Alhaji Abbas Owolabi, the Branch President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Abuja has donated a newly built mosque to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The mosque is located at Oke Ayo Eleshinmeta, Aba Alamu, Apata, Ibadan.
The mosque, which was commissioned by the Amir (National President) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola is a modest one. It is measured 60 x 50m and can accommodate over 130 worshippers at once. The donor also donated a two-bedroom apartment to serve as a mission house for the missionary in charge of the mosque.
In a chat with our correspondent, Alhaji Owolabi disclosed that the donation was made in loving memory of his mother Alhaja Risikat Aduke Owolabi who passed away in 2016.
While thanking the Amir for the eventual commissioning of the project, Alhaji Owolabi commended the efforts of Jamaat members around the area in making the dream a reality and also appealed to them to make the area a full-fledged Jamaat where five daily prayers, as well as Jumaat prayers, will be observed.
In his first Friday sermon in the mosque, the Amir hailed the initiative of the Owolabi Family leading to the donation of the mosque and mission house to the Jamaat, adding that it was a move worthy of emulation going by the divine rewards attached to such act. He also requested worshippers to observe congregational prayers and relate among themselves with unity and harmony, and eschew bad feelings, hatred and evil acts.
He said: “Anyone who built mosque has a great reward from God Almighty. It is one of the good deeds we can leave behind in this world. Meanwhile, all mosques are owned by God. No one can claim ownership of a mosque. True believers are expected to worship in the new mosque. Don’t keep grudges among yourselves, kindly love one another and live with peace and harmony so that your prayers will be answered by God Almighty.”
“Members are requested to seek the pleasure of Allah alone, do not associate any partner with Him. Forgive whoever offends you and return evil deeds with goodness. Be a role model and emulate Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in all respect. Always strive to observe congregational prayers and never abandon the mosque.”
