The Muslim Congress (TMC) has called for greater unity among Muslims.
Speaking during a congratulatory visit to the newly appointed Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani, the delegation prayed for Allah’s guidance, wisdom and good health for the new Chief Imam as he assumes the revered religious office.
Ustadh Harun Ali, who spoke on behalf of the group, said TMC remains committed to the propagation of Islam and the promotion of unity among Muslims wherever they may be.
He described the appointment as a source of joy, noting that although Sheikh Dasuki had long maintained a cordial relationship with members of the organisation, his elevation to the office of Chief Imam marked a new chapter in the religious history of the Ilorin Emirate.
“TMC is deeply concerned about the development of Islam and strives for the unity of Muslims wherever they are. Apart from the fact that our father, the new Chief Imam, has been a close friend, this position is unique and special.
“It is an appointment that will go down in history as a significant event in the annals of Islam in Kwara State.
“We pray that Almighty Allah grants our father the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to pilot the affairs of this exalted office, preserves him in good health and blesses him with a long and fruitful life,” Harun said.
Professor Nafiu Mikail of the Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin described the appointment as an answer to the prayers of generations of Muslim faithful for the continued progress of Islam and the preservation of the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
He said the emergence of Sheikh Dasuki presents another opportunity to strengthen Islamic values, scholarship and peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths within and beyond the Ilorin Emirate.
Also speaking, Ustadh Mustapha Taiye Agaka urged members of the Muslim community to support the Chief Imam with prayers, loyalty and cooperation to enable him to discharge the responsibilities of the office successfully.
Ustadh Hussein Onitira described the appointment as the manifestation of the good works and sincere prayers of the founding fathers and elders who laboured for the growth of Islam in Ilorin.
He expressed confidence that Allah would continue to guide Sheikh Dasuki in providing purposeful leadership for the Muslim community.
Members of the delegation also commended the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for finding Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani worthy of the appointment.
Responding, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani thanked members of TMC for the visit and commended the organisation for its sustained commitment to the propagation of Islam through religious, educational and humanitarian programmes.
Represented by the Magaji of Iman Fulani Compound, Mallam Abubakar Olatunji Imam Fulani, the Chief Imam said TMC has continued to distinguish itself by bringing together professionals, artisans, entrepreneurs and people from different backgrounds in the service of Islam.
He said the organisation reflects the universal message of Islam by promoting brotherhood beyond tribal, ethnic and geographical boundaries.
“That is why you are not concerned about where anyone comes from, his tribe or ethnicity, but are united by the banner of Islam. You do not discriminate against anyone because of his state or ethnic background once he professes Islam.
“At the same time, Islam teaches us to live peacefully with people of other faiths as neighbours in society,” he said.
The Chief Imam urged members of the Congress to remain steadfast in promoting Islamic values, unity, peaceful coexistence and the pursuit of knowledge, stressing that the growth of Islam depends on sincerity, mutual respect and service to humanity.
Also speaking, the Daudu of Alapa, Mallam Saka Yusuf, offered prayers for Allah’s continuous guidance, protection and wisdom for the new Chief Imam.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a copy of the Holy Qur’an by The Muslim Congress to Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as a symbol of support, goodwill and prayers for a successful tenure.
Daily Trust reports that Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani was recently appointed the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin following the recommendation of the Emirate’s Council of Ulama, succeeding Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu Al-Fulani.