The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has urged politicians and public office holders to emulate Prophet Muhammad’s approach to leadership and governance to address the challenges of insecurity, poverty, and corruption in the country.
The society’s Chief Missioner, Sheikh Abdul-Azeez Maruf Onike, also advised public office holders to shun corruption and refrain from breaching the public trust, stressing that they would be held accountable for their stewardship on the Day of Judgment.
Onike spoke at an event marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), held at the Muslim Community Secretariat Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
He described Mawlid as a sacred moment for spiritual awakening and moral rejuvenation, saying the Prophet, an epitome of mercy and noble character, provided humanity with an enduring model of compassionate leadership, integrity, justice, and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking on the lessons of the celebration, Onike said Nigerians were capable of distinguishing between good and bad but often failed to act on that knowledge because of excessive attachment to worldly possessions.
“We all know what the good and bad virtues are. Many of us are deliberately avoiding them because of the excessive love of this world.
“We know how to imbibe good culture if we want to because we make choices that suit our tastes. We can easily differentiate between good and bad.
“We know what is beneficial and destructive to us. That is why we remind ourselves because human beings are forgetful. The Prophet says you are not a believer until you love for others what you love for yourselves,” he said.
Speaking ahead of the 2027 general elections, Onike urged political leaders to be prudent in the management of public funds and remain accountable to the people, warning that they would ultimately account for their stewardship on the Day of Judgment.
He said, “Many of the country’s leaders will regret putting themselves forward for public office. The position is held in trust for the people, but many of them have breached this trust because of the love of this world.”
The President of NASFAT, Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulWahid AbdulRauf, described the celebration as a golden opportunity for Nigerians to rediscover the Prophet’s legacy and translate his teachings into peaceful living.
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AbdulRauf urged citizens, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, to uphold civility and respect across political differences.
He stressed that political contests were temporary, while family bonds, friendships, brotherhood, and national unity remained enduring values.
Also speaking, the NASFAT Lagos Zone 1 Imam, Imam Uthman Jaji Muhammad, described Prophet Muhammad as a perfect example for humanity and world leaders.
He urged Muslims to study and emulate the Prophet’s teachings and conduct, saying this was essential to achieving success in this life and the hereafter.
“As Muslims, we need to study and emulate the teachings and habits of the Prophet, which are contained in the Quran, to have a successful life and the hereafter,” he said.
The guest lecturer, Imam Ibrahim Dan Nahibi, described Prophet Muhammad as the best of mankind, the seal of the prophets, a worthy co-traveller, and an intercessor on the Day of Judgment.
He said the Prophet’s character, honesty, and compassion enabled him to win the hearts of even non-believers, stressing that he was neither a warmonger nor a violent leader.
“Muhammad is the best of mankind, the seal of the prophets, a worthy co-traveller and an intercessor on the Day of Judgment.
“Prophet Muhammad was sent to the entire world, and he is a mercy to all mankind,” he said.
Dan Nahibi urged Muslims to emulate the Prophet’s good character, particularly in family and leadership responsibilities.
“Husbands should be good to their wives, and wives should also be good to their husbands. If you are a leader, lead with the fear of Allah and be mindful of all your deeds, for you will be accountable for them on the Day of Judgment,” he said.