The Grand Sheikh of Muslims’ In Light Organisation Sufi Centre, Dr Rasheed Akinbile, has stated reasons why Nigerians should return to God as the country is faced with economic challenges.
Akinbile emphasised that Nigerians need to return to God for spiritual connection and inner richness, which, according to him, are essential to overcoming adversity.
Speaking during the 35th anniversary of the organisation Al Murshid 2024 in Ibadan on Sunday, Akinbile urged government leaders to align their actions with divine principles of fairness and justice.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by the current economic transition and encouraged Nigerians to remain resilient while the government works to restructure the economy and lay the foundation of prosperity for the country.
He encouraged Nigerians to see every hardship as an opportunity for spiritual growth and personal development.
Akinbile urged the public to find solace in prayer and reflection, using these practices as tools to navigate the country’s challenges.
Speaking on the theme “Possessors of Power and Vision,” Akinbile cited Chapter 3, Verse 26 of the Qur’an, adding that Islam emphasises governance, where leaders work for the common good.
He said, “My message to Nigerians is that we need to return to God. Let each person reconnect with their soul through prayers.
“In God, there is no lack, sickness, or poverty. Every human has been given something unique within themselves, and exploring this inner richness is the key to a fulfilled life. For the past 35 years, we have engaged in teachings aimed at bringing people back to God. Anyone who receives the Divine Light of Allah will be successful and find peace.
“Every challenge is an opportunity to succeed in life. Embrace this through praises, prayers, reflection, and dhikr (remembrance of Allah). God has granted you these tools to navigate the challenges you face.”
He charged political leaders and public administrators to see power as a prominent gift from God
He advised that politicians use political power positively on the lives of the people.
Speaking on the nation’s present difficulties, he reminded Nigerians that hardships, although painful, can foster resilience and spur creativity.
He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to rise above the current struggles, urging citizens to look inward and draw from divine abundance to transform adversity into progress.
Reassuring Nigerians that trials are temporary while God’s blessings are eternal, Akinbile spoke on the importance of holding onto hope, even in the darkest times.
“It is possible to overcome the hardships confronting the nation. These difficulties are a call to draw upon our inner resources and bring forth the best from God’s abundance. This is a time for innovation and creation at our highest potential”, he concluded.
Speaking, the lawmaker representing Ibadan Northwest/Southwest Federal Constituency, Honourable Adedeji Olajide, also known as Odidiomo, appealed to Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance.
Olajide, who was the chairman of the occasion, emphasised the role of tolerance in fostering harmony and understanding among the country’s diverse religious communities.
He said, “Religious tolerance is not just a necessity but a vital component for peace and progress in our diverse nation, and urged attendees to embrace the values of coexistence, compassion, and dialogue, which are fundamental to the teachings of various faiths.
Olajide lauded the founder of the Sufi Centre for his decades of commitment to promoting peace and unity among Muslims while stating that his unwavering leadership has been instrumental in guiding the centre towards becoming a place of hope and an example of what can be achieved through mutual respect and collaboration.
Also present at the event were the Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who was represented by the Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Olufemi Ogunwale, and Chief Imam of Ibadan and Yorubaland, Sheikh Abdulghaniyy Agbotomokekere, who was represented by Khalifah Ismail Olaide Yussuf.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more.
Join our WhatsApp Channel now