The collection of Imams, Muslim Clerics, Muslim leaders in Ogun State, movers and shakers of Islamic groups, topnotch members of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria MUSWEN, National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), academia, and the crème de la crème of Nigeria that converged in Abeokuta Ogun State recently as witnesses to the Nikkah ceremonies of Rabia’ah Osuolale Akintunde and Abd-Qayyum Adebayo Lawal, says a lot about the Islamic pure-bred of the parents, particularly Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde and Alhaja Basirat Akintunde.
The nuptial communicates the unique personalities of the parents of the couple. Alhaji Akintunde bride’s father is a veteran of Dawah, a cerebral Islamic worker and a master in community services. His Islamic works speak volumes. Alhaja Basirat Akintunde, the bride mother is a quintessential Muslim with outstanding Islamic works references. She is a national commissioner at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON representing South West States, Nigeria and the Librarian of the Moshoood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta Ogun, State. Their Islamic pedigrees perhaps account for the presence of notable Muslims at the events.
The quietness at Baytus –Salam Mosque in the palatial Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, the State Capital of Ogun-state, was upset as friends and families trooped in from far and near to witness the Nikkah between Rabia’ah and Abd-Qayyum Lawal. Yaumul-Ahad, 24th Jumadal Awwal, 1444 AH (18TH December, 2022).
To the delight of the witnesses, Rabia’ah openly accepted Abd-Qayyum as her husband and to be with him in Janah (the Hereafter). Emeritus Professor Kamaldeen AbdulAzeez Balogun, the Grand Mufti of Egbaland and Imam of Gbagura, Abeokuta masterly, presided over the solemnization. Her Excellency, Engineer Noimot Salako -Oyedele, the Deputy-Governor of Ogun State, supervised the wearing of Nikkah rings and admonished the couple to live in peace and always remember the day of their Nikkah as a special day in their lives. The representative of the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Engineer Taofeek Abdul Hammed, PhD the Rector Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, presented to the couple their Nikkah certificate and delivered the goodwill messages from Professor Oloyede to the couple.
Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya, the Executive Secretary of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria MUSWEN,asked the couple to strive for the desired peace that a true marital life given as contained in the Glorious Quran and Islamic teachings, doctrines and values.
Alhaji Ola Yussuf, a man of benevolence parts, presided over the reception that served as the walimat for the Nikkah. He advises the couple to emulate their parents’ lifestyles, particularly their Islamic pedigrees and simplicity of life filled with contentment.
The electrifying moments at the Walimat-ul-Nikah were the presence of a horde of dignitaries from all walks of life. The day epitomizes a subtle reward from Allah Aza Wa Ja Allah for their Islamic efforts that span over four decades. May Allah, in His infinitive mercies, send His blessings upon Rabia’ah and Abd-Qayyum Lawal, bring goodness between them and make them a loving husband and wife until the day of Qiyammah. Amin.
Abdulfattah Abdussalam.