The founder and national chief missionary of As-sabul-Jannat Muslim Association of Nigeria, Sheik Mohammed Murtadha Olanrewaju Ajadi Alawiye has said that it is best for Moslems to rather fast on this year’s Valentine’s Day which coincides with the 15th day of Sha’ban, than going about carousing.
He said fasting is strongly recommended on this day, being a day of mercy and forgiveness by Allah (SWT); and it is best for Moslems as believers to spend the day praying and seeking the face of God.
He made the statement while talking to our correspondent on the power of prayer in Islam. According to him, “prayer is the sword of victory for the Muslim” even as there’s no other religion or belief system where the power of prayer is as efficient and effective as Islam; citing Quran Chapter 2, verse 153, “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient”.
While admitting that it is generally discouraged to single out Friday for voluntary fasting in Islam, as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Do not fast on Friday unless you fast a day before or after it.” (Sahih Muslim); Alawiye argued that the case is different here because, normally, Moslems are encouraged to fast on ‘White Days’ 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijra month; as sacred days. And incidentally, the days fall on Wednesday through Friday this year.
Speaking further, he added that Almighty Allah is so merciful and does not give mankind any obligation they cannot fulfill, he therefore advised that anyone who missed 13th, 14th, and 15th of Sha’ban should not feel bad. Ordinarily, Moslems should follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (SAW) to observe fasting on Monday and Thursday every week; especially this month of Sha’ban preceding Ramadan.
As-sabul-Jannat which means ‘Dwellers of Paradise’ is a pan-Nigeria prayer and spiritual intercession Muslim association led by Sheik Mohammed Murtadha; with headquarters in Lagos Island.
The founder and national chief missionary is a descendant of the renowned Alawiye Islamic scholarly family of Lagos, in whose family compound the seed of Ansarudeen Muslim Society was planted in 1923.
