NASFAT Kaduna Zone Post-Ramadan Lecture: Cleric Urges Muslims to Sustain Spiritual Gains Beyond Ramadan

NASFAT Kaduna Zone Post-Ramadan Lecture: Cleric Urges Muslims to Sustain Spiritual Gains Beyond Ramadan

By Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria

Muslims have been urged to sustain the spiritual lessons and discipline acquired during the holy month of Ramadan as a pathway to transforming their lives for the better.

The charge was given at a post-Ramadan lecture and Salah feast organised by the NASFAT Doka Branch in Kaduna.

Delivering a lecture titled “Keeping the Momentum Alive After Ramadan,” an Islamic scholar, Imam Hussain Makanjuola, described Ramadan as not only a period of spiritual upliftment but also a time for deep reflection and personal renewal.

He emphasised that the good deeds exhibited during Ramadan by Muslim faithful should not end with the month but must become a continuous way of life.

According to him, acts such as gratitude to Almighty Allah, regular observance of the five daily prayers (salat), charity, and self-discipline should be sustained beyond Ramadan, noting that Allah is All-Knowing and Most Merciful.

Imam Makanjuola stressed that one of the greatest lessons of Ramadan is consistency in worship. He cited the teaching of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that the most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.

“It is better to maintain two units of voluntary prayer regularly than to pray extensively for a short period and abandon it. Likewise, reciting a portion of the Qur’an daily is more beneficial than completing it once and neglecting it afterward,” he said.

He further highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong connection with the Qur’an, describing it as a guide, a source of healing, and a light for mankind. He urged Muslims to go beyond mere recitation by reflecting on its meanings to positively transform their lives.

Speaking on social responsibility, the cleric called for kindness, empathy, and support for the less privileged, noting that such acts attract Allah’s blessings and rewards.

He clarified that Islam discourages begging, stressing that the institution of zakat was designed to ensure wealth redistribution from the rich to the poor.

Imam Makanjuola also advised Muslims to avoid negative behaviours such as rancour, lying, and backbiting, urging them to uphold the moral discipline instilled during Ramadan.

Addressing the youth, he called on them to live according to Islamic teachings, emphasising that Islam is a religion of peace and does not support violence. He expressed concern over the increasing involvement of youths in societal crises and urged parents to instill proper discipline and values in their children.

The Imam who is also the Executive Director of the Muslim Peace Network of Nigeria stressed the need for peaceful coexistence, religious harmony, and unity among Nigerians. He noted that diversity is part of Allah’s design, citing the Qur’an to emphasise the importance of tolerance and mutual respect.

He further encouraged Islamic organisations to promote interfaith unity by inviting Christians to join in iftar during Ramadan as a way of fostering love and understanding.

Also speaking, the Chairman of NASFAT Doka Branch, Hon. Musbau Adepoju, expressed appreciation to members and supporters of the organisation, particularly the elders’ committee, for their continued financial and moral support.

He reaffirmed his commitment, alongside his executive team, to advancing the growth of the branch.

The event concluded with a Salah feast attended by members, families, friends, and well-wishers, who gathered to celebrate the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and the Eid-el-Fitr festivities in an atmosphere of joy and unity.