Scholars offer roadmap for addressing modern-day moral, spiritual crises

RENOWNED Islamic scholar, Professor Afis Oladosu, has emphasised the critical connection between faith, morality, and resilience in navigating today’s challenging environment.

Drawing from historical Islamic teachings and contemporary societal issues, Professor Oladosu made this analysis during the annual Ramadan lecture organised by the Muslim Pharmacists Association of Nigeria (MPAN).

Professor Oladosu’s address was complemented by insights from Dr. Zafaran Adeniyi, Chief Executive Officer of Vanguards Academy in Ogun State.

Dr. Adeniyi’s lecture, titled ‘Rebuilding Faith, Morality, and Courage in a Challenging Environment’, provided a roadmap for addressing modern-day moral and spiritual crises.

He highlighted the erosion of values due to materialism, social media, corruption, and poverty, and proposed strategies for rebuilding societal resilience through faith and moral reawakening.

Earlier, Prof. Oladosu had underscored the role of faith as a cornerstone of resilience.

“Faith is not merely a belief system; it is a source of strength that enables individuals and communities to withstand adversity,” he stated.

He referenced the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the resilience of the early Muslims as examples of how faith can inspire courage and perseverance in the face of trials.

Dr. Adeniyi’s lecture echoed the sentiment, emphasising that faith serves as a “safety valve” against the pressures of modern life.

He argued that spiritual practices, such as supplication and regular engagement with spiritual literature, can help individuals maintain their moral compass in an increasingly materialistic world.

Both Prof. Oladosu and Dr. Adeniyi stressed the importance of morality in combating societal ills, such as corruption and indecency.

Prof. Oladosu noted that morality, rooted in faith, acts as a shield against the temptations of immoral behaviour and the plots of Satan.

“When morality is eroded, society becomes vulnerable to corruption and moral decay,” he warned.

Dr. Adeniyi expanded on this idea, proposing practical strategies for moral reawakening. These include regular spiritual and moral programmes, community engagement initiatives, and the creation of cooperative alternatives to combat poverty and social isolation.

He also emphasised the importance of family meetings and welfare programmes as tools for rebuilding moral values at the grassroots level.

Prof. Oladosu, therefore, called for a collective effort to rebuild resilience in the face of modern challenges.

He urged Muslim communities to draw inspiration from the resilience of the early Muslims, who faced immense trials but remained steadfast in their faith and morality.

“In today’s world, where social media and materialism often lead to isolation and the erosion of values, we must return to the principles of faith and morality to build a resilient society,” he said.

Dr. Adeniyi then provided a practical complement to Prof. Oladosu’s call, outlining specific steps for fostering resilience. These include the propagation of moral values, modulation of negative influences, and the creation of supportive community networks.

The combined insights of the two scholars offered a direction for addressing the moral and spiritual challenges of contemporary times.

Prof. Oladosu said, “The end of all trials lies in our ability to hold fast to our faith and moral principles, and to support one another in the journey toward a better society.”

A unique benefit of the annual programme was a comprehensive medical check-up for participants.

The event was attended by eminent figures in the pharmaceutical practice and business in Oyo State, including the chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Musliudeen Adigun Emiola; the Amir of MPAN, Alhaja Abiola Peller; Alhaji Taofeek Odukoya; Alhaji Muyiwa Adedeji; Alhaji Rahman Oyewole; Alhaji Mubaraq Olowokere; and Dr. Zaynul-Abideen AbdGaniyy.

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