Ramadan Lecture: Osun Speaker Urges Muslims To Discharge Basic Obligations

By Israel Afolabi

The issue of taxation cannot be over-emphasized in any society that is yearning for progress and development as well as other indices affecting the welfare of the people.

The Speaker State of Osun House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam made this remark while speaking at the first in the series of this year’s edition of the annual Ramadan lecture organized by the Muslim community of the State Assembly at the premises of House of Assembly complex Osogbo.

Dr. Salaam urged all Muslims to dedicate themselves to the tenet of Ramadan throughout the holy month and pray for the growth of the state in their prayers.

According to him, “We should be modest in our dealings and refrain from excessiveness so that Allah would accept our fasting as an act of worship”.

He used the medium to alert all Muslims to pray for continued peace and prosperity in Nigeria as they observe the month of Ramadan.

He said “this period of Ramadan teaches us self control, self restraint, tolerance for one another irrespective of religion or tribe”.

He noted that the topic of the lecture which borders on taxation has come at a right time and acknowledged the importance of taxation as the basics of development in countries all over the world.

Dr Salaam who was chief host also appreciated the guest lecturer as he enjoined the people to tap from his knowledge and wisdom.

Meanwhile, in his lecture titled “Taxation as an obligation, Islamic perspective” a renowned Islamic scholar Sheik Babatunde Yusuf Ayeniromo emphasised on the importance of taxation.

He described taxation as a divine obligation expected to be performed by Muslims with the means and are truly committed to the cause of the faith.

Sheik Yusuf popularly called Oko Iya eleko cited the government of Umar Ibn Kattab and the role played by taxation in the success of his administration.

While stressing the need for taxable adults to fulfill their obligation to the government, he also charged the authorities on judicious expenditure of resources gathered from the people.

Earlier Chief Imam of the Assembly Mosque Alhaji Abdul Fatai Adebisi had on behalf of the Muslim community appreciated the guest lecturer as well as the gathering from within and outside.

The lecture was attended by faithful Muslims not only from within but across neighboring establishments.