Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim
Glory be to Allah (SubhanaHu Wa Ta'ala (SWT)) for sparing our lives to witness the 102nd anniversary in commemoration of the establishment of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society (ADS) worldwide. Peace and blessings of Allah be upon the noble Messenger Muhammad Sallallah Alayhi Wasallam (SAW)) and the entire followers of his guidance till eternity. "Hamdan wa shukran; sirran wa jahratan,
Li Llahi Rabbil Alamina; Hamdan wa shukran." The theme of this years' anniversary i.e the area of weekly Khutbah, as rightly directed from the Missionary head reflects on the nature, mode and present status of the Society and it comes in as 'Selflessness in the Course of Allah'.
What is Selflessness? It is the direct opposite of selfishness which translates into Ego, Egocentric, Egoistic, Self-interest, Narcissism, Self-concern and Self-seeking. It shows arrogating things to oneself with little or no consideration to others in the least.
The meaning of Selflessness finds expression as indicated in the 102 years of umblemished fruitful operation of ADS as an Islamic society. Of utmost importance is the survival and sustenance beyond a century timeline which is customary to the possible demise of other organisations in the annals of history. Congratulations to all members in particular and non-members in general on this occasion of the anniversary. Seeing beyond the realm of celebrations, however, is the towering and overwhelming achievements which pride ADS as an Islamic body. Our fervent prayer remain that the souls of the founding fathers and mothers be reposed in Al-Jannatu firdaws, courtesy the legacy of ADS.
Against this background, one thing is to strive in a course it is another milestone to sustain such endeavour across a century, an indication of genuine intention, selflessness, love for others, thoughtfulness and vision. Contrarily, Iblis (Shaytan) took to his pomp and he refused to obey Allah's order to respect Prophet Adam. Qabil, the son of Prophet Adam (Alayhi s Salaam (AS)) was overpowered by his ego and he shed the blood of his brother (Habil). In the same token, Fir'aon felt on top of the world and he claimed lordship over his people even when two (2) Messengers were jointly sent to him.
It is the same ego that took the Qur'an related Owner of a bountiful Ni 'aj (Dabbat) that made him demand for his brother's one and only (Na'jah) to augment his own. Examples of egocentric narratives abound in life but Allah also made mention of 'An owner of two (2) meadow gardens in his express assumption that the end time remains uncertain. To his chagrin, his notion to harvest the garden produce before the dawn to avoid the less privilege from noticing thereby avoiding giving out their due rights, was caught unaware when eventuality occured to the produce overnight (Qur'an 68:17-33). This shows that niggardliness is frown at by Allah in all ramifications.
That ADS survives till date appears offshoot of Prophet Muhammad's nurtured resilience in the Ummah. The Ummah in this context is grounded in being a unique family (Usrah) fortified with generosity among others; fair interpersonal relations; complete loyalty not laden by primordial inclinations, self-centeredness, vain glory and ineptitude; brotherhood of essence; and spirit of sharing, untill necessary strength and mutuality result.
Essentially, lofty attitude supplanted unnecessary ego among the companions such that the Muhajirun and Ansar (Emigrants and Receptors) became like a single body. This symbolic representation of the Ummah is central to the Hadith on good neighbourliness which reads: 'The similitude of the believers in their loving and being loved, soft and gentility is that of a body, when a part of it is pained others bear the brunt in vigil and fever'. In the same token, mutual respect is also evident from the noble Messenger.
The noble Messenger once asked the companions: 'Who among you woke up fasting today? After a while, Abubakar answered in affirmation. He asked again, 'Who had followed a corpse to the cemetery today? Once again, he asked, 'Who had visited a sick today? Abubakar also answered, 'I had'. The Messenger maintained, 'Anyone who gathers this attributes would definitely enter Al-Jannah'.
In contrast to this, Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the noble Messenger (SAW) was praying with them, and an interior Arab said: 'O Allah bless me and Muhammad and not any other person'. When he finished praying he cautioned the Arab saying: 'you had gone too far'. This indicates the temerity of being selfish on which he was corrected'.
Fellow Ansar and Muslims world over, it can be substantiated so far that the golden rules which galvanized the companions were taken to by the earlier Ansar-Ud-Deen founders and those who followed them. From this indication, their legacy is celebrated today only on the auspices of genuine intention, dedication, steadfastness, love and vision. How much of these virtues do we display today in day to day running of the Society? This and several other questions bothering on sincerity of purpose should be fielded across the divides of the Society. For 'they plant and we eat; we have a duty of planting for others'. Congratulations once more and long live Ansar-Ud-Deen Society on particular and Muslim Ummah in general. Till we meet again in the next edition. Jum'at Mubarakah.
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DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN, IMAM & MISSIONER ANSAR-UD-DEEN SOCIETY OF NIGERIA IPAJA BRANCH LAGOS STATE NIGERIA. ©2025 https://www.slaipaclass.com
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