As reported by Daily Trust, over 300 Imams and internationally renowned Islamic scholars have gathered in Ajase-Ipo, Kwara State, to discuss their roles and responsibilities in fostering national unity. The programme, themed ‘Sound Imam, Sound Jama’ah’, was organised by the Daaru-s Sa’aadah Islamic Centre.

This marks the first time the event has been held in Kwara State since the centre, based in Ogun State, initiated the programme in 2016. Among the notable participants was the Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organizations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i, a key trustee of the organisation.

During the opening ceremony, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, and the Chief Imam of the community, Sheikh Taofik Aliyu Atoloye, emphasized the importance of the conference in preserving the teachings of Islam. They noted that through the enlightenment of clerics, the Imams will be better equipped to guide the community towards righteousness and strengthen the bonds of national unity.

They added that the community had longed for a gathering of such magnitude that will change the landscape of Islamic practice and understanding positively for the Imams.

One of the Guest Speakers, Prof AbdulRasaq Abdulmajeed Alaro, in a lecture titled ‘Responsibilities and duties of Imam’, noted that the position of Imam is an office of responsibility and not just a title.

He charged the Imams to be awakened to their duties of leading the congregation to the right path in line with the Islamic teachings

Prof Alaro, a CBN consultant in Islamic banking, urged Imams to revive the mosque to serve its educational and conflict resolution needs of the Muslims among others.

“Imam should always lead the congregation in prayer, be a role model and a spiritual guide through his sermons and preachings.

“They have an economic role to look after the welfare of the congregants by encouraging the wealthy members of his congregation to render financial assistance and empowerment to the indigent members,” he said.

On his part, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Lagos, Dr. Ridwanullah Jamiu, encouraged Imams to be positive agents in achieving National Unity for the country.

He added that ,“The mosque is a community centre and the Imam is a symbol of unity for all the Muslims who irrespective of their ethnicity, culture and political leanings line up behind him in prayer.

“The Imam is meant to foster national unity and strengthen it by encouraging mutual love among the people irrespective of our differences”.

He further noted that the mosque is not just a place where people come to pray but an avenue of togetherness and service that cuts across the social, economic, intellectual and psychological aspect of the congregation.

Jamiu stressed that, “the mosque is meant to be a multipurpose and educational centre to learn about faith, economic empowerment through Zakat and sadaqah and a place of fellowship where people are brought together irrespective of their social and economic status.”

A member of the organising committee, Imam Ismail Yusuf, while speaking to the newsmen said “over 300 Imams mostly the southern Yoruba communities of Kwara State and its environs were assembled to expose them to their roles and modern trends in order to discharge their obligations as spiritual leaders”.

The convener of the conference, Hajia Rahmatallahi Akansin said the rationale behind the conference is to increase the knowledge of the leaders of the Islamic faith who are tasked with the role of correcting the ills in society.