By Ademola Ade
An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Abdul Hakeem Folorunsho Oyegunle, has warned Muslims against neglecting family welfare and moral upbringing in the pursuit of wealth, overseas education and social recognition, saying true righteousness must begin at home.
Oyegunle, the Mufassir of the Onikolobo Muslim Community Central Mosque, Abeokuta, Ogun State, gave the warning during the mosque’s investiture ceremony at the weekend, where personalities from the academic, security and business sectors received Islamic chieftaincy titles.
The event attracted Islamic scholars, public officials, community leaders and other dignitaries, including the Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of North America, Washington, DC Chapter, Alhaji Imam Tajudeen Gbajabiamila.
Delivering the keynote sermon, Oyegunle said genuine righteousness went beyond outward religious observances, stressing that Muslims must demonstrate their faith through charity, compassion, responsible family care and the proper use of their wealth.
Citing Surah Al-Baqarah 2:177 of the Quran, he said believers should begin acts of kindness and financial support with their immediate families and relatives.
“God has made it clear in the Quran that true righteousness is not just turning your face to the East or the West. It means using the wealth God has blessed you with to support those around you, starting with your own relatives and family,” he said.
The cleric also criticised parents and guardians who spend huge sums sending their children to countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States for education without giving adequate attention to their moral and spiritual development.
He argued that foreign education alone could not guarantee responsible conduct where children lacked a strong foundation in good character and religious values.
“What is the benefit of spending fortunes on overseas education if the foundation of character and piety is completely missing?” he asked.
Oyegunle urged husbands and heads of households to meet their marital and financial obligations, warning against sacrificing the welfare of dependants for public recognition or social approval.
“True righteousness demands that you start at home. Treat your family with love, compassion and fairness. Do not neglect your marital obligations or your responsibilities to those dependent on you,” he said.
Speaking after his installation as Otun Baba Ad-deen of Onikolobo, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Olawale Taoheed Olokode, pledged to support the growth of Islam and the development of the community.
Olokode said the title came with a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the religious community and promote unity among Muslims.
“Muslims have one thing or the other to contribute to the growth and development of the religion in which we believe in. I am here to reassure the community that I am more than ready to contribute to Islam in this environment,” he said.
He urged Muslims to practise their faith sincerely, without pretence or a desire to impress others.
Similarly, the Rector of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Prof. Rauf Abdul-Hakeem Adegoke, installed as Giwa Ad-deen, pledged to use his experience in development communication and entrepreneurship to improve the lives of residents, particularly children and young people.
Adegoke called for greater emphasis on practical skills and entrepreneurship to help Muslim youths become self-reliant and explore opportunities beyond conventional white-collar employment.
“I want to assure you that my experience as a development communication expert and as a professor of entrepreneurship will be brought to bear on the lives of children of this environment,” he said.
He urged community stakeholders to develop strategies that would encourage children to acquire skills across different fields, including technology and entrepreneurship.
“Nobody has to wait until we get white-collar jobs to be fulfilled. If you look at the world now, you will find that what matters now is the informal sector where individuals can just make the best out of what is actually available and obtainable: technology, and every other area. It’s important for one to have a second address,” he added.
The newly installed Seriki Ad-deen, Alhaji Taofeek Adewolu, urged young Muslims to be patient, learn from their parents’ positive examples and make responsible choices as they pursue their careers and businesses.
“My advice to the youth is to be patient and observe the right footsteps of their mothers and fathers,” he said.
Adewolu stressed that good character and sincere intentions were essential to lasting success, urging young people to distinguish between right and wrong and build their lives around positive values.
“Everything comes down to good character and intention; one must be upright. That is the primary foundation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Imam Salahudeen B. Mesioye, urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer and maintain faith amid the country’s economic and social challenges.
He said Muslims should remain hopeful even when answers to their prayers appeared delayed, stressing that faith and perseverance were essential.
Mesioye also thanked the organisers, titleholders and other participants for their contributions to the ceremony, but appealed to individuals and organisations to assist the mosque with repairs to its damaged roof.
He said rainwater entering the building had disrupted worship activities and appealed for support to provide steel beams, or girders, and complete the necessary repairs.
“Our roof is damaged, and whenever it rains, it creates serious problems for us. We are appealing for assistance to secure steel beams (girders) and complete the necessary repairs to restore the building,” he said.
