The Muslim Community of Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University (AATU), Oke-Ogba, Ganmo, in Kwara State, held its maiden Ramadan lecture, with a renowned Islamic scholar emphasising the spiritual and moral significance of fasting in Islam.

Delivering the lecture, Dr Ridwan Olagunju, a lecturer from University of Ilorin, spoke on the topic

"The Benefits of Ramadan from the Shariah Point of View," explained that fasting during the holy month of Ramadan plays a vital role in strengthening faith, nurturing piety, and guiding Muslims towards righteous living.

Drawing from the Holy Qur'an, particularly Chapter 2 Verse 183, the scholar explained that the central purpose of fasting is to develop taqwa, a deep sense of piety and consciousness of God, which, according to him, enables individuals to overcome personal and societal challenges. He noted that Ramadan serves as a spiritual training period during which Muslims imbibe discipline, patience, and moral uprightness.

According to the guest lecturer, engaging in acts of worship and other meritorious deeds during Ramadan helps believers reflect on their conduct and encourages them to maintain positive habits even after the holy month, adding that fasting is not merely abstinence from food and drink but a comprehensive act of devotion that shapes character and strengthens moral values.

Dr Olagunju also enumerated the social impact of Ramadan, stating that the observance of fasting helps reduce social vices, criminal tendencies, and immoral behaviour in society, pointing out that when individuals consciously restrain their desires and focus on worship, generosity, and compassion, communities naturally experience enduring peaceful coexistence.

Addressing the students present at the lecture, the Islamic law scholar cautioned them against engaging in acts that contradict the teachings of Islam, citing traditions of Prophet Muhammad, which highlight fasting as a means of cultivating modesty, self-control, and moral discipline.

He encouraged students to uphold the virtues of humility, kindness, and philanthropy both during Ramadan and beyond.

The lecturer further urged members of the university community to embrace charitable acts and support one another, noting that generosity remains one of the most significant virtues encouraged during the holy month. He cited the philanthropic disposition of the founder of the university, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin, describing it as a worthy example for students and staff to emulate in their daily interactions.

Dr Olagunju concluded his lecture with prayers for the continued growth and success of the institution, seeking divine blessings for the founder, the governing board, management, staff, and students of the university during the sacred period of Ramadan.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdulrauf Ambali, commended the students for their large turnout and encouraged them to remain committed to values like integrity, discipline, excellence, and focus throughout their academic journey. He highlighted the spiritual rewards associated with the month of Ramadan and described the lecture as a meaningful initiative by the AATU Muslim community to deepen spiritual awareness on campus.

Prof. Ambali who formally declared the maiden lecture open, restated the commitment of the University towards raising disciplined, highly focused world class graduates, contributing meaningfully to global development.

The programme attracted several members of the university community, including the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Moshood Zakariyah, Deputy Registrar Dr Adelodun Ajao, Dr Abdulhakeem Saraki, Sub-Dean of Student Affairs Dr Aliyu Seriki, the Chief Imam Ustaz Katibi, as well as heads of departments and lecturers.

Highlights of the occasion included the recitation of the Holy Qur'an and a Moqola, a traditional panegyric performed by students of the university to welcome the guest lecturer.