The Imam of Al-Furqom West Cobb Islamic Centre, Mosque, Atlanta, USA, Dr Bashir Mundi, has called on Islamic organisations to champion a cause to drive social development and nation building.

Mr Mundi made the call on Sunday in Abuja at a lecture to commemorate 21st anniversary celebration of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, with the theme “Religious organisation as a tool for social development: The Al-Habibiyyah experience.’’

According to him, Islam is not just about praying but a complete way of life that entails impacting positively on humanity, just like Prophet Muhammed did.

The cleric urged Islamic organisations to continue to champion the cause for nation building, help the needy and admonish on societal ills.

He said, “We need to examine what is our understanding of salat (prayers), what is the role of the mosque and what is the essence of Islamic societies and congregation. Islam is about touching lives positively, affecting humanity. The prophet Muhammed propagated Islam not just by praying, but by doing good, he was trustworthy, a trusted leader. So, our Islamic organisations should do more to affect humanity, assist the less privileged and emphasise social services as a major factor in spreading the religion. It should be a source of refuge for the ummah, let people come with their imperfections to Islam and grow in it.’’

Earlier, Chief Imam, National Mosque, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Sheikh Fuad Adeyemi, said the journey of Al-Habibiyyah began 21 years ago, with a strong desire to change the narrative and make Islam more acceptable and respectable.

Mr Adeyemi listed the society’s challenges to include ignorance, poverty and interaction among others.

According to him, that is why the society has been working round the clock to address the issues of education, enlightenment and empowerment in society.

“Al-Habibiyyah is beginning to change the narrative, not just in Abuja or Nigeria, but across the world, with our programmes such as the food bank, academy, women forum, cooperative society, among others,” Mr Adeyemi said.

The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of awards to 27 distinguished recipients, some posthumous for their outstanding contributions to the development of the society and Islam.

(NAN)