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In what has become one of Abuja’s most spiritually enriching annual gatherings, the ASHRAAF Islamic Foundation once again demonstrated its enduring commitment to faith development, education, and community building as it hosted the 2025 Annual Maulud Nabiyy Celebration and Family Picnic on Saturday at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.Themed “The Ummah in Today’s World: Building Resilient Faith, Family and Community through Prophetic Values,” this year’s event drew hundreds of faithful, families, scholars, and community leaders from across Nigeria, creating a vibrant atmosphere of reflection, learning, and renewal.Since its establishment, the ASHRAAF Islamic Foundation—founded and chaired by Imam (Dr.) Sharafudeen AbdulSalam Aliagan, a renowned Islamic scholar and faith advocate—has remained steadfast in its mission to promote Islamic scholarship, humanitarian service, and interfaith understanding.

Through its numerous educational and empowerment programmes, ASHRAAF has consistently blended religious devotion with practical human development. Its initiatives, including public lectures, Qur’anic competitions, capacity-building workshops, and youth mentorship programmes, have positioned the foundation as a leading light in faith-based civic engagement in Nigeria.

Imam Aliagan

This year’s Maulud Nabiyy celebration built on that tradition, expanding the Foundation’s outreach with interactive sessions for adults, youth, and children, all anchored on the timeless lessons of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

“Faith Must Be Nourished and Affirmed” — Imam Aliagan

Speaking to journalists, Imam (Dr.) Sharafudeen AbdulSalam Aliagan underscored the event’s central theme, describing faith as a living force that must be nurtured and defended in the face of modern distractions and uncertainties.

“The issue of faith and resilience, as far as Islam and humanity are concerned, is very germane,” Imam Aliagan noted. “You cannot remain a creature of God without having faith in your Creator. That faith has to be nourished, has to be developed.”

He lamented the gradual decline of genuine faith among many who profess belief in God, saying ASHRAAF’s mission is to help rekindle that sacred connection.

“We found out that faith is diminishing in the hearts of those who claim to have faith in God. So we feel we should help them in reviving it, in developing it, in making sure it remains confirmed and affirmed.”

Imam Aliagan also reflected on the trials of life, reminding Muslims that challenges are part of divine design:

“It’s only God who has no headache. You must be tried, you must be tested, you must face challenges like the Holy Prophet Muhammad that we are celebrating today. Let’s make sure our faith remains intact and resilient in all cases of life.”

“Education Must Drive the Ummah Forward” — Dr. Lawal Olalekan Olohungbebe

In his remarks, Dr. Lawal Olalekan Olohungbebe, Kwara State’s Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, stressed the centrality of knowledge in rebuilding the Ummah.

“If we have actually achieved what the topic discusses, there would be no need for this gathering. We are here because the journey toward a resilient, educated, and united Ummah continues,” he said.

Dr. Olohungbebe identified disunity, identity crises, globalization, and colonial legacies as persistent challenges confronting Muslims globally. He commended ASHRAAF for offering a balanced model of celebrating the Prophet—one that inspires learning and community development.

“It is one thing to celebrate the Prophet Muhammad, and another to celebrate him in the way he wanted to be celebrated—by sharing knowledge and empowering people with relevant skills,” he added.

He urged Islamic scholars and educators to integrate entrepreneurship and information technology into religious learning, saying, “Education must now drive the Ummah forward.”

A Family-Oriented, Value-Added Celebration – Kabir Bello

The Chairman of the planning committee, Kabir Bello, described the programme as a comprehensive family engagement designed to add value to participants across all age groups.

“We conceived the idea of using our Mawlid-e-Nabi celebration to add value to adults, youth, and children. We want everyone who attends to go home spiritually enriched and socially empowered,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of early moral education, saying:

“Everything about life can be learned from the Prophet Muhammad. We want our children to grow up modeling his values, so that they can build a better society.”

Distinguished Guests and Dignitaries

The well-attended event featured an impressive lineup of distinguished personalities. Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe chaired the occasion, while Alhaji Lawal O. Abubakar served as the Special Guest of Honour.

The Royal Father of the Day and Grand Patron of ASHRAAF Islamic Foundation, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, graced the ceremony, lending royal support to the Foundation’s noble mission.

A Call to Rebuild the Ummah

As the event drew to a close, the message was unmistakable: the Ummah must return to its spiritual roots, uphold prophetic virtues, and embrace education and unity as tools for survival in a complex world.

Imam Aliagan summed it up poignantly: “Let’s be prayerful to God so that we can have an intact Ummah, an intact faith, and resilience in all cases of life.”

The 2025 Maulud Nabiyy Celebration and Family Picnic was not just a commemoration—it was a transformative call to action for a stronger, more resilient Ummah built on prophetic values and practical faith.

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