An Islamic cleric and founder Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, Imam Sarafadeen Abdulsalam Ali-Agan, has admonished Muslims not to run away from challenges but face it head on. He said challenges, as part of human nature, make a better person who appreciate Allah more.
Ali-Agan gave the admonition at the Pre-Ramadan Lecture/Book Launch organised by the Federation of Muslims Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) on Sunday at the National Mosque, Abuja.
Speaking on the topic “Overcoming Challenges And Staying Motivated During Ramadan”, he said the steps needed to overcome challenges during the Holy Month is to prepare for it (Ramadan), making enough savings towards it, preserves the energy to fast and increase in Imaan (faith) to serve Allah.
He described Ramadan as month of examination when Almighty Allah test His creatures and month of transformation when a Muslim is expected to become a better person in deed and in trust.
“It’s very important to first prepare for Ramadan before its arrival and the challenges that comes with it. These challenges could be health-related, could be religious or social and could be economic or social. Nobody can run from challenges. You must be challenged to be a better person. Always go back to Allah when you have challenges and run to Him every time, anytime.
However, it’s advisable that you make enough savings for Ramadan, preserve your energy, sharpen or increase your Imaan (faith) and clean everything around you.
“Ramadan is the period to overcome challenges as it is a month of examination and transformation and it draws us closer to Almighty Allah. Reciting a lot of Astagfrullah (seeking forgiveness of sins), reading the Holy Quran and being convinced by what you are doing are some of the ways to stay motivated during Ramadan,” Ali-Agan said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Amira (leader) of FCT FOMWAN, Hajiya Fatima Isah Ndako, said the lecture is not only aimed at preparing for Ramadan, but to get the desired knowledge and to improve on ibadah (act of worship) during the month.
She said the vision of the Association, which was established in 1985, is to see women totally empowered and be role models in the society and contribute positively to national development. She said women being mothers of the nation help in nurturing and training leaders of tomorrow.
Tribune Online also reports that the occasion also witnessed the launch of a book titled, “FOMWAN FCT: Past, Present and Future” with over N5 million realised from donors.
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