The Founder of Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, Dr. Sarafudeen Aliagan, has urged Muslims to renew their faith and remain steadfast in fulfilling their religious responsibilities in order to attain the blessings promised by Allah and Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Aliagan made this appeal during the 2025 Annual Maulud Nabiyy Celebration and Family Picnic held on Sunday in Abuja.
The event, themed “The Ummah in Today’s World: Building Resilient Faith, Family and Community through Prophetic Values,” was organised by the foundation to reflect on the significance of faith and resilience in contemporary society.
Aliagan explained that faith is central to the existence of every believer and must be constantly nurtured.
“One cannot truly remain a creature of God without having unwavering faith in the Creator. That faith must be developed and sustained,” he said.
He noted that the theme was chosen because of the gradual decline of faith among many who profess to believe in God.
“We realised that faith is diminishing in the hearts of some believers. This gathering aims to help rekindle and strengthen that faith, ensuring it remains firm and unshaken,” he added.
Aliagan reminded participants that challenges are inevitable for everyone, regardless of status.
“Even the President faces immense challenges due to the weight of leadership. So, when trials come, instead of asking ‘why me,’ we should understand that being tested is part of having faith. No one has faced greater trials than the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and his life serves as a model for us. Challenges are temporary, but faith and resilience help us overcome them,” he said.
He encouraged Muslims to hold firmly to their faith, remain resilient in difficult times, and stay prayerful for a stronger and united Ummah.
Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Chairman of the occasion and Board Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority, highlighted the importance of Maulud as an act of remembrance and devotion.
“After the Prophet’s passing, scholars composed special Sub-Salat to praise and honour him. More importantly, he left us with two guiding lights: the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Celebrating his birth reminds us of his teachings and practices, which are especially important in times when knowledge-seeking has declined,” Oloriegbe said.
He urged Muslims to emulate the Prophet’s way of life to achieve success in this world and the hereafter.
Guest Speaker, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, emphasized the need for Muslims to fulfil their responsibilities to their families, communities, and faith as prescribed in the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
Olohungbebe, who serves as the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development in Kwara State, also called for curriculum reforms in Islamic schools to include entrepreneurship and ICT, reflecting the evolving realities of modern society.
He further advocated for the empowerment of women, stressing that their active involvement is vital to societal growth and development.
The Maulud celebration featured separate sessions for men, women, and children, each tailored to engage participants meaningfully in the spirit of the occasion.