By Jimoh Sulyman
The Chief Imam, IMAN Central Mosque, Irewolede, Ilorin, Kwara State, Sharafdeen Olohunoyin has tasked Muslims to use the opportunity of the Ashura period to move closer to Allah in order to be rewarded by Him.
Olohunoyin, in his sermon on Friday stated further that, Faithfuls at this period should call on God in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic which has brought the whole world on its knees, adding that Allah in the past has performed miraculous works in the month of Muharram.
“Allah performed a lot of miracles and wonders on the day of Ashura. He saved Prophet Ibrahim from getting burnt when he was thrown in a bonfire; HE rescued Prophet Yunus from the jaw of the fish when he was swallowed by the fish.
“Prophet Adam who was the first man on earth was created on the Day of Ashura and Prophet Musa along with the children of Israel was rescued on the same day when Fir’aun was pursuing them”, Imam explained, stressing that Allah can still do the same at this pandemic period.
He urged Muslims to also increase their taqwa to Allah, increase in good deeds by sharing more palliatives to the needy and be prayerful.
Olohunoyin enjoined the rich to assist and feed the poor especially in this period of pandemic, to lessen the burden on the less privileged, adding that every good deed, done in the period of Ashura would be rewarded by Allah.
The Imam encouraged Muslims to fast on the day of Ashura which is the tenth day of Muharram which is the first month of the hijrah (Islamic calendar).
He emphasised that” noble Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said everyone that fast on the day of Ashura, Allah will forgive their past sins.”
Olohunoyin, charged Faithfuls to make their household happy with food among other things, adding that Allah will increase the wealth of such Muslims.
