Islamic scholar warns Muslims against neglecting family and moral values

Firdaus Obiremi

An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Abdul Hakeem Folorunsho Oyegunle, has urged Muslims to prioritize family well-being, sound moral education and financial responsibility, warning that wealth, foreign education and outward religious practices cannot replace good character..

Oyegunle, the Mufassir of the Onikolobo Muslim Community Central Mosque, Abeokuta, Ogun State, gave the warning during the investiture ceremony of the mosque, where illustrious personalities from academia, security and business were conferred with the titles of Islamic leaders.

The ceremony, held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, attracted Islamic scholars, public officials, community leaders and other dignitaries, including the missionary of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of North America, Washington, D.C. chapter, Alhaji Imam Tajudeen Gbajabiamila.

Delivering the keynote sermon, Oyegunle said true righteousness goes beyond outward religious observances, stressing that Muslims must demonstrate their faith through charity, compassion, responsible family care and the proper use of their wealth.

Citing Surah Al-Baqarah 2:177 of the Quran, the cleric said believers should begin their acts of kindness and financial support with their families and close relatives.

“God has made it clear in the Quran that true justice is not just turning your gaze towards the East or the West. It means using the wealth that God has blessed you with to support those around you, starting with your relatives and family,” he said.

The scholar also criticized parents and guardians who spend huge sums on sending their children to countries like the UK and the US for education without paying adequate attention to their moral and spiritual development.

He argued that overseas education alone could not ensure responsible conduct if children were not adequately rooted in good character and religious values.

“What is the benefit of spending fortunes on foreign education if the foundation of character and godliness is completely lacking?” he asked.

Oyegunle also urged husbands and breadwinners to fulfill their marital and financial responsibilities, insisting that the well-being of dependents should not be sacrificed for public recognition or the pursuit of social approval.

“True righteousness requires that you start at home. Treat your family with love, compassion and fairness. Do not neglect your marital obligations or your responsibilities to those who depend on you,” he added.

Speaking after his inauguration as Otun Baba Ad-deen of Onikolobo, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Olawale Taoheed Olokode, pledged to contribute to the growth of Islam and community development.

Olokode said accepting the title comes with the responsibility to support the religious community and contribute significantly to its progress.

“Muslims have one thing or the other to contribute to the growth and development of the religion we believe in. I am here to reassure the community that I am more than ready to contribute to Islam in this environment,” he said.

He also called on Muslims to promote unity and sincerely practice their religion, regardless of whether they are observed by others or not.

In his opinion, religious commitment should be demonstrated through genuine conduct rather than through pretense or the desire to impress people.

“The message I have for Muslims is that we should be united. We should practice this religion the way God has allowed us and asked us to do so. We should practice it without pretenses,” Olokode said.

The rector supports the acquisition of skills for young people

Likewise, the Rector of DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Prof. Rauf Abdul-Hakeem Adegoke, who was installed as Giwa Ad-deen, pledged to make available his expertise in development communications and entrepreneurship to improve the lives of residents, especially children and youth.

Adegoke said it would encourage young Muslims to acquire practical skills that could promote self-sufficiency and create opportunities beyond conventional white-collar employment.

“I want to assure you that my experience as a development communications expert and as a professor of entrepreneurship will have an impact on the lives of children in this environment,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to develop strategies that enable children to acquire skills in different fields, adding that professional competence and entrepreneurship are increasingly important in a changing economy.

“Let’s see how we can make all children, Muslim children, embrace skills, so that they can all move forward with personal development in terms of acquiring skills in various fields,” he said.

The professor noted that young people should not consider formal employment as the only path to economic success, urging them to explore opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship and the informal sector.

“No one has to wait until we get white collar jobs to be satisfied. If you look at the world now, you will find that what matters now is the informal sector where individuals can simply make the best of what is actually available and obtainable – technology and every other area. It is important to have a second address,” he added.

Adegoke expressed appreciation for the honor, describing it as a recognition that comes with an obligation to serve the community.

He also called for compassion, mutual support and peaceful coexistence, stressing that helping others is essential for personal fulfillment.

“My life philosophy is: true happiness is helping others. Let us all embrace this and help our Muslim brothers and other human beings in general,” he said.

Adewolu advises young people on character and patience

The new Seriki Ad-deen, Alhaji Taofeek Adewolu, attributed his recognition to divine grace and expressed gratitude to the community for the honour.

Adewolu urged young Muslims to exercise patience, learn from the positive examples of their parents and make responsible choices as they pursue careers and business.

“My advice to young people is to be patient and observe the righteous footsteps of their mothers and fathers,” he said.

He advised young people to distinguish between right and wrong and to remain committed to the values ​​that would help them build responsible and productive lives.

“Young people should look at society and hold on to what is good. Everyone knows what is wrong and what is right. They should choose what is right and shape their lives around it so that their path in life is smooth,” he added.

On entrepreneurship, employment and philanthropy, Adewolu says good character and sincere intentions remain essential for lasting success.

“It all comes down to good character and good intentions; you have to be honest. That’s the main foundation,” he said.

Chief imam seeks support for mosque renovation

Meanwhile, the Chief Imam of Onikolobo Muslim Community Central Mosque, Imam Salahudeen B. Mesioye, has urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer and maintain faith despite the economic and social challenges in the country.

In an interview with Platform Times, Mesioye said Muslims should remain hopeful even when answers to their prayers seem to delay.

“In this time in Nigeria, everyone must remain calm and maintain strong faith in God. When we pray, even if answers seem to delay, we must move forward with hope. Praying without faith is useless, so we must cling to the hope that the Almighty will answer our prayers,” he said.

The Chief Imam thanked the organisers, owners and other participants for their contribution to the success of the ceremony, praising their commitment to religious and community development.

However, he appealed to well-meaning individuals and organizations to assist the mosque in renovating the damaged roof, which he said was allowing rainwater to enter the building and disrupting worship activities.

“Our roof is damaged and every time it rains it creates serious problems for us. We ask for assistance to fix the steel beams (beams) and complete the necessary repairs to restore the building,” Mesioye said.

He prayed for divine blessings on those who support the mosque and expressed hope for peace and relief from the country’s challenges.

The investiture ceremony highlighted calls for stronger family values, youth empowerment, religious sincerity and community service, with the newly installed incumbents pledging to contribute to the development of Islam and society at large.

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