THE Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa, has praised the former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Barrister Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, for his outstanding leadership and untainted record during his tenure.
Speaking as the guest speaker at the turbanning ceremony and N150 million fundraiser for the renovation of the Oshodi Central Mosque, Onikijipa described Hassan as a “pride to Islam” and commended him for his good works while in office.
“Islam will not forget you. Your untainted record has raised the bar. We saw the good works that you did while you were the Chairman of the commission. We thank you because we saw how somebody was kicked out of office. You are indeed a pride to Islam,” Onikijipa said.
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The event also featured the turbanning of Alhaji AbdulFatai Odebisi as the Baba Adini of Oshodi Muslim Community, conducted by the Chief Imam of Oshodi, Sheikh Hassan Abdulazeez. Other titles conferred included Otun Baba Adini, Iya Adini, Otun Iya Adini, Iya Suna, Otun Iya Suna, Abesinga Adini, and Apase Adini.
Onikijipa emphasized the importance of demonstrating commitment to Islamic principles through regular prayer, charity, and good deeds, especially for those bestowed with titles in Islam. He noted that titles in Islam are not merely honorary but carry responsibilities to serve the community and promote the values of the faith.
“Those who say titles are unIslamic are ignorant of the words of Allah in the Quran. Allah called Ibrahim Alilulah, Musa Kalamullah, Isa Mahsihu different from their names. These are titles.”
He stressed that the reason why Abubakar, the first caliph was given As-sidiq, adding that several other companions of the Prophet were known by their titles given to them by the prophet.
The event also featured a fund raising for the renovation of the Oshodi Central Mosque, with a target of N150million. The funds raised will be used to upgrade the mosque’s facilities and provide better worshipping place to be Muslim community.
