The Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Hakeem, has called for an end to ethnicity in Islam and enjoined unity among Muslims in the country.
Hakeem gave the advice on Sunday at the turbanning of Alhaji Ghazali Adepoju as the Chief Imam of Iponri Housing Estate Central Mosque, Surulere, Lagos.
Adepoju succeeds the late Alhaji Bisiriyu Sanusi who died three years ago.
The turbanning ceremony was performed by Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Garuba Ibrahim who urged the new Imam to be a symbol of unity among Muslims.
According to the commissioner, the fear of Allah is more important than one’s tribe or ethnic affiliation.
“Some people are dividing Islam into different groups for their selfish interests and this is causing disunity in the religion.
“Allah says we should observe congregational prayers so that the rich will be able to help the poor that is the essence of worshipping together.
“This will also ensure good relationship with one another,” the commissioner said.
Hakeem also urged believers to be functional Muslims by assisting the needy.
The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, said that misinterpretation of the religion had led to war in many Islamic countries.
“Countries are waging wars against one another because of lack of understanding of Islam.
“Islam is a religion of peace and we should all work towards achieving this virtue,” he said.
Speaking after his turbanning, the new Imam promised to ensure unity and equity among Muslims in the community.
Highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of a nursery school within the mosque premises.
The ceremony was graced by political and religious leaders, including former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu and Sole Administrator of Surulere Local Government, Mr Sheriff Balogun.
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