An Ibadan-based Islamic cleric, Ustadh Rasheed Mudathir Athaqofy, has urged Muslims to believe totally in the tenet of predestination (Al Qadar).
He stated this during the second annual Ramadan Lecture of Ile Alfa Sons and Daughters of the Aliiwo Royal Family, held at Ile Alfa Compound, Agodi, Ibadan on Sunday.
The lecture, titled “Qadar: Why Is It So Difficult To Understand?”, was well attended by Ile Alfa sons, daughters, Royal fathers, princes and princesses of the Aliiwo royal family, and other personalities across the state.
Ustadh Athaqofy said no Muslim faithful would be spiritually complete without believing that whatever befell him could not have missed him, and whatever that missed him could not have befallen him.
The cleric noted that everything was subject to the will and decree of Allah, as Allah says in the Quran: “Indeed, all things we created with predestination.” [Quran 54:49].
He therefore admonished Islamic adherents to place their trust and reliance in Allah.
He urged Muslims to strive to seek the “Night of Destiny”, noting that it is hidden in one of the last 10 nights of the month of Ramadan.
He said the last 10 days of Ramadan were special in the life of every Muslim, and pointed out that they were the most blessed days in the holy month of Ramadan.
According to him, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to devote himself to worship during the last 10 days of the month, hoping to be closer to Allah.
Ustadh Athaqofy said when one believed in Qadar, he or she would be more optimistic, knowing that the One who had put him in his present circumstance had done so for a reason.
“When you believe in Qadar, you will work through or bear your trials and difficult times because Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear. (Q2:286).
“You know that, with every difficulty, there will be ease and you will have a sense of tawakul, or dependence on Allah.
“You will put your full trust in Allah, which brings about a sense of relief and comfort in times of distress.
“Verily, with every hardship comes to ease!” (94:6) When you believe in Qadar, you will naturally become a generous and kind person, especially to those who are less fortunate.
“You will know that the One who gave you what you have can easily take it away or easily bless you with more.
“When you believe in Qadar, you gain courage because you will be able to face tough times, knowing that everything is ultimately in the hands of Allah,” he added.
In his remarks, the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Dr Kola Balogun, said the lecture was important because everything said was an inspiration by the Holy Quran and Hadith.
The federal lawmaker, who was the chairman of the occasion, was also the representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Lekan Balogun Alli Okunmade II, at the lecture.
He noted that the lecture was based on the total teaching of the Holy Quran and all Muslims did not have any other philosophical tenet that was guiding them.
He congratulated the entire family of Ile-Alfa, adding that their forefathers would continue to be happy with them as they did not allow their legacy to die.
Senator Balogun urged them to keep the flag flying and explained that Ile Alfa was a place where the entire Aliiwo family drew their Islamic inspiration.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the lecture, Dr. Rasheed Adekunle Fasasi, said the Ramadan Lecture was the second edition and it was targeted at lasting rewards for their forefathers.
He explained that the event was also meant to organise special prayers for those that have answered the call of Allah, and for the entire Ile Alfa sons and daughters.
He hinted that the annual Ramadan Lecture had been used to cement relationships among all sons and daughters of Ile Alfa.
He commended the entire family of Ile Alfa for making the event a success and prayed that God spared their lives beyond next year.
Among other dignitaries at the event were the Onido of Ido land, Oba Muritala Babalola, Head of Media, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Alhaji Abdur Rahman Balogun, members of UNIFEMGA, imams and alfas.
