NASFAT @ 25: Embrace politics, promote unity, Islamic scholar urges Muslims

Muslims have been urged to participate actively in politics and promote unity, peaceful coexistence and responsible leadership as part of efforts to address the country’s development challenges.

An Islamic scholar and founder of the Academy of Islamic Propagation, Alhaji Yusuf Adepoju, made the call in a lecture at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT), Akure branch, in Ondo State.

Speaking on the theme: “From Humble Beginnings to Divine Establishment: 25 Years of Faith, Growth and Community Impact,” Adepoju said Muslims should not shy away from politics, but should use their participation to promote accountability, integrity and good governance.

He warned that withdrawing from political activities could leave leadership opportunities in the hands of individuals, who might not prioritise the welfare of the people.

“If we refuse to participate in politics, we leave the vacuum for people who may not have the interest of the masses at heart,” he said.

Adepoju explained that Islam encouraged adherents to promote what was right and discourage wrongdoing, adding that the principle should guide their participation in public affairs.

He urged Muslims occupying positions of authority to demonstrate exemplary leadership and ensure that their decisions and actions benefited the people, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.

The scholar also called for greater national unity, stressing that Nigeria’s ethnic and cultural diversity should be a source of strength, rather than division.

He said Islam discouraged tribalism and encouraged peaceful relationships among people of different backgrounds, noting that national development could only be achieved when citizens respected their differences and worked towards common goals.

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“We have the Yorubas, Hausas and Igbos, and we may do things differently because we are created differently. But our differences should not separate us. That is my definition of unity,” he stated.

Adepoju further stressed the need to protect human lives, describing respect for the sanctity of life as a fundamental Islamic teaching capable of helping to address insecurity, violence and other social challenges.

Citing the Qur’anic teaching on the gravity of killing an innocent person, he urged Muslims to demonstrate the values of justice, peace and respect for human life in their daily conduct.

He maintained that the contribution of Muslims to nation-building should extend beyond religious observances to include civic responsibility, ethical leadership, service to humanity and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Mines and Mineral Resources, Alhaji Gani Mohammed, who represented the governor at the event, commended NASFAT for sustaining its commitment to education and human development over the past 25 years.

Mohammed described the milestone as a significant achievement, noting that the organisation’s growth reflected continuity in leadership and dedication to its mission.

He said the governor appreciated NASFAT’s contributions to education and youth development, adding that the society’s educational initiatives aligned with the state government’s commitment to human capital development and youth empowerment.

The governor’s aide, a former Special Adviser on Special Duties and Strategy, assured the organisation of the state government’s continued support for initiatives aimed at advancing education and human development.

Also speaking, a former National President of NASFAT and member of its National Board of Trustees, Alhaji Mikahil Sarumoh, expressed optimism that the Akure branch would achieve greater milestones in the next 25 years.

Sarumoh, who said he was part of the establishment of the Akure branch, expressed gratitude to Allah for sustaining the organisation and its members over the years.

He noted that although some of those who began the journey with him had passed away, NASFAT had continued to grow and make progress.

He expressed confidence in the organisation’s future, praying for its continued growth and development.

Earlier, the Chairman of NASFAT, Akure branch, Arch. Sodiq Obanoyen, thanked Almighty Allah for His mercy and guidance over the past 25 years and appreciated individuals who had contributed to the society’s growth.

Obanoyen said NASFAT had demonstrated that Islam extended beyond worship in the mosque to encompass service to humanity, the pursuit of knowledge, family development, youth empowerment and care for vulnerable members of society.

The anniversary celebration featured the commissioning of a school laboratory and the laying of the foundation for a multipurpose hall.