Cleric advocates unified Friday sermons
An Islamic scholar, Ustadh Dhikrullahi Shafii, has called for the adoption of a centralised Friday sermon across major mosques in Nigeria to promote unity and a common direction on issues affecting the Muslim community. He made the call at the 2nd Annual Imam’s Conference organised by the Daarus-Sa’aadah Islamic Centre in Ajase-Ipo, Kwara State. The […]
An Islamic scholar, Ustadh Dhikrullahi Shafii, has called for the adoption of a centralised Friday sermon across major mosques in Nigeria to promote unity and a common direction on issues affecting the Muslim community.
He made the call at the 2nd Annual Imam’s Conference organised by the Daarus-Sa’aadah Islamic Centre in Ajase-Ipo, Kwara State.
The conference, themed “The Mosque, the Imam and Da’wah,” brought together scholars, Imams, traditional rulers, and worshippers from across the country.
Ustadh Shafii noted that the mosque should not be seen merely as a place of prayer but as a hub for decision-making, social welfare, refuge, and even medical care, as exemplified in early Islamic history.
He lamented that these vital roles have been largely neglected in contemporary Muslim communities, leading to social and moral setbacks within the Ummah.
Describing the Imam as the “principal of the mosque,” Shafii stressed that the position requires deep grounding in the Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, and awareness of global issues.
“No single individual can master all branches of Islamic jurisprudence. Imams and scholars must therefore specialise in particular fields and collaborate for the benefit of the community,” he said.
He called for the repositioning of mosques to serve broader community needs by establishing committees dedicated to children, women, the aged, marriage, naming ceremonies, and conflict resolution.
According to him, when properly utilised, mosques can once again produce pious leaders and scholars as they did in the early history of Islam.
In his presentation on “Da’wah Without Bitterness: Etiquette of Disagreement in Islam,” Dr. Sirajudeen Al-Asra urged scholars and preachers to approach da’wah with humility, patience, and wisdom.
He cautioned against arrogance in preaching, noting that Islam discourages hostility and that the strength of da’wah lies in its truth and delivery rather than aggression.
The founder and sponsor of the conference, Alhaja Rahmat Mojisola Salih, a Lagos-based businesswoman, said her motivation for the annual event was inspired by her grandmother, who taught her the value of dedicating part of one’s earnings to the service of the mosque.
“The annual Imam Conference is my way of sustaining that legacy of service and philanthropy,” she said, urging others to emulate the gesture to promote a more disciplined and caring society.
The Chief Imam of Ajase-Ipo, Shaykh Aliyu Taofeeq Atoloye, who chaired the occasion, said the programme has continued to make a significant impact by providing a platform for Islamic scholars and imams to exchange ideas and deepen their knowledge.
He added that this year’s theme broadened the understanding of the mosque’s role beyond worship, reaffirming its centrality to the moral and spiritual life of the Ummah.
In his goodwill message, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Muhammed Yahya Atoloye, described the event as a “blessed gathering” and recommended its extension to three days due to its immense benefits.
He called for the sustainability of the initiative and encouraged more individuals and institutions to support it for the advancement of religion and community life.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State commended the organisers for championing a noble cause that equips Imams and scholars with deeper religious understanding for the growth of Islam.
“This event is highly educational and impactful. It reinforces the vital role of religious leaders in promoting peace, moral discipline, and spiritual development,” the governor said.