Islamic clerics seek mercy, guidance for challenges facing Nigeria

Islamic clerics in Ibadan have prayed for mercy for Nigeria and for wisdom and guidance to overcome the challenges facing the country.

The clerics made the intervention during a two-day annual lecture organised by the Al Haqdeen International Islamic Centre (AHIIC) and held at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The event, which attracted thousands of worshippers from within and outside Oyo State, was held under the theme, ‘Isokale Oro Olohun Si Orile Aye Paapa Si Orilede Nigeria’ (Divine Message to Mankind: Mercy, Hope and Guidance for Nigeria).

It brought together scholars, dignitaries and members of the public for lectures, Qur’an recitation, remembrance of Allah (Adhkar) and spiritual intervention for the country.

The founder of AHIIC, Fhodilatu Shaykh Al Khalifah Ahmad Dhikrullah, also known as Gaozu Zaman Kubtuh Robban, said the event was rooted in the Islamic duty to spread knowledge, enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, as taught in the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

The shaykh added that the lectures and prayers were timely, given the trying times the country was facing, and stressed the need for spiritual intervention to promote peace, progress and development.

The main lectures over the two-day event were delivered by Shaykh Dhikrullah, who admonished Nigerians, especially those in positions of power and influence, to follow the path of God in all their endeavours.

He stressed that seeking God in all things attracts His blessings and goodwill, which Nigeria and Nigerians need amid the country’s sociopolitical, economic and security challenges.

Speaking on the state of the nation, Shaykh Dhikrullah lamented that society’s collective tolerance of and reward for wrongdoing had allowed corruption, bribery, mistrust and fraud to thrive.

He said these ills had spread into every facet of national and personal life. He called on Nigerians to repent and embrace a new culture of honesty and goodness to improve life for everyone.

The first-day lecture was delivered by Shaykh Sheriffdeen Muhally, who spoke on the virtues and rewards of leaving one’s home to listen to the word of Allah.

The second-day lecture was delivered by Shaykh Dr Saheed Yusuf, who called on those whom Allah had favoured to support the growth of Islam and the development of the country.

The event also featured recitations of Suratul Kahf, Yasin, Mulk, Rahman and Suratul Waqi’ah, as well as Khatmah.

Many attendees spoke of the event’s spiritual impact and testified to the power and mercy of Allah.

The Al Haqdeen International Islamic Centre (AHIIC) is an Islamic organisation based in Ibadan, Oyo State, with branches around the world. It is dedicated to propagating the message of Islam, promoting Islamic education and supporting community welfare.

The AHIIC annual lecture is held every year and moves from state to state, and sometimes outside the country, taking the message of Islam to new communities.

The 2025 edition was held in Ogun State, while the 2024 edition took place in Osun State. Earlier editions were held in Lagos State and other states across the country.