Islamic Cleric To Leaders: Power Is Divine Privilege, Use It To Positively Impact Lives
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu, Ibadan
IBADAN – The political leaders and public administrators have been advised to treat power as a privileged gift from God which should be used to impact positively on the lives of the people, engender societal growth, peace and love in reference to God.
The Grand Sheikh of the Muslims in Light Organization, SUFI centre, Master RTB Akinbile who gave the charge while declaring open the 35th anniversary of the centre stressed that all power belong to God and people in authority must use it to act on behalf of God as against selfish tendencies.
The 35th anniversary is entitled “Possessors of Power and Vision In The Divine Light Of Allah.”
As expected, the 35th anniversary of Afinimona, Muslims in light organization, SUFI centre Nigeria is a spiritual convergence for healing, salvation, solutions to problems and an atmosphere for diverse spiritual experiences through the divine light of Almighty Allah.
Speaking shortly after formally declaring the week long anniversary open, the Grand Sheikh of the Muslims in Light Organization, SUFI centre, Master RTB Akinbile explained that the anniversary theme is a clarion call on Nigerians to seek for the power of Allah through prayers, Assalatu, deeper reflections and meditations to navigate through life and surmount its many challenges.
While assuring Nigerians that the renewed hope of the current administration is achievable through God’s power and optimism, the Grand Sheikh also charged political leaders to understand that political power comes from God and should be exercised in the fear of God, shunning greed and selfishness.
Akinbile while Speaking on the theme “Possessors of Power and Vision,” Akinbile cited Chapter 3, Verse 26 of the Qur’an, adding that Islam emphasises governance, where leaders work for the common good.
He said, “My message to Nigerians is that we need to return to God. Let each person reconnect with their soul through prayers. In God, there is no lack, sickness, or poverty. Every human has been given something unique within themselves, and exploring this inner richness is the key to a fulfilled life. For the past 35 years, we have engaged in teachings aimed at bringing people back to God. Anyone who receives the Divine Light of Allah would be successful and find peace.
“Every challenge is an opportunity to succeed in life. Embrace this through praises, prayers, reflection, and dhikr (remembrance of Allah). God has granted you these tools to navigate the challenges you face.”
Speaking on the nation’s present difficulties, he reminded Nigerians that hardships, although painful, can foster resilience and spur creativity.
He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to rise above the current struggles, urging citizens to look inward and draw from divine abundance to transform adversity into progress.
Reassuring Nigerians that trials are temporary while God’s blessings are eternal, Akinbile spoke on the importance of holding onto hope, even in the darkest times.
“It is possible to overcome the hardships confronting the nation. These difficulties are a call to draw upon our inner resources and bring forth the best from God’s abundance. This is a time for innovation and creation at our highest potential”, he concluded.
Also speaking at the event, lawmaker Representing Ibadan Northwest/Southwest Federal Constituency,
Honourable Adedeji Olajide also known as (Odidiomo) appealed to Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance.
Olajide, who was the chairman of the occasion, emphasized the role of tolerance in fostering harmony and understanding among the country’s diverse religious communities.
He said, “Religious tolerance is not just a necessity but a vital component for peace and progress in our diverse nation, and urged attendees to embrace the values of coexistence, compassion and dialogue, which are fundamental to the teachings of various faiths.
Olajide lauded the founder of the Sufi Centre for his decades of commitment to promoting peace and unity among Muslims, while stating that his unwavering leadership has been instrumental in guiding the centre towards becoming a place of hope and an example of what can be achieved through mutual respect and collaboration.
Reeling out various empowerment programmes and other schedules of activities for the 35th ceremony, the wife of the Grand Sheikh Seyhidah Shakirat Idowu Akinbile enjoined women to seek spiritual solace in the face of rising cost of food rather than unnecessary social engagements.
In their various remarks at the ceremony, the Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin represented by the Gbonkaa Olubadan, Chief Olufemi Ogunwale, representative of the Chief Imam of Ibadanland.
Highpoints of the event were ministrations in Islamic songs, spiritual exhortation and presentation of various goodwill messages.