Leadership, at all levels, must be seen as a sacred trust, referencing Qur’an 33:72: ‘Indeed, We offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and feared it; but man undertook to bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant.’
— Imam Sharafudeen Aliagan
The Chairman and Founder of Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, Imam Sharafudeen Abdulsalam Aliagan, has called on Nigerians to embrace sincere reflection, renewed commitment to justice, and spiritually guided leadership as Muslims across the world mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
In a goodwill message released by the foundation’s Director of Communications and Information, Abdulrahman Aliagan, the Islamic scholar reminded Muslims of the significance of Eid-el-Kabir, which commemorates the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to the will of Almighty Allah.
“Eid-el-Kabir is not just a festival of sacrifice,” the Imam noted. “It is a sacred reminder of the values we must embody—submission to divine will, compassion for others, and sincerity of purpose in all our dealings.”
Imam Aliagan described Nigeria’s current socioeconomic situation as deeply challenging, citing inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and the high cost of living as critical concerns. He urged both leaders and citizens to reflect sincerely and renew their dedication to service, nation-building, and truth.
“Leadership, at all levels, must be seen as a sacred trust,” he said, referencing Qur’an 33:72: ‘Indeed, We offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and feared it; but man undertook to bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant.’
“This verse,” he explained, “is a clear reminder that leadership is not a privilege, but a heavy responsibility that requires moral consciousness and accountability.”
Beyond Nigeria, Imam Aliagan expressed concern over the growing violence and humanitarian crises around the world—from the African Sahel to the Middle East, particularly Gaza, and war-torn parts of Europe and Asia.
“These are not just statistics; they represent real human suffering,” he stated. “I urge world leaders to rise beyond politics and borders and act with moral courage to end injustice, displacement, and intolerance globally.”
The Imam also offered special prayers for Muslim pilgrims performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia, asking Allah to accept their rites as acts of Ibaadah, grant them forgiveness, and return them home safely.
“Let us pray for our leaders and the led, for peace and unity in Nigeria, and for healing in the world,” he said.
Concluding his message, Imam Aliagan prayed for Allah’s blessings on all Muslims, stating: “May Almighty Allah accept our sacrifices, forgive our shortcomings, and bless us with peace, health, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment. Eid Mubarak to all Muslims!”
