By Araba, Olawale Enifenilanfe:
The Honorable Babajimi Adegoke Benson, Mhr, Member of the House of Representatives for Ikorodu Federal Constituency and Chairman of the Committee on Defence, in collaboration with the NASRUL-LAHI-IL-Faith Society (NASFAT), Ikorodu Branch, hosted the second edition of the Ramadan Public Lecture on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
The event, held at the Ikorodu Federal Constituency office, plot 48, Ebute-Igbogbo Road off Sholebo Gate, Ikorodu, Lagos state, Nigeria, was themed “There Is No Help Except Allah.” The lecture aimed to educate the community on the moral teachings extracted from the Holy Quran, specifically chapter 2, verse 177, which underscores that true righteousness is not merely about physical direction in prayer but encompasses belief in Allah, compassion toward others, fidelity, and other core principles.
This verse expresses that external religious expressions alone do not suffice for divine acceptance and outlines actions indicative of righteousness, including:
– Providing charity to relatives, orphans, the impoverished, travellers, and beggars;
– Establishing regular prayer;
– Paying obligatory alms-tax;
– Upholding promises;
– Exercising patience in times of hardship and conflict;
– Emancipating slaves;
– Generously distributing wealth, even when one has a fondness for it.
These principles elucidate the practice of a holistic approach to religion.
Sheikh AbdulRaszaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, the Grand Mufti of Yoruba Land, Edo, and Delta, delivered the lecture. He emphasized that “humanity precedes religion,” asserting that practising Islam devoid of compassion is akin to serving Almighty Allah without fulfilling the obligation of zakat. Moreover, he highlighted the essential nature of zakat as a mandatory charitable contribution, recognized as one of the five pillars of Islam.
Sheikh Ishola remarked upon the compassion demonstrated by Western nations toward all forms of life, including humans, dolphins, dogs, and birds.
He also addressed the relevance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in fostering global well-being. The MDGs represent eight objectives established by the United Nations aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the world’s most disadvantaged populations, while the SDGs encompass a broader agenda to eradicate poverty and inequality, safeguard the planet, and ensure health, justice, and prosperity for all.
In conclusion, Sheikh Ishola commended Representative Babajimi Adegoke Benson for his commendable efforts toward sustainable development in the Ikorodu Division and his genuine concern for the welfare of its residents.
He stated, “Jimi Benson has established a notable legacy in promoting good governance and representation,” and attributed significant merit to him as deserving of reputable accolades.
“No religion surpasses humanity,” he added.
In the closing remarks, Mayor Muyideen Sanwoola, Director General of iCare Foundation and Executive Assistant to the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, expressed gratitude to all attendees, noting that their presence serves as a favour to the iCare Foundation.
He also extended best wishes to the Muslim women in honour of International Women’s Day 2025. The event concluded with a prayer and distribution of Ramadan gifts.
LaRoyal Global Community News 🌐: 2025 © Edition.
