Ramadan: Always thank God, Muslims with disabilities urged
By Zaynab Odalu
As the holy month of Ramadan is approaching an end, Muslims with disabilities have been urged not to relent in giving thanks and worshipping God always despite their conditions.
This admonition was made at the 6th Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by Muslim Association of Persons With Disabilities, Ondo State branch in Akure where muslims were advised to be virtuous always , fear God and inculcate the habit of giving alms or helping other people as the way to seek the face of their Creator.
The programme Guest Lecturer, Alhaji lbrahim Sodehinde, said members of the association as Muslims have no excuse not to worship Allah or give thanks to Him as their condition is better than some people in the society.
Speaking on the topic of the lecture; “Duties of Muslim Ummah Before, During and After Ramadan”, Sodehinde explained that Ramadan is an annual mandatory festival for Muslims, except some people who could not observe it due to some reasons, saying that it brings Muslims closer to God spiritually.
Sodehinde, who is also the Zonal Missioner of NASFAT, Ondo State, charged Muslims to take advantage of their sound health to serve Allah.
“Muslims that fast during Ramadan and not distance themselves from sins are fasting in vain.
“Whoever fasted for 29 or 30 days and return to sins is like a dog eating its vomit.
” With the present hardship in the country , Muslims should not allow the situation to deter them from worshipping their God.
“In the Qur’an, there was a man and his wife who had only one rapper as cloth they use in turn to observe Solat (prayer).
“The husband could not make request from God after prayer which prompted Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) to question him for not making request from his God after every prayer.
The man explained that he was not doing this arrogantly but that he did it so that his wife can observe her own solat on time as commanded by Allah.
“This is a genuine reason before the prophet and there is no situation of anyone of you that is worst as this.
“Despite this, he still gives thanks and worships his God.”he said.
Earlier in her goodwill message, the Chairman Board of Agency for Person with Disability, Mrs. Folasade Arise, felicitated with Muslims with disabilities over this year Ramadan occasion.
She noted that the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’ was one of the best governors in the state who prioritized the welfare of people with disabilities.
The Chairman of the occasion and MD/CEO of Fortunate Bread, Alhaji Jamiu Adejumo, appreciated the people at the gathering for using their presence to honour the annual programme.
He said the attendees who were physically able only opportuned to be physically fitted and urged Muslims to always turn out enmasse to grace the occasion.
Patron of the association and Chairman, FUTA Muslim Community, Prof.Isiaka Amoo, thanked all the contributors towards the success of the annual programme.
He prayed to God to reward them abundantly over their efforts in making members of the association not feel being discriminated .
Also, the State Chairman of the association, Surajudeen Adams, called on the public to stop pitying them but help them with empowerment that will make positive impacts on their lives.
While explaining some of the assistance they have received from people in the society, Adams said some of them who are eye and hearing impaired can now read Qur’an fluently.
Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of Ramadan packages for members of the association and recitation from the holy Qur’an.
