85TH EDITION OF VOICE OF THE MIMBARR: 33RD ANNIVERSARY OF ADS IPAJA BRANCH; A REFLECTION- BY DR RAZAQ BOLAWAYE

12-02-1446 AH/16-08-2024 CE

Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim...

Immeasurable thanks and glory is due to Almighty Allah (SWT) on all kinds of favour. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon the noble Messenger Muhammad (SAW), his household, Companions and sincere followers of his mission till the Day of judgement. At 33, that the unimaginable seed sown above three decades ago at Baruwa Community Mosque germinated and giving back to Ipaja Branch of ADS, an iconic endeavour to be reckoned with in the area is beyond a myth.

There are ample reasons for giving glory to Allah. Thirty-three years of development is a milestone. It portrays a giant stride to have reached here from absolute nothingness to a giant conscpicous to be recognized. Un-chartered zeal and un-alloyed ambition coupled with determination to lay footprint in the annals of not only Ipaja soil but also on the dictionary of ADS in Lagos State.

There is no doubt that the crop of people who co-founded ADS Ipaja were in any way resilient, resolute and focus. Their portrayal of central theme of Allah's statement in Qur'an 24:37-38 appears un-equalled. It says that what endears them to Allah is that they are: "Men whom neither trade nor sale can divert their attention from the remembrance of Allah, nor from regular prayer, nor from paying Zakat their (only) fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be turned about (Qur'an 24:37)." 

This, undoubtedly, paved way for their success in this direction. Rewards of goodness is but goodness (Q55:56) and this goes a long way in showing that 'Reward comes in proportion of deed.' Further explanation of this is given in Qur'an 24:38 saying: 'That Allah may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His Grace: for Allah does provide for those whom He will, without measure.' This is the reward acrueable to strife in the cause of Allah.

Nevertheless, the noble Messenger Muhammad (SAW) was once teaching the Companions when He posted to them following questions: 'Who among you woke up fasting today? Abu Bakare said I am. Who among you followed a Janazah till burial today? Abu Bakare said I am. Who among you fed the hungry people today? The same Abu Bakare said I am. Lastly, they were asked' Who among you visited a sick person today? The same Abu Bakare said I am.... This was where Umar became envious of Abu Bakare's onerous leading feat in all and he resolved to equal if not surpass Abu Bakare. 

He came to the Messenger with half of his wealth. Curiously, the Messenger asked him: 'what did you leave for your family?' Umar said the like of the quantity (half). When Abu Bakare was informed about Umar's resolves he brought for the Messenger in charity virtually all his wealth. He was equally asked: 'what did you leave for your family?' He said in response that 'I left only Allah and the Prophet's provision for them.'

From the above narrative, it is crystal-clear that resting on hoarse or being complascent on certain gesture or the other done towards Allah is rather dangerous. Reason being that no one is sure whether or not the gesture is acceptable before Allah. The parting shot from this appears that the current generation, of course, the crop of members in ADS Ipaja and other Branches have lessons to learn from the selflessness of the Companions and by extension, ADS founding fathers. The last one hundred years in Nigeria would be written of ADS in gold where history of socio-religious activities counts.

Three theories from the Qur'an suffice here in terms of charting the cause of felicity. These concepts appear rather interwoven and inter-dependent in nature and practice. Firstly, Allah (SWT) gives comparative advantage of Al-Musabaqah (healthy competition) (Qur'an 57:21) in the way of Allah such as the cause ADS serves well. This is best practced without looking or waiting for another party to strike. Secondly, Al-Musara'ah (Un-alloyed rivalry Qur'an 3:133) in goodness as capable avenue to attract greater reward. To crown it all, the concept of Al-Munafasah فليتنا فس المتنافسون) portends proper engagement, wishing and inviting others to partake in the virtuous way and it is always consequential to all noble ideas.

Indeed, a well-meaning member of ADS specifically and other Islamic Organizations in general finds challenge in emulation the frontline Sahabah. More importantly, Jihad (Strife in Allah) in its pristine context had gone beyond physical armstrong to several Educative and recent Artificial Intelligence stuff to conquered world mentality. It is to this end that all manners of developmental variables should be deployed to advance the cause of Islam at one time or the other.

A clear picture of Jihad is painted for better reward in Qur'an 22:77 thus: 'And strive in His cause as you ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the religion of your father Ibrahim. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and you be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular prayer, give Zakat and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector - the Best to protect and the Best to help!' This shows that efforts to move ADS and Islam forward is unlimited and taking chunks of it at disposal goes a long way.

Above all, the noble Messenger sums up this narrative by saying: 'Per adventure if the Last Day comes unto any of you and you happen to be in charge of Fasilah (nursed date plant meant for planting), he should strive to plant same (in spite of all odds).' This tradition shows that neither should a Muslim procarastinate nor renege on promise or trust but deliver appropriately. 

Summarily, it offers that three things that are customarily enjoined during every Jum'at khutbah such as justice, kindness and giving to the kindreds as against three principalities often kicked against such as lewdness, wickedness and oppression are in the same proportion. Taking admonition regarding embracing the former is admirable contrary to dispataging the latter.

Wishing ADS Ipaja Branch many more years of fruitful and successful engagement. Till we meet again in the next edition, thanks for you being there always. Ma'as Salaamah.

DR RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN,

Imam Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Ipaja Branch Lagos State.

- Nigeria