Islamic Cleric and Chief Imam of Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria, Ede Branch, Imam Dende Tijani has called on Muslims to ensure they take unity among family members and community as an act of Ibadah.
Imam Tijani said this on Saturday at the maiden Alhaji Tijani Ayinla Memorial Ramadan Lecture organised by Mansur Oladimeji Tijani Foundation (MOTIF) in collaboration with WeMatter Nigeria. The event was held in Ede, Osun State.
Alhaji Imam Dende Tijani described late Tijani Ayinla as a man who used his life to serve as a point of unity and dedication, stating he is happy that “Alhaji Tijani’s legacy still lives on even after 53 years since he passed.”
He furthered by encouraging everyone present to embrace the act of service and worship to Almighty Allah.
He said “ Worshipping entails more than just prayers and reading the Quran but it also involves teaching morals, dedication, living a life worthy of emulation just like the late Alhaji Tijani did.”
He spoke extensively on unity and urge the family to continue living according to the legacy of Alhaji Tijani Ayinla. “ He was like a mentor to a lot of us. He always made sure that peace was reigned, fought for the progress of the community and taught us the great lesson about unity within the family and the community.”
Mr Moshood Tijani the son of the late Tijani Ayinla said they (children) still remember the memory of their father by living with discipline and moral instilled in them.
He said, “My father died 53 years ago and as young as I was then, the main thing the old man used to instill in the children is that we should be respectful, we should know God, we should improve relationship with people, and we should be very serious about education and this is what has helped all of us today to be better people”
Alhaji Mumin Olalekan Salam one of the elders in the family expressed the impact of the program especially in the season of Ramadan and its good effect it will have on the unity of the family.
He said “The Alfa that gave the sermon today has told us a lot and the lesson we have learned today is that we have to follow the footsteps of our fathers so that this compound will continue to prosper”.
Speaking further, Alhaji Salam said the lecture has also brought the Àgbójà mosque project in to the fore again and that he will lead the actualization of the project.
“I also spoke about the mosque project yet to to be completed. We have a lot to do and we have raised the issue and as we have started this, we will see it through”.
Mansur Oladimeji Tijani Foundation is a non-governmental organization that focuses on empowering people at the grassroots through education, healthcare, economic empowerment, among others.
As part of the programme for Saturday, no fewer than 400 fasting Muslims got iftar package at the event.
Present at the programme include Alhaji Bello Abubakar Adetoro, Ustaz Musibaudeen Orimadegun, among other Islamic scholars.
Clerics also offered prayers to the Agboja family, Ede, Osun State and Nigeria at large.
