In a historic and joyous moment, Professor Ilyas Usman, the first Igbo scholar to achieve professorship in Arabic studies, has been appointed as the new Imam of the Abuja National Mosque.
Prof. Usman, an Igbo academic and Muslim scholar, joins the ranks of the three existing Imams of the National Mosque.
He is billed to deliver his inaugural khutbah at the National Mosque today, Friday, October 18, 2024, and will make history as the first Igbo to be appointed to the exalted position.
Prof. Usman who is the first Professor of Arabic in Igboland will now support the two active Imams, Prof. Ibrahim Makari and Prof. Muhammad Kabir in the rotational conduct of the Jum’ah and daily congregational prayers while the fourth Imam, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura from southwest Nigeria is on sick leave and has not been leading prayers for a while.
With the newly appointed Imam from South East, the 25,000-capacity National Mosque of Nigeria built in 1984 and officially opened to the public in 1991 now have three (3) active Imams in addition to the Murshid, Prof. Shehu Ahmad Sai’d Galadanci, CON, who is the overall head, spiritual guide or general administrator.
It was gathered that the Friday khutbah at the National Mosque Abuja is preceded by a short lecture presented in Nigeria’s three main languages (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo) addressing the same topic.
Meanwhile, the appointment of Prof. Usman has elicited commendations from Nigerians especially Southeast Muslims, who said it is a testament to his unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence.
The umbrella group for Muslims in the region, South East Muslims Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON) in a statement congratulated Prof. Ilyas Usman and prayed to Allah to grant him the wisdom and strength to discharge the sacred duty.
“We the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ilyasu Usman on your recent appointment as an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.
“This prestigious role is not only a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence but also a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.
“We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety,” the group said, in a statement signed by its Ag. National Chairman, Dr. Suleiman Afikpo and National Executive Secretary, Ustaz Sirajuddeen Ugwu.
SEMON said the leadership of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, is inclusive.
They expressed the convictions that his appointment will uplift the entire Igbo Muslim community in Nigeria.
“We also attest to the inclusiveness of the leadership of the National Mosque and Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President General, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar,” the statement read.
“Furthermore, we pray that this achievement serves as an uplift for the Igbo Muslim community in Nigeria, showcasing their contributions and dedications to Islam and the Ummah at large.
“Once again, congratulations!”
A Facebook user said, Muhammad Yahya Muhammad Al-Maliki said; “Congratulations to Him. It’s a Great Achievement it can also be a way that will make Igbo people understand that Islam is not Hausa’s Religion.”
Ammar Shuaibu wrote; “Masha Allah Islam is the only religion that can not show the differences among the muslim we are One family Alhamdulillah.”
@abeiplumbing on X reacted; “There is freedom of worship in the Nigerian constitution. We the citizens just don’t love to respect each others choices and preferences. Let us embrace peace and spread LOVE!!”
Another X user @Abbadanejo said; “Congratulations to him and the entire igbos this is great achievement.”