NASFAT offers prayer for Goodluck Jonathan Family
February 19, 2024
Fausiat Salako-Sanni
In response to the emotional and passionate call by the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to Nigerians to pray for his family especially his mother, who is at present mourning the demise of one of her two surviving children, Madam Obebhatein Jonathan. The call made at the funeral service for the late Obebhatein Jonathan who happens to be his elder sister.
Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society, NASFAT, remembered and consoled the grieving, mourning and highly traumatised mother of the former President, Mama Eunice Afeni-Jonathan with prayers during the weekly congregational Asalatu session, on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
While conducting the prayer, the Chief Missioner of NASFAT, Imam Morufu AbdulAzeez Onike said he was personally touched and moved by the statement of the former President, that his mother has now lost eight children, leaving him as the only surviving son.
Onike-AbdulAzeez adds that, while the position of Islam is clear on the prohibition of prayer for the repose of the departed soul of a dead non-Muslim, however, a Muslim is encouraged to share in the grief of his fellow human beings and console them whenever necessary for the sake of humanity regardless of religion differences, race or sex. While making reference to the Fatwa of the Permanent Committee for Research and Fatwa, which explains that, “if the condolences are intended to encourage people to be more inclined to Islam, it is appropriate.”
This is encouraged by Islam; He added, the committee also says, “it is proper to offer condolences, but without praying for forgiveness of the departed soul.[2].
He also cited an instance in which the holy prophet (PBUH) visited a sick young Jewish boy.
Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had earlier on Friday, February 16th, 2024 made the call at Otuoke, Bayelsa State at an occasion. While referring to his mother at that occasion. The former President said, “if you knew what she used to be and what she is now, you will know that she is still traumatised. So, continue to pray for my mum. God will see us through, I thank you.”
Onike-AbdulAzeez conclusively prayed to Allah SWT to grant the former President’s mother and her family the fortitude to bear the loss, while also prayed for his congregation that Allah SWT should spare them the agony of losing their children.