WHY ELITE MUSLIMS SHOULD STAY CLOSE TO THEIR FELLOW MUSLIMS AND ATTEND ISLAMIC PROGRAMMES
By Abdul-Ganiyy Raji
May 10, 2023
The popular saying that birds of a feather flock together comes to mind here. A keen observer will agree with me that the presence of elite Muslims in mosques, Asalatu sessions or public lectures adds glamour, class and lustre to Islam and Islamic events. Elite Muslims will be attracted to Asalatu sessions and Islamic programmes when they see people of their class and status in attendance.
It was not for fun that the Prophet (SAW) fervently asked Allah for either ‘Umar bn al-Khattāb or ‘Amr bn Hishām to accept Islam. Both of them were great men in Makkah. We have all read the honour and prestige that ‘Umar brought to the Muslim Ummah after his acceptance of Islam. His presence alone with the Prophet (SAW) and as a member of the Ummah made Islam respected in Makkah. You can never downplay or underestimate the role of the elite in Islam.
Our elite Muslims need to prioritise their attendance in Asalatu sessions and laudable Islamic programmes. They have a role to play in keeping their Muslim business associates, friends, and schoolmates in Islam. They have a role to play in encouraging other elite Muslims to be attending Asalatu sessions or to be close to the Ummah. If the less privileged members of the Ummah are attracting their likes to Islam and to Asalatu sessions or Islamic programmes, elite Muslims must also attract their likes to Islam and to Asalatu sessions. Abū Bakr As-Siddīq did this. He attracted elite Arabs like ‘Abdur-Rahmān bn ‘Awf, ‘Uthmān bn ‘Affān and others to Islam. Today, history still remembers this important role that he played in Islam. He will be remembered till the Last Hour.
It’s not in the best interest of Islam that our elite should keep away from Asalatu sessions or Islamic programmes. Their presence in Asalatu sessions and Islamic programmes confirms that Islam is a religion for people of all classes and levels. It is a religion for the rich, the poor, and for everyone.
The presence of elite Muslims in Asalatu sessions and Islamic programmes also serves as a source of inspiration for the youths who will see them as worthy role models that they can emulate their footsteps. The youths need to be around individuals who have become successful in life. They need to take true inspiration from accomplished Muslims. This is one important role that elite Muslims play when they attend Asalatu sessions or Islamic programmes.
It’s not every time that money is needed from the elite. Their presence in Asalatu sessions and Islamic programmes alone is adding value to the Ummah. Their presence alone is a form of Da’wah. It does not only attract their fellow elite Muslims to Asalatu sessions or keep them in Islam, but also provides an inspiration to the youths who currently are in dire need of worthy role models.
Besides, elite Muslims who stay close to their fellow Muslims and attend Islamic gatherings will build a community of Muslim friends and associates whom they will need later in their old age. Old age, most times, comes with loneliness. But, elite Muslims who have kept company with their fellow Muslims through attendance of Asalatu sessions and Islamic gatherings will not feel lonely in their old age. They already have friends who do not only share a faith with them, but also care about them and their wellbeing. Let us also not forget that we will need our fellow Muslims to give us Islamic burial when we return to Allah.
Our elite should not keep away from Asalatu sessions. They are needed at this time more than any other time. When you are close to the Ummah, then you get to know and understand its challenges and you will also play a role in addressing its challenges.
I know some will say, “I am busy, I cannot attend Asalatu sessions or Islamic programmes”. This is not the case with elite members of the other major religious groups. They make their impact felt in their worship centres. If your schedule is a busy one, spare time occasionally to be present among the Ummah. Don’t be too distant from your brothers and sisters in Islam.
We all can create time to support Allah, not only with money, but also with our time and other resources.
I must also state here that elite Muslims also need to be protected when they attend Islamic programmes. They should not be exposed to danger or made the target of professional beggars who can harass or embarrass them. Measures need to be put in place to ensure their safety. I know that elite people keep away from places where they do not feel safe.
We need our elite Muslims in academia, politics, the banking industry, the legal profession, the media, the private sector, the public sector, all industries are needed to promote our Islam.
Islam belongs to all of us.
Let’s do this Da’wah together.
Abdul-Ganiyy Raji
NAṢFAT National Da’wah Officer/Mission Board Secretary wrote in from Lagos.
