The National Mosque in Abuja has appointed Prof. Ilyas Usman, the first Professor of Arabic from Igboland, as one of its Imams.
Prof. Usman joins the ranks of the existing three Imams, marking a significant moment for the Igbo Muslim community in Nigeria.
He will now assist the two active Imams, Prof. Ibrahim Makari and Prof. Muhammad Kabir, in leading Juma’ah and daily congregational prayers.
Prof. Usman’s appointment comes at a time when the fourth Imam, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura from Southwest Nigeria, has been unable to lead prayers due to illness.
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With Usman’s addition, the 25,000-capacity National Mosque, which was built in 1984 and opened to the public in 1991, now has three active Imams alongside the Murshid, Prof. Shehu Ahmad Sai’d Galadanci, who serves as the overall head and spiritual guide.
The South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON) expressed its joy and congratulated Prof. Usman on his appointment, calling it a testament to his dedication and scholarly excellence.
In a statement signed by its Acting National Chairman, Dr. Suleiman Afikpo, and National Executive Secretary, Ustaz Sirajuddeen Ugwu, SEMON prayed for Allah to grant Usman wisdom and strength in carrying out his duties.
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“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,” SEMON stated.
They further expressed hope that his appointment would uplift the Igbo Muslim community and highlight their contributions to Islam.
The group also praised the inclusiveness of the National Mosque’s leadership and the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
Daily Trust