Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday held the 14th Annual Hijrah Lecture themed “Then we made you follow after them, generations after generations in the land that we might see how you would work” at the Assembly Complex.
The programme started with the Arabic recitation from the Holy Quran by Ustaz Salmon and its translation into English by Ustaz Dhikrullahi Sulieman.
Giving the opening remark, The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa stated that members of the planning Committee lecture looked deeply into the current situation of Nigeria and came up with the topic “The Role of Religious Bodies in a Democratic State”. Relating to the problems faced as a nation.
Democracy and Religion in politics are passionately discussed as both proponents are of the view that religion is incompatible with democratic legitimate reasoning.
“Ascribing intolerance, fundamental civilization, terrorism and racism to religious roots as part of the problems our society faces today”.
Stating that, here in Africa, before the advent of both Islam and Christianity, we had good and steady democratic settings with our traditional beliefs.
Obasa reiterated that Democracy and Religion co-exists and no doubt; Religion is based on ideas and supreme reality while democracy is based on Laws and Institutions. However, the first step in problem solving is realizing that blaming God or others is momentary.
The first guest lecturer, Sheik Dr. Ishaq Mustapha Zuglool Sunuusi stressed that Islam is about peace, love, compassion, justice, understanding and loving each other and encourages people to promote virtue, tranquility, enlighten and shuns indecency as Islam does not tolerate cheating.
He enjoined all to join hands together to move the country forward.
Examining the role of religious bodies in democratic societies, Hon. Justice Abduraheem Ahmad Sayi explained that religion bodies are not limited to Muslim’s alone but to the other field as well.
Humanity in a democratic setting is to understand that they are representing a concept of messenger-ship and prophet-hood.
In addition, the primary role of the prophet is to teach, educate, guide and emaciate the mind from the shackles of false and superstition beliefs while the primary role and responsibilities of every religious leader is to step into the shoes of their predecessors or models.
Justice Sayi noted that for every disparity that Allah has created, there are also abundant peculiarities; therefore the message of unity of humanity should take the lead in the messages that emanate from pulpits whether in churches or mosques.
“True religious teachings must be founded on truth as there is no justification for falsification of message for manipulation of peoples mind”. He maintained.
Sharing his words of wisdom, the third guest Lecturer, the Chief Imam of Offa, Al-Imam Muhyid-din Salman Husayn implore the government to look into the economic hardship faced in the country and urge those in high position to lend helping hands to one another especially those in need.
He added that everyone has the right to their own beliefs.
Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the Chairman, 1444H Hijrah planning Committee, Hon. Naheem Adams, the Lead Imam of the House, Imam Abdushshakur Adeleke Osoala appreciate Speaker Obasa for his continuous support and pray for Allah’s protection and guidance on those who grace the occasion despite the short notice.
