The first Igbo man to become a professor in Arabic, Ilyasu Usman, has been appointed as the Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.
Professor Usman joined the ranks of the three existing Imams of the National Mosque.
He led the Jum’at prayer today, October 18, after delivering a powerful sermon (Khutbah).
The new Imam joins two other Imams, Professor Ibrahim Makari and Professor Muhammad Kabir, in the rotational conduct of the Jum’at and daily congregational prayers as well as the fourth Imam, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura from the Southwest Nigeria, that had not been leading prayers for a long time because he is indisposed.
With the newly appointed of Imam from South East, the 25,000-capacity National Mosque of Nigeria, built in 1984 and officially opened to the public in 1991 now have three active Imams in addition to the Murshid, Professor Shehu Ahmad Sai’d Galadanci, who is the overall head, spiritual guide or general administrator.
Meanwhile, Igbo Muslims, under the umbrella of South East Muslims Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), have prayed to Allah to grant Professor Usman the wisdom and strength to discharge the sacred duty.
“We the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ilyasu Usman on your recent appointment as an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.
“This prestigious role is not only a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence but also a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.
“We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety.
“We also attest to the inclusiveness of the leadership of the National Mosque and Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President General, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar,” the statement read.
“Furthermore, we pray that this achievement serves as an uplift for the Igbo Muslim community in Nigeria, showcasing their contributions and dedications to Islam and the Ummah at large,” the group said, in a statement signed by its Ag. National Chairman, Dr. Suleiman Afikpo and National Executive Secretary, Ustaz Sirajuddeen Ugwu.
Source: DAILY TRUST.
