An Islamic organization, Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), has affirmed that peace and non-violence are important factors in every society that seeks development, progress and unity, saying that a multilingual and multicultural society like Nigeria needs to continue to work for peace and non-violence.
NASFAT President, Worldwide, Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulwahid AbdulRauf, said this on Tuesday in Lagos at a world press conference held to kick-start the 30th anniversary of the Islamic organization, cautioning Nigerians and political class worldwide who sought power and leadership positions, by all means, to desist from such.
AbdulRauf, while cautioning against seeking leadership positions as well as supporting a particular leader not to be a do-or-die affair, said it was common knowledge that society was more prosperous during the time of peace and non-violence.
According to him, these elements lead to the rapid developmental growth of any given society, adding: “To this end, peace and non-violence become desirable.”
NASFAT President, while pointing out that lovers of peace preached non-violence as nothing could be more desirable, sadly recalled that some nations across the world had gone to war due to poor leadership, amongst other factors.
“Some leaders have gone to war just to massage their ego rather than broker peace and pursue non-violence. Some leaders too, cannot accommodate dissident’s voices.
“This brings about chaos in the society and raises tensions (Ukraine, Gaza, Syria and others). This opposition can be clamped down and freedom guaranteed by the constitution is threatened. The practice of tolerance becomes important in this regard,” he said.
He, however, asserted that NASFAT had imbibed purposeful leadership, tolerance, peace and non-violence in handling internal and external issues “over the last 29 years of our journey with spiritual guidance.”
“In NASFAT, we have established that tolerance as purposeful leadership cannot be devoid of peace and non-violence. To keep the peace, leadership must embrace tolerance; leaders as well as followers, are to have the virtue of tolerance to resolving crises of all forms and aggression,” he said.
On the achievements recorded by the Islamic organization over the years, Alhaji AbdulRauf said NASFAT had delivered welfare and community services with sufficient pace to adjust to emerging challenges in society.
He disclosed that NASFAT, with branches in “over 360 locations across the globe, had 28 primary schools, 8 secondary schools, 5 hospitals/clinics, 1 internationally acclaimed and dynamic university and nine other agencies.”
“Through the collective work of NASFAT stakeholders, members and partners, we continue to strive towards our vision of being a pace-setting Islamic organization with global acceptance and develop enlightened Muslims for spiritual upliftment and welfare of mankind fostering an enabling and vibrant Islamic community where Muslims enrich society through the values of Islam,” AbdulRauf said.
The Chairman of the 30th Anniversary Committee of NASFAT, Alhaji Isaiaq Kayode Oshinuga, in his welcome address, highlighted the need for peace and non-violence, saying that the Islamic organization was making the world more peaceful, providing leadership and acting as a change agent.
He said the press conference marked the beginning of the 30th anniversary of the organization to showcase its achievements over the years, urging for media support in reporting the events widely.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of NASFAT, Alhaji AbdulLateef Olawale Olasupo, congratulated members, leaders and elders of the organization for witnessing the event, just as he quickly recalled that NASFAT started with seven families and over the years grew to about 360 branches across the globe.
The BoT chairman appreciated God for the growth so far recorded by NASFAT and congratulated members on the occasion, adding: “With what God has given us, we had contributed to Islam and humanity.”
Activities lined up for the anniversary include: Flag off, Special Asalatu & Prayer Session and Charity Activity; Jummat Service to commemorate the anniversary, Anniversary Walk Campaign against Child Girl Abuse and Gender Violence; Work for better community involving clean up of the market, mosque and public places, Charity visitation to Government Hospital, orphanages, rehabilitation centres and distribution of palliatives to the host communities; youth sports day, among others.
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