The need for Nigerians to prioritise strong family institutions in line with the dictates of Allah and His messenger in order to build a prosperous nation has been stressed.
President, Council of Ulama of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulfatah Thanni, made the assertion at the annual Couples Seminar of the Muslim Congress (TMC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State branches, held at the Conference Hall of the National Mosque, Abuja, last Sunday.
Allah has placed development of sound individuals and peaceful society on the effectiveness of the family institution, making it the responsibility of everyone to ensure that the institution is not allowed to collapse, no matter the circumstances.
He advised couples to adopt the prophetic approach, such as shurah (consultation), effective communication, creating time for each other and respecting the rights of one another in building lasting relationships.
Sheikh Thanni bemoaned the alarming rate of family collapse in the country, asserting that it was the root cause of major problems the society is grappling with.
Another speaker at the event, Dr Sulaiman Ogunmuyiwa, advised couples to avoid the ego of winning every argument at home but rather focus on repairing any lapses which may hinder the continuity of the family institution.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Blanket Forgiveness’, Ogunmuyiwa, who is the Director-General, Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance, reminded couples that they were created perfect by Allah, prompting the need to overlook each other’s faults as much as possible.
He harped on the need for husband and wife to constantly draw lessons from the family life of Prophet Muhammad, whom Allah instituted as model for all mankind in all situations.
In his welcome address, the Amir of the Muslim Congress, Alhaji Taiwo Bangbala, listed effective communication, deliberate commitment to the marriage and admitting mistakes as crucial elements of a long-lasting family institution that would impact positively on the society.
He encouraged Nigerians to uphold the pillars of marriage institution, which he described as sacred and ordained by Allah.
The event was witnessed by dignitaries, including Muslim scholars and personalities from the FCT, Niger, as well as neighbouring states.