Ramadan lecture: Don’t let western education override Islamic teachings, Sheikh warns muslims By Favour Samuel
Ramadan lecture: Don’t let western education override Islamic teachings, Sheikh warns muslims
By Favour Samuel
A leading Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Ase Olorun, has warned Muslims in Ekiti State and beyond to prioritise Islamic teachings over Western education, emphasising that faith and moral values must guide personal and societal decisions.
The cleric gave the advice on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti while delivering the 2026 Ramadan lecture organised by the Alhaji Abdul-Rasaq Ajijola Islamic Foundation in honour of his parents, the late Alhaji Solihu Ajijola and Alhaja Toyibat Ajijola.
Addressing the gathering, Ase Olorun said adherence to Islamic guidance remains essential for maintaining moral discipline and spiritual growth in a rapidly changing world.
He noted that while education is important for societal progress, Muslims must ensure that the pursuit of knowledge does not lead them away from the fundamental values prescribed in Islam.
The cleric urged the faithful to always measure their actions and decisions against the teachings of the Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet (SAWS).
He also emphasised the importance of honouring parents, describing the Ajijola family’s initiative as a powerful demonstration of gratitude and respect for their upbringing.
He said, “Let us put our children on the path of Islamic teachings and not allow Western education to distract them from upholding the pillars of Islam.
“You have been contributing immensely to the growth of Islam in the state.
“There are people who only mention God’s name with their tongues while their hearts are far from Him, but yours is different.
“Some people have rejected their parents, but you have chosen to honour yours. This is because they are reaping what they have sown.
“I want to implore everyone here today not to remain idle. Do something good that people will remember so that your generation will not suffer.”
The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Jamiu Agbaje, also reiterated the need not to elevate Western education to the detriment of religion, saying that education without adherence to Islamic principles is tantamount to walking on the path of destruction.
Agbaje commended the Ajijola family for sustaining the annual Ramadan lecture, noting that the programme has continued to promote Islamic teachings and strengthen moral values within the community.
He urged Muslims observing the Ramadan fast to fully embrace the spiritual lessons of the season by demonstrating discipline, compassion and obedience to Islamic principles.
Agbaje further encouraged other well-to-do Muslims to initiate similar programmes aimed at promoting religious teachings and community development.
Speaking earlier, the chief host, Alhaji Abdul-Mojeed Ajijola, said the purpose of the lecture was to sustain the legacy of their parents, who devoted their lives to the service of religion and humanity while alive.
He added that the initiative also provided an opportunity to identify with Muslim faithful, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, and extend token of love and support to them.
Among dignitaries at the event were the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland and Chief Imam of Ado-Ekiti, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello; the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Sheikh Dr AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, who offered prayers for the Ajijola family and attended the event not only as a cleric but also as a family member; the Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment, Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe; and other prominent clerics and personalities.
