* Officiates Nikaah of Minister of Defence’s 10 children
* President Tinubu serves as guardian at high-profile celebration of faith and family
The Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Professor Lukman Zakariya, has called on Nigerians to embrace the spiritual and social lessons of Ramadan as a key tool for promoting security, safety, peace, and harmony across the nation.
Delivering the Juma’h Khutbah (Friday sermon) of Friday, February 6, 2026, Prof. Zakariya emphasized that Ramadan is more than a period of fasting; noting it is a “divine school” for spiritual and moral development, shaping individuals into responsible and conscientious members of society.
The Juma’ah congregation was a high-profile event, attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, members of the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council, Service Chiefs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.
Muslim News learnt that the gathering also coincided with the Wedding Fatiha of the children of the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, providing a dual occasion of worship and celebration.
The sermon further marked the 35th anniversary of the Committee of Institutional Affairs in Nigeria, with the Imam offering prayers for Allah’s protection and blessings upon the committee’s chairman and staff.
Prof. Zakariya described Ramadan as “the month of security and faith, the abode of tranquility,” noting that its spiritual effects extend into society, fostering peace, harmony, and compassion.
While addressing the large gathering at the Central Mosque, the National Imam highlighted that the month brings Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, opens the gates of Paradise, closes the gates of Hellfire, and restrains the forces of evil.
He particularly drew attention to the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr) as a source of peace and protection for all people.
Prof. Zakariya stressed that fasting is not limited to abstaining from food and drink. “Fasting cultivates self-restraint, strengthens character, and encourages believers to prioritize Allah’s pleasure over worldly desires,” he said.
He warned against false speech, insults, and all forms of wrongdoing, emphasizing that moral discipline is the true essence of fasting.
Prof. Zakariya also urged parents to instill noble character and religious observance in their children, describing it as a crucial measure to curb crime, terrorism, and extremism in Nigeria.
He called on leaders to govern with justice, mercy, and fairness, stressing that national security and societal harmony depend on equitable treatment of all citizens.
“Let the wealthy hasten to spend on the poor and needy. Pay your Zakat before and during Ramadan so the poor may taste Allah’s blessings as you do,” he advised, underscoring that mutual support and charity are essential for societal stability.
In his concluding prayers, Prof. Zakariya prayed for security, guidance, and prosperity for Nigeria, the Muslim community, and all nations, urging worshippers to increase remembrance of Allah through Qur’an recitation, Tarawih, and Tahajjud during the holy month.
…Officiates Nikaah of Minister of Defence’s 10 children
The much-anticipated Nikaah of the children of Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, commenced immediately after Juma’h prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja.
The ceremony drew family members, friends, dignitaries, and prominent figures from across Nigeria and beyond, witnessing a historic multiple wedding celebration.
In a rare and joyous occasion, the Minister, a former governor of Zamfara State, gave out five of his daughters, Maryam, Safiyya, Farida, Nana Firdausi, and Aisha, in marriage.
Five of his sons, Ibrahim, Abdul Jalal, Surajo, Bello, and Fahad, also solemnized their unions, making the day a grand family celebration that blended faith, tradition, and festivity. 
The Nikaah was officiated by the Imam of the National Mosque, who guided the couples through the sacred rites and offered prayers for their futures, for their families, and for the nation.
President Tinubu, who also graced the joyous occasion, served as Wali, or guardian, representing the Matawalle family.
Addressing the congregation, Prof. Zakariyah described President Tinubu as a “father of all” and prayed for his health, prosperity, and successful leadership.
“We pray to Almighty Allah to give our President, who represents all, good health, long life, prosperity, and success during his tenure. May his leadership restore hope to the hopeless in society,” the Imam said.
In a symbolic moment, President Tinubu formally received the brides on behalf of the Matawalle family, fulfilling his role as Wali.
The ceremony also attracted international attention, with the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, among the distinguished guests.
The officiating Imam offered prayers for the couples’ happiness, success in their life journeys, and blessings for their parents and grandparents.
The ceremony reflected the strength of faith, family bonds, and communal unity, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
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