Ishrat 2017: Islamic Cleric Urges Nigerians to Pray Harder

By Sakin Babalola, Ibadan

Devout Muslims have been urged to pray harder this year and move closer to Allah as well as embrace the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (SAW), otherwise their sacrifices would be in vain.

The Grand Imam and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen-In-Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabit Ariyo-Olagoke JP, gave the admonition while congratulating Nigerians on successfully weathering through economic, socio-political storms in the country and announcing the Ishirat 2017 of the Mission which begins on January 13 and ends by month end.

The Justice of Peace called for aggressive prayers in the new year but warned “prayer is potent when it comes from sincere minds and purified bodies otherwise inter-denominational prayers would be rendered ineffective, theatrically derisive and useless. God answers the prayer of the just and crowns the efforts of those who sincerely call upon Him. Avoid fetish power and all forms of idolatry.”

He urged Nigerians, particularly the political and religious stakeholders to maintain tolerance and apply religious principles which they were taught and being taught in their places of worship.

The President of Ajagun Esin Consultative Forum (AECF) pointed out that unless there was application of these religious virtues contained in Holy Quran and Bible, our aspiration for reformed Nigeria in 2017 would turn out to be a mirage.

Olagoke said that it was regrettable to observe that some people have a wrong perception of Islam particularly when the world “Jihad” is used adding, “no religion directs any of his followers to engage in violence to win souls.”

The Cleric who is the author of “Principles of Jihad: Is this the solution? No!” said, “Jihad is an evangelical mission or ways of spreading the words of God for the purpose of converting into Islamic faith and maintaining the convention for the same reason in the true practice of Islam in order that the person is reformed and the world benefits in terms of achieved peace and development as religious goal. Try to create an air of acceptance around yourself because people see what you are before they hear what you say. Integrity is an effective tool for Jihad.”

Meanwhile, many topics on national issues have been lined up for lectures and symposia as well as activities listed for the annual Ishirat that would attract speakers from major religious faiths in the country.

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji AbdulGaniy Abubakar Agbotomokekere would feature during the launch of two books, “Religion: Beyond the Opium” and “Nigeria and Security Issue,” written by Olagoke.