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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Chief Imam of Ilaro Central Mosque, Imam (Sheik) Tajudeen Mustapha-Adewunmi, has urged parents to monitor their children from joining the youth craze for wealth at all cost.
Adewunmi handed down the advice on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the 2024 Eid-el-Fitri prayer which took place at the Ilaro Central Mosque Praying Ground, Oke-Ela, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State.
He noted that parents should be careful not to be blamed and cursed over the unholy behaviours of their children who want to get rich by all means, most especially through rituals.
The Islamic scholar lamented on the sad story of a teenage boy who wants to bury his mother alive, and also the one who wants to have s3x with his mother, “all because of useless wealth that would not last.”
He urged the youth to resist the temptation of pursuing wealth through illicit means, warning of the transient nature of ill-gotten gains and the eventual consequences faced by those who exploit others for personal gain.
His words, “Its sad to note that various news about how our youths that were expected to be our future who now desperate in becoming millionaires through all sorts of rituals is disturbing.
“I often wonder how some parents allow their children to be consumed by the ‘get rich quick at all costs’ mentality. Frankly, it’s both frustrating and heartbreaking.
“Parents should impart the realities of life to their children, not sugarcoat it. History has shown that wealth acquired through rituals or fraud is fleeting, and everything purchased with ill-gotten gains eventually fades away, leaving nothing lasting behind.
“My sincere advice to our youth is to abstain from any vices that could deprive them of God’s blessings and a long life. God has plans for every individual, and they will unfold at the right time.
“Imam Adewunmi also emphasized the importance of parents and guardians taking a keen interest in their children’s education, from primary through university, alongside religious teachings.
“He appealed to parents with working, trading, or schooling children to consistently pray for their success.
“The reason I direct my advice primarily to parents is captured in the Yoruba adage, ‘Charity begins at home.’ Parents serve as the first teachers to their children, and failing in this responsibility means they may share in the consequences of any wrongdoing their children commit, whether in this life or the hereafter.”
“May our children be shielded from joining negative circles or engaging in criminal activities, and for those already ensnared, I pray that Allah guides them away from the path of wrongdoing and forgives their missteps.
Chief Imam Adewunmi urged Muslims to uphold virtuous conduct beyond Ramadan, cautioning against reverting to negative behaviors abandoned during the holy month.
Highlighting the significance of maintaining virtuous conduct, he stressed that those seeking answered prayers should refrain from falling back into old habits.
Imam Adewunmi specifically addressed issues like holding grudges against family and neighbors, emphasizing that such actions contradict the teachings of the Holy Quran and Prophet Muhammad.
Expressing concern over the weakening of family ties, he denounced animosity within family circles, warning that prayers may remain unanswered if such behavior persists.
Imam Adewunmi encouraged Muslims to continue praying for their deceased loved ones, emphasizing the essence of this practice in Islam.
He commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his support for Muslims during Ramadan, including the distribution of palliative rice during Jumat services and Eid prayers.
In his prayers, Imam Adewunmi invoked divine protection and guidance for the country and its leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, as well as representatives at national and state assemblies.
He extended prayers to the Olu of Ilaro, Oba (Dr) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Ilaro-in-Council, and the entire populace of Ilaro, Yewa, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large.
Imam Adewunmi praised those who generously support the less fortunate in their communities, urging the continuation of charitable deeds and acts of compassion.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon individuals who prioritize the well-being of others.
Following the Eid prayer, the congregation proceeded in a convoy to the official palace of the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland at Oju-Okeke Quarters, Modeolu, Ilaro.
There, members of the Ilaro-in-Council warmly received them on behalf of Oba (Dr) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, who was out of the country at the time.
Photo credit: Alhaji Gafar Idowu & Alfa Abdul-Rasaq Idowu
