Muslims in Nigeria have been tasked to be steadfast and put their trust in Allah amid the rising cost of living (inflation) and economic hardship being experienced in the country.
An Ibadan based Islamic scholar who is the Chief Missioner, Forum for Comparative Sermons (Focus), Dr. Dawood Amao Alaga gave the charge at the 2024 Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Oyo State House of Assembly Muslim Community held at the Western Hall of the Assembly.
Dr. Amao who spoke on the topic ” Hard times and difficulties : The faith of Muslims and Islamic panacea, admitted that Nigerians were passing through challenging and difficult times at the moment coupled with the high rate of unemployment amongst the people.
He noted that there was widespread starvation and poverty in the land which had made it difficult for millions of people to meet their daily needs.
While quoting from Quran chapter 2 verses 155-156, Dr. Amao said difficult times are trials and tests from Allah hence muslims must remain steadfast.
“Allah says in Quran chapter 2 verses 155-156 “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient…Who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.”
“Things are really hard in the country nowadays and this is the reality. However as muslims we must put our trust in Allah, and avoid falling into temptation of bad deeds, deals and illegal (haram) means of accumulating wealth.”
“This is the time for everyone of us to have multiple halal means of making ends meet and persistently pray to Allah to change this unpleasant condition for us. I must tell you that a single means of livelihood seems to be inadequate to cater for our economic needs at this time. Let us join muslim cooperative groups, establish small businesses and invest in halal businesses.”
“We should however take solace in the verse of the Qur’an where Allah promised ease after hardship. We will surely get over this someday.”
The guest speaker charged lawmakers and people in government to embark on more poverty alleviation programs, organise more skill development programs for the youth and make interest free loans available for entrepreneurial activities.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly who doubles as the Chairman of the Muslim Community, Hon Mohammed Abiodun Fadeyi advised Nigerians not to lose faith in Allah.
“Congratulations to everyone of us for witnessing the 2024 Ramadan, may Allah accept it from us. We are not experiencing the best of time in this country. My appeal to Nigerians is that we should not lose hope. We need to increase our supplications to Allah to change this unbearable condition for us. Let’s be positive that things will get better.” Oyo Deputy Speaker said.
He assured that Muslim lawmakers in the Oyo State House of Assembly would continue to support the activities of the community in line with the directive of Allah to all muslims to promote and strive in His course.
The Ramadan lecture was attended by the Minority leader, Hon. Ayinde Waliu (Irepodun/Olohunsogo), Chief Whip, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola (Atiba), Hon Rasaq Mabaje (Ido), Hon. Saminu Ridwan Gbadamosi (Saki East/Atisbo), Hon. Dauda Olalere D Al-Ameen (Ibadan North West), Hon. Waheed Akintayo Ilumoka (Oluyole), Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission, Dr. Abdul Wasiu Musah, the Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs. Oludara Awe and her Deputy, Mrs. Taiwo Muraina Akinola, other eminent personalities and staff of the Oyo State House of Assembly.