The gathering was thrilling as echoes of ‘long live Gaza, long live Palestine’ reverberated across the national stadium, Surulere-Lagos, Nigeria. Canopies stood, shielding thousands of Muslims and non-Muslims alike who had come to learn about the origin and reality of the Palestinian struggles.
The event tagged; ‘Aqsa Day’ was themed ‘The Balfour Declaration and a Century of Palestinian Resistance’. It had in attendance notable personalities like Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafii, a prominent Islamic scholar; Dr. Dele Ashiru, Chairman ASUU, University of Lagos; Prof. AbdulLateef Adeyemo, Associate Professor, Department of Religion, University of Benin amongst others. Many Muslims and non-Muslims from various walks of life gathered at the stadium not only to know the true history of the Palestine/Israel land tussle but also lend their moral and financial support to help relieve the Palestinians of the agony they go through.
The occasion which is an annual one that holds every 12th of Rabiul Awwal of the Hijrah calendar is an initiative of an NGO, Muslim Awareness Initiative, MAI. The group raises awareness on happenings around Muslim countries. Particular interest is however given to Palestine as the origin of crises that face other Muslim countries. And also, the organisation deemed it fit to raise awareness every year about Masjidul Aqsa, one of the Holy mosques situated in Palestine.
The programme started at few minutes past 10am; an opening prayer was made then verses from the Holy Qur’an were recited. The Director of MAI, Engr. AbdulWaheed Atoyebi gave the opening speech where he talked succinctly about the theme.
Dele Ashiru talked about how the Palestinians who were the original owners of the land became refugees on their lands and how their struggles to reclaim their country back have been on-and-on for over a century. He took the audience down history lane, telling them how the Israelis had come seeking for shelter in Palestine and how the Palestinians took them in. And how the forces-that-be backed Israel up and helped them claim Palestine as theirs.
He blamed the Muslim Ummah for not giving their all to salvage the Palestinians who have been under exploitation and in shackles for over a hundred of years. He implored the audience to start whatever they can do to help their beleaguered brethren and most importantly keep them in prayers that they soon have their lands back. He had ended his one-hour discourse saying “…Until and unless the crises in the Middle East particularly the liberation of the Palestinians is resolved, things may remain elusive in the world.”
Prof. AbdulLateef Adeyemo had a rhetorical talk asking whether Muslims are the architects of the misfortunes that befall them. The Associate Professor from the University of Benin’s Department of Religion took another dimension as he delivered his discourse in Yoruba language. He talked about the civilization the past Muslims had brought to the world, how the likes of Ibn Sina contributed to philosophy and logic; AlKhwarizmi introduced algebra becoming its father and so on. He, however, faulted nowadays Muslims for losing the intellectual heritage. He blamed the problems the Ummah face on the antagonistic sects most have formed and discussed the ills that will face the community if they fail to retrace their steps and correct their wrongs.
A short drama was staged to depict the history of the whole tussle and to awaken the spirit of humanity in the audience so they get up and give their solidarity to the Palestinians. Most had a good laugh as the drama was performed and a cry of ‘Long live Gaza, long live Palestine’ shook the stadium.
Giving a goodwill message, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafii appealed to Muslims to be united and repel the forces shackling the Palestinians. He implored that sincere prayers should be made for them and every nation being suppressed by forces.
Before he gave the closing remarks, a member of MAI talked about the BDS scheme. The Boycott.Divestment.Sanction of products that aid and fund the Israeli attacks on Palestinians. He made mention that the full list of the BDS products can be found on their site, www.mai.org.ng. He implored the audience to find substitutes for all products that support the attacks so they can withdraw their support and consequently, the attacks will be less lethal on the Palestinians.
The four-hour event ended with Sheikh Shafii entreating everyone to support the Palestinians. He made prayers for the attendees and those at home. The director of MAI also appealed that they (Palestinians) should be supported and helped not just for the sake of religion but for humanity and fairness.
