AN Islamic scholar, 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 Aliwo Royal Family, held at Ile Alfa Compound, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The lecture, entitled ‘Qadar: Why is it so difficult to understand?’ was attended by Ile Alfa sons, daughters, royal fathers, princes and princesses of the Aliwo royal family and personalities across different religious groups in the state.
He explained that no Muslim faithful would be spiritually complete without believing that whatever befell him could not have missed him and whatever 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 Qur’an 54:49: “Indeed, all things We created with predestination.”
He admonished Muslims to trust in and rely on Allah, urging them to strive to seek the “Night of Destiny,” as it is hidden in one of the last 10 nights of the month of Ramadan.
He explained that the last 10 days of Ramadan were special in the life of every Muslim, pointing out that they were the most blessed days in the holy month.
According to him, Prophet Muhammad used to devote himself to worship during the last 10 days of the month, hoping to be closer to Allah.
He stated that if one believes in qadar, they would be optimistic knowing that the One who had put them in their 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.
“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.”
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 stated.
In a remark, the senator representing Oyo South district and the chairman of the occasion, who also represented the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Kola Balogun, said the lecture was important because everything said was an inspiration from the Qur’an and Hadith.
Balogun 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, urging them to keep the flag flying.
He explained that Ile Alfa was a place where the entire Aliwo family drew their Islamic inspiration till date.
Earlier, the chairman of the organising committee, Dr Rasheed Fasasi, said the lecture was to enlighten the public and attract enduring rewards to their forefathers.
Fasasi said the lecture had been used to cement relationships among all sons and daughters of Ile Alfa and commended the entire family for making the event a success.
Dignataries at the lecture include the Onido of Idoland, Oba Muritala Babalola; Head of Media, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun; members of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) and imams and alfas.a
