Organisers said Iftar 5,000, inspired by the charitable spirit of Ramadan, remained one of the flagship programmes of MSSN Lagos aimed at promoting Islamic values, youth development, and communal solidarity among Muslim students. Abdul-Mumin Abdul-Quadir reports
Youths, particularly Muslims, have been urged to embrace holistic personal development and serve as agents of societal reform, with a call for them to contribute meaningfully to addressing the challenges confronting society.
The Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i, gave the charge while speaking at the Iftar 5,000 organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit at the Alausa Secretariat Mosque on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Muslim News gathered that this year’s Iftar 5,000, themed “The Role of Muslim Youths in Societal Reformation,” is one of the key programmes of the Area Unit during Ramadan, inspired by the spirit of charity and generosity that characterises the blessed month.
Sheikh Shafi’i urges youths to drive change
In his lecture, Sheikh Shafi’i urged Muslim youths to prioritise personal development and contribute meaningfully to rebuilding society, which he describes as being in a troubling state.
According to him, although young people possess enormous potential to transform nations positively, many have become deeply involved in social vices.
“The society is in a total mess today. Almost everything has gone out of hand, and the youths are great contributors. Who are the perpetrators of most of the vices happening in the world? The youths,” he said.
He laments that some young people increasingly engage in crimes such as theft and cybercrime in pursuit of money, fame and recognition.
“Sadly, our youths are at the epicentre of crimes and vices. They steal, engage in cyber crimes and do anything possible for money or fame. Some have lost every iota of consciousness and sanity,” he added.
The renowned Islamic scholar called on youths to emulate the character and courage of early Muslim figures who played significant roles in spreading Islam.
He cited the example of Mus‘ab ibn Umayr, one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who served as the first envoy of Islam at a young age.
“Musab Ibn Umayr carried a great responsibility as the first envoy of Islam while still a teenager. He taught adults older than him and carried out the task with admirable excellence,” he noted.
Sheikh Shafi’i also referenced the People of the Cave mentioned in the Qur’an as an example of youths whom Allah guided because they chose righteousness.
Stakeholders called for greater support
Also speaking at the programme, a former Amir of MSSN Lagos State Area Unit and Imam of Busari Lawal Central Mosque, Oworonsoki, Alhaji Qasim Badrudeen, described the lecture as timely and relevant to the challenges facing young people.
He emphasised the importance of initiatives like Iftar 5,000 and urged well-to-do individuals to support programmes that feed fasting Muslims during Ramadan.
“The lecture was very fantastic because it concerned the youths. The youths are the future of the nation, and that future would be bright if they followed what was said today,” he said.
Alhaji Badrudeen also encouraged wealthy members of society to support humanitarian initiatives organised by student groups.
“Where were the rich men who were supposed to rally support around MSSN Lagos? They were nowhere to be found. Yet when you go to clubs or guest houses, you see them spending money on frivolities and vanities,” he added.
Social media, drug abuse threaten youth development
Alhaji Badrudeen identified social media as one of the biggest challenges confronting youths, noting that it often distracted them and fuelled negative trends.
“Social media was the biggest challenge facing the youths because it caused great distractions. Many chaotic occurrences emanated from it,” he said.
He also warned against the growing menace of drug and substance abuse among young people and called for deliberate efforts to curb cultism, gangsterism and other social vices.
According to him, governments at all levels needed to invest more in education and encourage academic excellence among youths.
MSSN leaders highlighted purpose of programme
Amir of MSSN Lagos State Area Unit, Mallam Kamaldeen Abiona, said the lecture provided valuable lessons on the responsibilities of Muslim youths in shaping society.
“The lecture was very enlightening. The lessons were invaluable. The Sheikh reminded us that feeding fasting Muslims was not business as usual and explained the Islamic principles behind such acts,” he said.
Mal. Abiona added that the programme reminded young people of the responsibilities they must prepare for as future reformers.
“As youths, great responsibilities lay ahead of us, and we must prepare ourselves to carry them out,” he said.
Also speaking, Amirah of MSSN Lagos State Area Unit, Hajia Rofiat Tijani, expressed delight at the success of the programme, describing it as one of the organisation’s key Ramadan initiatives.
She explained that the programme gathered selected secondary school students from various area councils across Lagos State to strengthen their faith and experience the communal spirit of Ramadan.
“We gathered students from our area councils to learn the teachings of the Deen, break our fast together and seek the pleasure of Allah,” she said.
Hajia Tijani added that participants also prayed for peace in Nigeria and across the world amid growing global tensions.
She further urged young Muslim women to remain steadfast in their values and avoid negative trends on social media.
“We saw many hijabis gradually uncladding themselves on the internet and joining unhealthy challenges. We must remember that self-reformation precedes societal reform,” she said.
Students shared reflections
Some of the students who attended the programme expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn and participate in the communal breaking of fast.
Muhammad Abdul-Ghaniyy, a student of Ojokoro Senior High School, described the event as a reminder for youths to strive for righteousness.
“This was a call on myself and fellow youths to strive to be among those under the shade of Allah on a day when there would be no other shade,” he said.
Similarly, Azeezat Adeleye, a student of State Senior High School, Ikeja, said the programme deepened her understanding of the significance of Ramadan.
“I’m glad I came here. I learnt that Ramadan was not just about fasting but also about spiritual growth. We were also encouraged to focus on our academics,” she said.
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