The Grand Mufti of Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafii’ and former Chief Imam of University of Lagos, Professor Murital Bidmos have advised imams to always engage in halal business, vocation or other means of livelihood inorder to perform their responsibilities as expected, adding relying on the contraction for means of survival might erode Imam’s reputation, dignity and decency.
The Islamic scholars spoke during the 2024 annual Imams Conference organised by Lekki Muslim Ummah, LEMU, held at the Vice Admiral Jubrila Ayinla Multipurpose Hall, Lekki Central Mosque Complex. Lagos recently.
Sheikh Shaa’fi charged Imams in county to live up to expectations, adding that the position of imam lies a crucial responsibility which Allah will hold the Imam accountable as the organisation.
Shaa’fi said, “The imams too should look for means that will bring them income. Imams can learn vocation or engage in businesses. We cannot afford to rely on the congregation alone. We should carry ourselves with dignity and decency.”
“Our imams should lead by example, demonstrating great qualities for their followers to emulate.”
“It is important for the congregation to understand that the imam is their leader. Therefore, their welfare should be properly catered for. There should be a provision for the imam in the financial contributions coming to the mosque.
“Also, the wealthy ones amongst the congregation should always come through for the imam. When the imam gets this kind of support, he will take his position seriously and live up to expectations.”
Prof Bidmos who spoke on the topic, ‘Imams and the Need for Self-Development’, said that the Nigerian society needs the imams to perform their duties as religiously required.
“The imams are already in their various mosques doing da’wah, but they need this type of orientation from time to time to update their knowledge and improve their performance.
“The society is in dire need of the imams to guide the people. We have the problem of spiritual bankruptcy in Nigeria. The imams are the ones to wake up our spirituality. If they can do this successfully, then all other problems like insecurity, economic crisis will go to extinction. People create other problems because they are not thinking about God.
“We have to give the imams their respect in the society. The imams are the spiritual leaders; they should be allowed to dictate the tune so that our society can make progress. Society cannot make progress if we do not allow imams to call the shot.”
Sheikh Jamiu launches book on Da’wah
Highlight of the event was the launching of a book, titled: “The Etiquette of Da’wah” written in Arabic by the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr. Ridwan Jamiu.
The book, is a portpori of what Imam should know about Dawah, approaches, tips and methods from the Prophet’s Guidance.”
Dr. Jamiu urged Imams to see Islamic da’wah as a voluntary act of worship, for which they cannot enrich themselves, adding that imams should be decent in seeking wealth, and not to be seen extorting money from their followers.
According to him, “Propagating Islam has to be a voluntary act of worship. Some other times, it may be compulsory. The compulsory one, you don’t need to charge any money for it. The compulsory one is for members of your family, you have to admonish and guide them.
“It’s still da’wah. For every other person, it’s a voluntary act, and you are not also expected to charge anything for it. So, we should take da’wah as a voluntary act. We should not expect anything from people. But if anything comes from it, Alhamdulilah.
“Scholars should see themselves like every other person, especially in Nigeria where Islamic scholarship is not recognised. We are doing a thankless job. In Islamic countries, they know the worth of scholars. They can place them on salaries through waqf (endowment). But in Nigeria, that’s not the case.
“So, scholars should look for ways of finding their means of livelihood which must be halal. If they have the opportunity to preach, that will be great. But if they can’t combine, they should go for whatever is convenient for them. However, we should not use this as a cover to do what is forbidden and commit sins. We have to look for means of livelihood.”
Prof Abdul Hameed Akorede from Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, reviewed the book. A copy of the book was given to each participant’s free of charge, just as well-to-do individuals were encouraged to donate towards printing more copies of the book for the Ummah.
It’s a forum for unity – LEMU President
The President of LEMU, Alhaji AbdulGaniy Labinjo said that the conference was meant to enlighten imams and offer them an opportunity to exchange useful ideas in order to adequately and properly discharge their duties required of them.
“At Lekki Muslim Ummah, this is part of our da’wah activities. This is about the eighth edition of the Imams Conference. We choose topics that are relevant in order to enlighten the imams, and offer them a platform to exchange ideas,” adding that the forum provides an umbrella of unity for the ummah.
“So many things are happening in the world today which are not right. If we follow the sunnah and what Islam teaches us, the society will be in a better place. Since the Holy Prophet (SAW) is no more, we look up to the imams and alfas for guidance.
“The Society is not well today and this is because the imams are either not giving the right message or the Janat are not getting the message. So, there is a need for the imams to know the right message in order to connect with the society appropriately.
“If they get it right and we receiving the message also get it right, there should be a better ummah,” he said.
