An Islamic scholar, Dr. Mahmud Danjuma, has urged Muslims to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness to foster a harmonious society.
Dr. Danjuma, from the Department of Arabic and Transnational Studies, University of Ilorin, made this appeal at the 4th Annual Iftar and Get-Together organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council. Themed “Forgive, Forgiveness, Repentance: An Islamic Perspective,” the event was held at the NUJ Press Centre, Ilorin.
He advised against harboring malice and encouraged tolerance both in public and private life.
Citing relevant Qur’anic verses and Hadith, the Arabic lecturer warned against chronic resentment, emphasizing that it could hinder personal and spiritual growth.
Dr. Danjuma also urged people to shed arrogance and seek forgiveness from those they may have wronged towards 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 of the NUJ Kwara State Council, Mallam Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, said the purpose of the gathering was to foster unity among journalists, regardless of religious affiliation.
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 Mr. Roland Olonisuwa, a journalist recently discharged and acquitted by the Lagos High Court.
Describing him as a hero, Alhaji Akanbi likened his ordeal to “a man who returned alive from the lion’s den.”
He noted that Mr. Olonisuwa’s experience serves as a lesson for journalists, stressing the risks 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 securing his release.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on New Media, Mr. 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.
The Iftar and Get together was attended by several dignitaries including, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mr Michael Olayinka Fafoluyi, Kwara State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Comrade Saheed Olayinka, Kwara State Chairman, Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union, RATTAWU, Mr. Oke State Director, National Orientation Agency, Alhaji Dare AbdulGaniyu Olurotimi and Director of Information, Kwara State Ministry of Communications, Alhaji Olayinka Salau among others.
