NASFAT urges Muslims to pray for peace, unity

Hundreds of Muslim faithful gathered at the headquarters of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) in Aseese, Ogun, to observe the organisation’s annual Laylatul Qadr, with its president, Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulrauf Abdulwahid, urging prayers for peace across troubled regions and unity among communities.

Laylatul Qadr, known in Islam as the Night of Power, is believed to be more rewarding than a thousand months and is observed during the final ten days of Ramadan.

Addressing worshippers during the spiritual gathering, Ayodeji described the night as a period for reflection, forgiveness, and renewed commitment to faith.

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He said the night holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims as it marks the period when the Qur’an was first revealed.

“Laylatul Qadr is a night of immense spiritual significance. It is a night of mercy, forgiveness, destiny and divine elevation. It is also the night when the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind,” he said.

According to him, the sacred night offers believers an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with God, seek forgiveness, and renew their dedication to righteous living.

Ayodeji noted that this year’s observance comes at a time when the world is facing numerous challenges, including armed conflicts, economic hardship, and humanitarian crises.

He said ongoing wars and political tensions in different regions have displaced millions of people and left many families struggling with poverty and uncertainty.

“These global challenges remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility as members of one Ummah. When one part suffers, the rest must feel the pain,” he said.

The NASFAT president, therefore, urged Muslims to use the spiritual atmosphere of Laylatul Qadr to pray for peace in conflict zones, relief for the oppressed, and healing for those facing illness and hardship.

He also called for prayers for stability and prosperity in Nigeria.
Ayodeji cautioned Muslims against allowing global political tensions to create religious divisions within their communities.

Referring to geopolitical rivalries involving global powers, he said such conflicts should not be interpreted as religious disputes.

“Muslims must not allow tensions involving countries such as the United States, Israel and Iran to trigger religious divisions within our communities. These conflicts are largely struggles for strategic dominance and influence rather than religious differences,” he said.

He also warned young people against being influenced by extremist narratives or becoming involved in geopolitical conflicts that contradict Islamic values.

The NASFAT president further urged members of the organisation to reflect the teachings of Islam by promoting peace, unity, and development within their communities.

“As members of NASFAT, our mission goes beyond personal piety. We are called to be ambassadors of peace, unity and development within our communities and the nation,” he said.

As part of activities marking the night, NASFAT also provided financial support to some of its members to strengthen their businesses.

Ten beneficiaries drawn from the organisation’s seven zones received cash grants to help expand their small-scale enterprises.

The initiative, according to the organisation, forms part of its efforts to promote economic empowerment and social support among members, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

Ayodeji also expressed appreciation to donors, volunteers, and members who contributed to the success of NASFAT’s Ramadan programmes and ongoing development projects.

He thanked individuals who have supported the construction of the mosque at the NASFAT Islamic Centre in Aseese, noting that the first phase of the project is nearing completion.

The NASFAT president appealed to members, branches, and other Muslim organisations to support the remaining phases of the project.

“We call on all our zones, branches and well-meaning Muslims to support the completion of the mosque and other development projects at the centre,” he said.

He encouraged worshippers to continue giving charity, offering prayers, and seeking forgiveness during the final days of Ramadan, while also praying for the acceptance of the fasting, prayers, and charitable acts of Muslims observing the holy month.

The gathering at the NASFAT Islamic Centre continued with prayers, supplications, and Qur’an recitations as worshippers sought divine blessings and forgiveness during the sacred night.