– Let’s buy into dream of hereafter- Ebiti
In a bold declaration of their commitment to progress, the Island Muslim Community (IMC) has unveiled ambitious plans to address the pressing needs of their community in Lagos State. With unwavering resolve, they embark on the endeavor to establish a sacred resting place, a beacon of healing, a haven for the orphaned, and a hub of knowledge and discovery. Through these noble endeavors, they aim to overcome the hurdles that have long plagued their community, ushering in a new era of hope and prosperity for all.
At the vibrant “Iftar with IMC 2.0” event, Alhaji Jaiyeola AbdulSalam, the visionary project coordinator, took center stage. Amidst the aroma of delicious delicacies wafting through the air, he passionately articulated the deeper purpose behind the gathering. Beyond merely breaking fast, it was a momentous occasion to connect, to unify, and to enlighten the community members about the transformative journey of the four cardinal projects. With each word resonating hope and progress, Alhaji AbdulSalam painted a vivid picture of empowerment and collective growth, inspiring all present to envision a brighter future together.
“Lands and buildings for the four projects have been donated by individual members of IMC. Our star project which is the cemetery, received a boost about three months ago when we got a donation of about 10,000 square meters at Ikorodu to build and develop the cemetery project. Alhamdulillah for the donor who has given us this land pro bono. We have done some work on the survey, we have done architectural drawings and have equally been able to do the total bill to finance it.
“It’s going to cost 211 million (today’s price) to develop the cemetery. The building of the orphanage will be rebuilt to meet government standards. The women and children hospital will be built at Sangotedo and the land donated to us in Osapa will be used for administrative, research and Arabic school.”
In a passionate plea to the community, he rallied individuals to back the project both with their wallets and their wisdom, beseeching them to lend their expertise and financial support. With fervor in his voice, he implored them to spread the word far and wide on behalf of the IMC, calling for a united effort to ensure the project’s fruition. And as he concluded his impassioned speech, he humbly asked for their prayers, believing in the power of collective hope to see the project through to completion.
In a stirring call to action, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, the Chairman of IMC, has passionately encouraged Muslims to embrace social welfare initiatives as a means to uplift the Ummah. With fervent determination, he implored believers to join hands in projects aimed at fostering positive change within their communities. Ebiti’s resounding plea resonated with a vision of unity and compassion, igniting a flame of hope for a brighter future.
“Let’s buy into the dream of the hereafter. I believe it is time for all of us as Muslims to start having institutions, not just only banks. Nobody is going to provide it for us except ourselves.”
Chief Imam Lighthouse, Imam Nojeem Jimoh, commended Muslim brothers and sisters who contributed towards the smooth running of the projects.
“I call on those joining us for the first time to try and emulate, who knows who Allah will use among us to take this project to the next level. Brothers and sisters, please come forward to contribute to the work of Allah and let Allah use you as He has used other people.”
The Ameerah Muslim Sisters’ Circle, Alhaja Adeyemi, appreciated members of the community’s passion for the project.
“I’m so proud of the Muslim Ummah to have gone this far in a short period. I encourage every one of us to accept the fact that whatever we give to Allah will be rewarded in multiple as promised in the Holy Qur’an. So, let us give our best. I pray Allah (SWT) to make it easy for every one of us.”
The Vice Chairman IMC, Alhaji Tijani Borodo, thanked the Muslim Ummah of VGC for hosting the gathering, noting that the primary objective of IMC is to bring all the Muslim ummah on the island together to do things that will please Allah (SWT).
In a compelling address, Al-Imam Hussain Bin Hyacinth, the distinguished Senior Broadcaster and revered Voice of Nigeria (VON), delivered a thought-provoking message. He illuminated the profound impact of interest-based transactions on the Muslim ummah, attributing much of today’s societal afflictions to this practice. With eloquence and conviction, he advocated for a return to the pure teachings of Islam as the unequivocal remedy. His words resonated deeply, stirring hearts and igniting a fervent call to rediscover the spiritual path toward redemption and harmony.
In a profound reflection, he emphasized that the primary hurdle facing the Muslim Ummah is the veil of ignorance shrouding Islam. He urged Muslims to embark on a journey back to the roots of their faith, to rediscover and embrace the true essence of Islamic knowledge.
“We don’t practice what we study. Some of us have the knowledge but we don’t practice it and we use it to suffocate others. We use the knowledge for only our self interests.
“How then do we expect development and progress with this kind of attitude as an ummah?. We have a total number of 57 OIC member states which Nigeria is also a member. Looking at the total GDP of the Muslim ummah which is around 18 percent of the global GDP, despite that, we are still lacking in terms of material resources.
“We can never get a solution from those who are the causes and the principal part of our problem, the West in particular. So, no amount of aid or support that comes from the West can help us but rather drown us in the ocean of problems. Since the West has failed us, why don’t we try the East? Instead of wasting so many resources sending people to the West, why don’t we send them to the Arab world to study? Why don’t we try the east and see what will happen?
“The Muslim ummah is not united, owing to tribalism. We consider tribalism first; we are not bothered by the spirit of Islam. We can never make progress in as much as the goal we pursue as a people, as an ummah is to consider where somebody comes from first instead of competency.”
