The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has commended the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit for intentionally transforming the lives of Muslim youths through their laudable programmes.
Dr Hamzat spoke at the grand finale of the 19th biennial Lagos Qur’an Competition organised by the MSSN Lagos State Area Unit in honour of the society’s pioneer national president, Dr Abdul Lateef Adegbite, at Ade Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG.
He said: “If it was possible for me to be a child again, I would have joined the competition to recite and contend with others. This is a laudable initiative that can transform the lives of youngsters and the Muslim ummah in entirety. We should emulate what MSSN is doing. The public needs to see what these children are doing. Memorising the Qur’an is not an easy task. Allah alone makes it easy and possible.”
The deputy governor called on Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad in words and actions.
Dr. Hamzat, who was represented by Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, said: “We should all emulate the deeds of our noble Prophet (SAW) and his traditions. If you read his history, you’ll realise that his secretary, Zaid bn Thabit, started writing the Qur’an at the age of 15.
“In essence, age doesn’t really matter. It’s about the path every individual chooses to tread. So, every parent should set a right path for their children.”
A senior lecturer of Islamic Studies at Al-Hikmah University Ilorin, Dr. Sanusi Lafiagi, stressed the need for Muslims to individually and as a Ummah conform with the messages of the Qur’an.
He said: “The Qur’an provides directions and guidance for Muslims spiritually, morally, socially, economically, and politically. It’s a compass that guides a Muslim on how to lead his life and attain eternal bliss.
He expressed great delight in seeing young Muslims adorn the Qur’an with beautiful recitations.
“I’m glad this is happening in Lagos, and it’s the 19th edition. The brothers have really gone far in promoting the culture of reading and memorising the Qur’an. I’m delighted to be a part of this. “I’ll advise the organisers to give this programme more publicity, so that more people can be a part of it. I also urge Muslims in positions of authority to grace occasions like this with their presence. It’s a way of showing reverence to the Qur’an,” he said.
MSSNLagos Amir Kamoldeen Abiona, noted that the students’ body remains committed to nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and moral development of Muslim students.
“We will continue to organize programs and initiatives that promote the understanding and practice of Islam, and that empower our youth to become responsible and contributing members of society,” he said.
He urged Muslims and youths to embrace the Quran as their unfailing compass and strive to build a society that is guided by its principles.
Abiona appealed to the government and the Muslim community to honor the legacy of the Late Alhaji Lateef Adegbite by upholding the values he championed.
Anas Ayub from Agbado-Okeodo Area Council tops 30 Juz male category at the competition while Rumaytha Abdul-Quadir from Fajr Centre won the female category.
Winners in other categories are Ridwanullah Ishaq; Nusaybah Bunyamin; Kamilah AbdulHafeez and Abbas Abdul Quadri.
