A respected Islamic scholar, Sheikh Imran Eleha, has blamed the increasing moral decline in society on the failure of mosques to fulfill their responsibilities beyond prayer hours.
Speaking at the inauguration of an ultra-modern mosque in Iragbiji, built by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, in memory of his late mother, Sheikh Eleha emphasized that mosques should serve as centers for moral and social development, not just places of worship.
He criticized the practice of closing mosques except during prayer times, highlighting that during the time of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), mosques were also hubs for education and community building.
“Our society is struggling because mosques have abandoned their role in shaping values and guiding people.
They should not be limited to daily prayers but should function 24/7 to educate, mentor, and support the community,” he said.
After leading the first Jumu’ah prayer at the newly built Alhaja Wulemotu Anike Oyetola Central Mosque, Sheikh Eleha called for a return to the traditional role of mosques in promoting good morals and a violence-free society.
Oyetola Honors Mother’s Legacy with a Mosque
Minister Gboyega Oyetola explained that he built the mosque to honor his late mother’s deep commitment to Islam.
He recalled how, in 2006, she was appointed as Iyalaje Adini at the Iragbiji Central Mosque and requested that he help renovate the mosque rather than buy her personal gifts.
“She asked me to gather my friends to contribute towards renovating the mosque. We raised ₦6.5 million, which was fully used for the project.
After her passing, I felt the best way to honor her would be to build a central mosque in her memory,” Oyetola shared.
A Call for Wealthy Muslims to Give Back
Chief Tunde Badmus, the Asiwaju of Musulumi in the Southwest, Edo, and Delta States, praised Oyetola’s gesture and urged wealthy Muslims to invest in projects that benefit the community.
He emphasized the importance of charity, especially during and after Ramadan, as a means of strengthening the Muslim community.
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