By Bilesanmi Abayomi
As Muslims prepare to commemorate the new year in the Islamic calendar with the beginning of Muharram, Imam Alli Bolaji Atunrase, the Imam at NASFAT Islamic Centre, Ota Ona annex, Ikorodu, has delivered a powerful message, urging Muslims to embrace the lessons of Hijrah by abandoning sinful acts and adopting a new and righteous lifestyle.
Imam Alli Atunrase shared his charge during the weekly Jumat prayers in Lagos last Friday, emphasizing that Hijrah signifies Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Medina and marks the end of the Islamic calendar year, ushering in the month of Muharram.
While highlighting the significance of Hijrah, the Imam emphasized that it goes beyond physical relocation from one place to another. He urged Muslims to embark on a spiritual Hijrah, leaving behind social vices and striving to win over their souls.
Imam Atunrase further advised that if individuals find themselves in an environment where things are not progressing as planned, they should consider making a change. He encouraged Muslims to step out of their comfort zones and seek new opportunities for growth and development.
“You might not witness an immediate change,” he explained, “but if you are engaged in a specific business, such as fixing generating sets, you can consider expanding your business to include the sale of spare parts. This diversification will enhance your service offerings and attract more customers. Always prioritize progress in your work.”
The Imam emphasized the importance of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in every endeavor, stating that without them, one would remain unproductive. He cited examples, saying, “Living in a rented house for 15 years without making any progress or purchasing land is not a sign of growth. If your job does not yield progress after 10 years, it may be time to consider other options.”
Imam Atunrase also stressed the significance of absolute belief and trust in God, especially during challenging times. He urged Muslims to plan for the future, engage in good deeds, and perform the obligatory five daily prayers at their designated times. He further emphasized that fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, while not obligatory, carries great reward.
“Hijrah teaches us to abandon bad character and embrace good character,” he stated. “We must take care of our parents, treat our spouses with respect, and love our neighbors as ourselves. We need to break free from harmful habits and make new resolutions for the new year. Say no to alcohol, pornography, smoking, and drugs.”
Regarding the recent viral video of a young man engaging in harmful behavior, Imam Atunrase highlighted the destructive nature of substance abuse and urged people to refrain from damaging their bodies with hard drugs. He emphasized the benefits of a simple meal at a local eatery compared to the detrimental effects of expensive drugs.
As the new month of Muharram begins, the Imam called on Muslims to abstain from gambling in all its forms, including dangerous challenges like flipping bottle gambling. He also cautioned against engaging in pedophilia, fornication, and excessive borrowing.