By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Lagos, Nigeria – The Aljamahatul Qadiriyah Islamic Movement of Lagos State has invited world-renowned Islamic scholar and spiritual leader, Al-Sheikh Al-Sayyid Afeefuddin Al-Jailani, to lead the Lagos State Qadiriyah Annual Maolid Nabiyy and Special Prayer for Nigeria. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 16 February 2025, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Sheikh Afeefuddin Al-Jailani is set to arrive in Nigeria today, Thursday, 13 February 2025, between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM (Nigeria time), at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
On Friday, 14 February 2025, the esteemed scholar will attend the opening of the Sheikh Abdul Qodri Mosque and Tahfeez School in Lagos as a highly revered spiritual leader and will later lead the Jumu’ah prayer at the same mosque.
Following the Jumu’ah prayer, Sheikh Afeefuddin Al-Jailani will visit Masjid Sheikh Hamad Rufai Solaty in Alfa Nda, Mushin, Lagos, to lead the Salat Asr congregational prayer. Sheikh Hamad Rufai Solaty is widely regarded as a major reformer of the Qadiriyah movement in Nigeria and across several West African countries.
A Historic First Visit to Africa
This marks Sheikh Afeefuddin Al-Jailani’s first-ever visit to Africa, making it a historic moment for the Islamic community across the continent. His visit aims to strengthen Islamic spirituality, promote peace, and pray for Nigeria’s prosperity.
Born on 21 July 1972, in Baghdad, Iraq, Sheikh Afeefuddin is the 33rd direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the 19th direct descendant of the revered Sufi master, Al-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Jailani, popularly known as the “King of Saints.”
A distinguished scholar in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Shariah (Islamic law), and Tasawwuf (Islamic spirituality), Sheikh Afeefuddin studied under some of the most respected Islamic scholars, including the late Mufti of Iraq, Al-Sheikh Abdul Karim Al-Mudarris, who awarded him the prestigious ‘Al-Ijazah Al-Elmiyah’ certification.
He is the chairman of Al-Wariseen Trust in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a foundation dedicated to Islamic education and humanitarian work. He is also the founder of Darul Jailani International, an organisation actively involved in Islamic teaching and Da’wah across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, and the United States.
Three-Day Spiritual Programme in Lagos
The three-day programme will begin on Friday, 14 February 2025, featuring lectures, spiritual gatherings, and special prayers. It will culminate on Sunday, 16 February 2025, with a grand Maolid Nabiyy celebration—an event commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)—and a special prayer session for Nigeria’s peace and development.
The event will be co-hosted by:
Maolana Khalifatul Sheikh Abdullateef Ibrahim Shugaba Salati, Grand Khalifah of the Qadiriyah Movement for South West, Edo, Delta, Benin Republic, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. He will serve as the primary host and play a leading role in the gathering.
Al-Khaleefa Muh. Soliu Muh. Jamiu Babaniji Amosa Saani Solihina Markaz, Grand Khalifatul Khulafai of Qadiriyah, Lagos State.
Fadeelatu Dr. Shehu Abdulkadir Jimoh, Sarkin Qadiriyya in Africa and Permanent Representative of IAWPA to the OIC and the United Nations.
Sheikh Ahmad Rufai Nda Salaty Naqeebul Ashraf, a distinguished Islamic scholar and a key figure in Qadiriyah spirituality.
Speaking on the significance of this year’s gathering, Al-Khaleefa Muh. Soliu Muh. Jamiu Babaniji Amosa Saani Solihina Markaz stated:
“Sheikh Afeefuddin’s visit is a divine blessing for us. His presence will inspire deeper faith and unity within the Muslim community. As we celebrate the birth of the Prophet, we will also seek divine intervention for our great nation, Nigeria.”
Similarly, Fadeelatu Dr. Shehu Abdulkadir Jimoh emphasised,
“This is a moment of spiritual reflection and national prayer at a time when the country needs divine guidance the most. We welcome all believers to partake in this historic event.”
Sheikh Ahmad Rufai Nda Salaty Naqeebul Ashraf added,
“This gathering is not just a celebration but also a call to action for Muslims to unite in faith and righteousness for the progress of Nigeria and the broader Muslim Ummah.”
Among other prominent members of the Lagos State Qadiriyah hosting dignitaries are:
Sheikh Abdul Razzaq Abati, General Secretary of the Lagos Qadiriyah Movement
Khalifah Naheem Akiolu, Chairman of the Lagos Qadiriyah Movement
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The event will attract high-profile guests, including:
Chief Host: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Distinguished Guest of Honour: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
Other Special Guests: Senior Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and government officials
A Call to the Muslim Community
The Aljamahatul Qadiriyah Islamic Movement has extended an open invitation to all Muslims and well-wishers to attend this historic spiritual gathering.
“As we come together in faith, we will also be praying for the progress and stability of Nigeria. We urge everyone to join us in this spiritual gathering,” said Sheikh Ahmad Rufai Nda Salaty Naqeebul Ashraf.
With Sheikh Afeefuddin’s esteemed presence, this year’s Maolid Nabiyy and Special Prayer for Nigeria is poised to be one of the most significant Islamic events in recent Nigerian history.
