Cleric urges Muslims, leaders to prioritise integrity, accountability
A renowned Islamic Scholar, Fadeelatus-Shaykh, Dr. Sharafud-deen Raji, has urged Muslim faithful and public office holders to prioritise integrity and selfless service in view of the inevitability of death and
A renowned Islamic Scholar, Fadeelatus-Shaykh, Dr. Sharafud-deen Raji, has urged Muslim faithful and public office holders to prioritise integrity and selfless service in view of the inevitability of death and divine accountability.
Raji gave the charge yesterday at a lecture titled, “Reality of Death and Accountability” at the Ramadan Lecture organised by the Ogun State House of Assembly in Abeokuta.
The cleric, who is the Director of Al Madeenah Centre, Ogbomoso, described death as inevitable and called on adherents to prepare for the hereafter through obedience to Allah.
He said true preparation requires nurturing the soul through obedience to Allah rather than excessive pursuit of worldly desires.
He urged Muslims to live purposeful and accountable lives, noting that strict adherence to the pillars of Islam would form the basis of accountability in the hereafter.
According to him, the pillars include belief in the oneness of Allah; observance of the five daily prayers; payment of Zakat, fasting during Ramadan; pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, and righteous living in line with Islamic teachings are essential for salvation.
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“As Muslims, we need to live purposeful and accountable lives. Accountability on the day of judgment requires strict adherence to the pillars of Islam and righteous living in line with Islamic teachings,” he said.
Raji also stressed the need for Muslims to be mindful of their deeds and utterances, urging them to guide their tongues and abide by the teachings of the Holy Qur’an.
In her goodwill message, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described Ramadan as a sacred period of devotion, reflection, compassion, unity and renewed commitment to Allah and humanity.
Salako-Oyedele, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Boundary Matters, Mrs Khadijat Ahmed, said faith-based gatherings such as the lecture would strengthen moral values and promote peace and social harmony.
She expressed hope that lessons from the lecture would guide the Muslim community towards building a more just and prosperous society.
Speaker of the assembly, Mr Oludaisi Elemide, represented by the Majority Leader, Mr Yusuf Sherif, described the theme as timely.
Elemide said it served as a reminder to public office holders of the certainty of divine judgment and the need to uphold integrity, justice and selfless service.
He commended the House of Assembly Muslim community for sustaining the yearly Ramadan lecture, noting that it remains a moral compass, reinforcing accountability to God and the people.
Earlier, the Clerk/Head of Legislative Service of the House, Alhaji Sakiru Adebakin, stressed the importance of harmonising faith with governance to foster development.
He said patience, humility, punctuality, leadership by example, moral discipline and obedience were essential virtues for peaceful co-existence and sustainable development.
Also, the Chairman, Planning Committee, Hon. Lawal Samusideen, urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of Ramadan beyond the fasting period for the continued progress of the state and the nation.