The Grand Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Shaykh Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo, has clarified recent pronouncement on the ban imposed on men who plaited hair and earings not to attend jumat prayers.
Penpushing reports that on the updated statement made available by Oyekolade Sodiq Oyesanya, Head, Corporate Media and Public Communications, Office of the Grand Chief Imam and President, League of Imams and Alfas of Ijebuland said the pronouncement wasn’t aimed to ridicule Muslim faithful
The statement issued by Ẹkẹta Adiini of Ijebuland, Shaykh Abdul Wahab Oleolo on behalf of the Chief Imam-in-Council explained that the pronouncement was a note of caution and a call for greater consciousness of the sanctity, dignity and decorum befitting the House of Allah
Penpushing further reports that he added that the pronouncement was not, and should not be interpreted as, a directive to exclude any Muslim from the Mosque or to shut its doors against anyone seeking to worship Allah.
The statement emphasized that the mosque occupies a position of profound spiritual significance in Islam, adding that it is a place of worship, humility, reflection, moral refinement and communal fellowship.
‘Consequently, every worshipper is enjoined to approach it with due reverence, observing the appropriate standards of cleanliness, decent dressing, modesty and good conduct’, the statement stated.
Penpushing also reports that the Ẹkẹta Adiini of Ijebuland, pointed out that the Qur’an enjoins the children of Adam to adorn themselves appropriately at every place of worship (Qur’an 7:31), while the Prophet Muḥammad taught that cleanliness is an essential aspect of faith.
‘In this regard, concerns were raised about certain practices, including inappropriate or immodest dressing, the wearing of earrings by men, particular hairstyles such as dreadlocks, the display of tattoos, and the use of mobile telephones during Jumu‘ah prayers and sermons’.
‘These matters were mentioned to encourage reflection, restraint and compliance with the standards of Islamic propriety and the established expectations of the Mosque. In particular, the use of mobile telephones during the Friday sermon and prayers can distract worshippers, undermine concentration and detract from the solemnity of the occasion’, it added.
‘It is, however, important to emphasise that the objective is guidance, not humiliation; admonition, not alienation; and the promotion of religious consciousness, not the exclusion of individuals from the Muslim community. The Mosque must remain a welcoming place where Muslims can worship, learn, seek guidance and work towards spiritual and moral improvement’.
‘Islam places considerable emphasis on sincere counsel, wisdom and compassionate engagement. Allah instructs the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to invite people to the way of the Lord with wisdom and good instruction (Qur’an 16:125).’
‘The Prophet also taught that religion is sincere counsel. Accordingly, any caution issued by the Mosque authorities should be understood within this broader Islamic framework of moral responsibility, mutual respect and constructive correction’.
‘The Office therefore appeals to all congregants to receive the announcement in its proper spirit. Worshippers are encouraged to exercise restraint, dress modestly, maintain decorum, avoid unnecessary distractions during religious services and respect the rules and guidance of the Mosque authorities’.
‘At the same time, those responsible for communicating and implementing such guidance are expected to do so with wisdom, courtesy, fairness and due regard for the dignity of every individual’.
‘For the avoidance of doubt, the announcement was not intended to bar anyone from entering the Ijebu Ode Central Mosque, Oyingbo, or to discourage any Muslim from attending congregational prayers. Rather, it was a reminder that the privilege of worshipping in the House of Allah carries responsibilities which every worshipper should endeavour to fulfil’.
‘The doors of the Mosque remain open to Muslims seeking the pleasure of Allah. The ultimate aspiration is to nurture a congregation distinguished by faith, humility, discipline, mutual respect and commitment to the teachings of Islam’.
‘The Mosque should remain a centre of spiritual nourishment, sound religious instruction and moral transformation for all who approach it sincerely. The Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Ijebuland urges the Muslim community to avoid misinterpretations, sensationalism or unnecessary controversy over the announcement’.
‘The matter should instead be approached as an opportunity for constructive dialogue, spiritual reflection and the strengthening of the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Ummah.
‘May Allah guide us all towards what pleases Him, grant us the wisdom to uphold the dignity of His House, and make our mosques places of guidance, mercy, unity and spiritual renewal’, Oyesanya added
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