An Islamic Scholar, Dr Mahmud Danjuma Musa, has urged Muslims to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness to foster a rancour-free and harmonious society.
Dr Danjuma-Musa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Arabic and Transnational Studies, University of Ilorin, stated this at the 4th Annual Iftar and Get-Together organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council in collaboration with Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Engineer Yakubu Danlad-Salihu
Themed “Forgive, Forgiveness, Repentance: An Islamic Perspective,” the event held at the NUJ Press Centre, Ilorin.
He advised against harbouring malice and encouraged tolerance both in public and private life.
Citing relevant Qur’anic verses and Hadith, the varsity Don warned against chronic resentment, emphasizing that it could hinder personal and spiritual growth.
Dr Danjuma-Musa also urged people to shed toga of arrogance and seek forgiveness from those they may have wronged, thus promoting a culture of reconciliation.
He noted that Almighty Allah is the ultimate forgiver of sins, except for shirk (associating partners with Him).
In his address, the Chairman, Kwara State Council of NUJ, Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, said the purpose of the gathering was to foster unity among journalists, regardless of religious affiliation or faith members profess.
He emphasized the need for harmony within the profession and advised against actions that could divide the union.
The Chairman of the Nigeria League of Veteran Journalists in Kwara State, Alhaji Mohammed Tunde Akanbi, welcomed Rowland Olonishuwa, a journalist recently discharged and acquitted by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Describing him as a hero, Akanbi likened his ordeal to “a man who returned alive from the lion’s den.”
He noted that Olonishuwa’s experience serves as a lesson for journalists, stressing the risk involved in practicing the profession.
He cautioned media practitioners against relying solely on social media for news and commended the NUJ at both state and national levels for their role in brokering settlement that led to his release.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on New Media, Michael Olayinka Fafoluyi Solace, called for greater collaboration between the media and the state government.
He assured journalists that the government recognizes and appreciates their role in promoting development and disseminating accurate information.
Dignitaries, who attended the Iftar and Get together, include Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mr Michael Olayinka Fafoluyi, Kwara State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Muritala Saheed Olayinka; Kwara State Chairman, Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union, RATTAWU, Mr Usman Oke; State Director, National Orientation Agency, Alhaji Dare AbdulGaniyu Olurotimi; and Director of Information Services, Kwara State Ministry of Communications, Alhaji Olayinka Salau among others.
