Speaking on the theme “Purifying the Souls from Vices Before Ramadan,” Sheikh Aderemi, who is the Mudeer of Madrasat Terbiyat Wada Watil Islamiyyah, Sangotedo, Eti-Osa, described Ramadan as a divinely ordained season of blessings, mercy and eternal success.
He quoted the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as describing Ramadan as a month in which blessings of time, deeds, rewards and compensation are multiplied, with Paradise being its greatest gift.
According to him, Allah frees believers from the shackles of Hellfire at every breaking of fast, stressing that such rewards are only attainable by those who approach Ramadan with spiritually refined hearts.
The respected Muslim scholar challenged the congregation to reflect deeply on their preparedness for Ramadan, asking whether their preparations mirrored the spiritual discipline of the Sahabah.
He observed that while material preparation including stocking food items and financial planning, is common and acceptable, but they pale in comparison to spiritual readiness.
“A healthy body with a polluted soul cannot function effectively in Ramadan,” he warned, adding that although medical preparedness is important, the soul remains the engine that drives meaningful worship.
Citing Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183), Sheikh Aderemi explained that fasting was prescribed to instill taqwa (fear and consciousness of Allah), which can only be achieved through obedience to Allah’s commands.
He noted that fasting, Tahajjud, Qur’an recitation, Tarawih and strict adherence to Islamic injunctions are key tools for purifying the soul.
Many Muslims recite the Qur’an without reflecting its teachings
The Mudeer lamented that many Muslims recite the Qur’an without reflecting its teachings in their lives, warning that such disconnect undermines the purpose of Ramadan.
He described Tahajjud as one of the most potent acts of worship, explaining that waking from deep sleep to stand before Allah is evidence of a trained soul that has subdued physical desires.
Sheikh Adeyemi further warned that feelings of superiority over others, envy of Allah’s favours upon fellow believers, unresolved anger and backbiting are signs of weak souls.
“A soul burdened with these diseases cannot achieve anything meaningful in Ramadan,” he said, urging Muslims to reconcile with one another and detach from negative influences ahead of the holy month.
The lecture was held under the spiritual guidance of Fadilatu’sh Sheikh Buniyaminu Dabiri, the Chief Imam of Shomolu Central Mosupar, was attended by Prince Saheed Lasisi, Chairman of the Honorary Advisory Council of Patrons of TMC Lagos and Leader of the House of Somolu Local Government.
Somolu council boss urges deeper understanding of Islam
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon Lateef Ashimi, thanked Allah for the opportunity to witness another pre-Ramadan lecture.
He urged Muslims to rise above superficial religiosity and strive for a deeper understanding of Islam.
Endorsing the message of the guest lecturer, the council boss called on Muslims to consciously purify their souls and fully prepare for Ramadan in order to maximise its rewards.
He also encouraged continuous participation in Islamic lectures during and after Ramadan, describing reminders as essential for sustaining faith.
Waali urges intentional preparation, stronger faith and improved character
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Waali of TMC Lagos State, Mallam Tajudeen Olusesi, called on Muslims across Lagos to begin intentional preparation for Ramadan, describing it as a season of mercy, forgiveness and spiritual renewal.
He stressed that Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from food and drink but about disciplining the soul, strengthening ties with Allah and improving character.
Mallam Olusesi urged families to plan spiritually and socially by fostering unity, kindness and generosity, while also remembering the less privileged through charity.
He encouraged Islamic scholars, imams and mosque management committees to intensify spiritual, intellectual and welfare programmes for congregants during the holy month.
World Hijab Day promotes respect, tolerance for Muslim women – Olusesi
The Waali also highlighted the coincidence of the lecture with World Hijab Day, globally marked every February 1, noting that the day promotes understanding, respect and religious tolerance for Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab.
He described the hijab as a symbol of faith, modesty, dignity and identity, calling for sustained advocacy against discrimination and Islamophobia.
As Ramadan draws closer, speakers at the event collectively urged Muslims to embrace the holy month as a period of positive change, self-development and increased service to humanity, praying that Allah grants the Ummah long life to witness Ramadan and accept all acts of worship therein.
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