How I Started Preaching Islam 46 Yrs Ago

• Popular Islamic Cleric, IMAM ABDULLAH GBADE AKINBODE

Last week Sunday, City People Publisher, SEYE KEHINDE and his reporter, JAMIU ABUBAKAR (08085185886) graced the 63rd birthday prayer and thanksgiving ceremony of the legendary Waka singer, Queen Salawa Abeni held at the MITV premises in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. The prayer and thanksgiving were anchored by popular Islamic cleric and founder of Islamic society named Jamaa’tu Ahli Llahi otherwise called Jamahliy, Imam Abdullahi Gbade Akinbode.

Immediately after the society concluded the programme for the day, we approached the versatile cleric and got him to talk to us about his 46 years of dawah (calling to the way of Allah) and how he has evolved over the years. Below are excerpts:

How has it been coping with life as an Islamic cleric, looking at your activities year in, year out?

It is a call, a call from social life to spiritual life. It is an indication towards being mindful beyond humanity. So it is a call and I am enjoying it.

For how long have you been doing this?

The cumulative years that I have been involved in evangelism. We call it Dawah in Islam, that’s calling people to the way of God. I started in 1978. That’s exactly 46 years ago after I left secondary school. I led the founding of a small outfit. |That was when I was in Ibadan. Then, I came to Lagos with the aim of pursuing my higher education which I achieved. I went to the University of Lagos and my Dawah life continued at MSSN, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria from 1980 even till date. Leaving MSSN, I found my own group. I was only a secondary teacher and from that development, I have been on and on until I furthered my education and did my Master’s program in International Law and Jurisprudence. I was a member of NASFAT. In fact, I pioneered as their Missioner for almost 20/23 years before I voluntarily retired to pave the way for my own private life.

Is there any difference in what you were doing before and what you are doing now?

Yes, there’s an improvement. But at this period of time, I have to put all my efforts, I have to listen to people, I have to listen to advice. I’m the Master, I’m the Proprietor now and I want to do the thing in the best mode. So that is only the major difference to fulfil Islamic evangelism.

What’s your impression about the recently observed Ramadan Fast. What do you think Muslims should be doing after the fast?

Ramadan went well, although it was observed during the period of economic hardship which was experienced throughout the world. But as God is too wonderful, people were very kind in the month of Ramadan. Here in Jamahliy, we witnessed a marmot crowd and many people wondered how we were able to cope. Alhamdulillah when it comes to Security. The Lagos State government is there. They have their patrol men who come in here every time. The Police Station is there, next door, the DPO and his officers were very helpful. They always come to check on us. If those security measures were not put in place, there would have been a stampede. Then, as regards feeding, we assisted less successful people, downtrodden masses, among them who could not only afford to break their fast. We share and care for them. Everybody was happy.

What can you say about the spirit and attitude that comes with Ramadan?

The spirit of kindness, the spirit of hospitality, goodness, supporting people, giving assistance, no matter how small. Even the prophet said you can’t be a true Muslim until what you want for yourself, you want for others.

What advice do you have for the government on how best to address the economic challenges?

We are all in power, everybody is in power. The questioner is in power because you use your gift to educate. And Education is part of the functions and duties of governance. So, my advice to the government in power is continuous, forever and ever, I would be called to advise, support and pass information to them.