Uphold uprightness, AbdusSalam urges Unilorites
By Muizdeen Adewole
The Chief Imam of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Nasir AbdulsSalam, has urged believers to seize the opportunity of the ongoing Ramadan season to cultivate uprightness, self-discipline, and compassion.
In his sermon penultimate Friday, (February 20, 2026) at the University Central Mosque, Prof. AbdulsSalam emphasised the importance of moral integrity and righteousness in Islam.
Prof. AbdulsSalam reminded believers that fasting in Ramadan with sincere faith and pure intention leads to forgiveness of sins, citing the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW): “Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan with sincere faith and pure intention, seeking the pleasure of Allah, will have his sins forgiven.”
He stressed that Ramadan is a time to develop empathy and kindness towards others, citing the Quranic example of those who “give food in preference to themselves, even though poverty may be their lot” (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:9). Believers should extend their generosity beyond Ramadan, making charity and compassion a hallmark of their character.
The cleric-don cautioned against sinful activities, especially on social media, saying that fasting is a shield against sins. He urged believers to avoid falsehood and bad behaviour, quoting the Hadith of the Prophet, which says, “Whoever does not abandon falsehood in speech and action, Allah has no need of his abandoning his food and drink.”
Prof. AbdulsSalam emphasised the importance of self-control and patience during Ramadan, advising believers to respond to abuse or fighting with the words: “I am fasting, I am fasting”. He encouraged consistency in good deeds, saying: “The best of deeds is that which is consistent, even if it is little,” urging believers to maintain their spiritual momentum after Ramadan.
