Hundreds of worshippers gathered at the headquarters of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) in Aseese, Ogun State, for the organisation’s annual Laylatul Qadr, where its president, Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulrauf Abdulwahid, urged Muslims to pray for peace in troubled regions and unity within communities.

Laylatul Qadr, regarded in Islam as the Night of Power, is believed to be better than a thousand months and is observed during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Addressing the congregation during the spiritual gathering, Ayodeji described the night as a moment for reflection, forgiveness, and renewed faith.

“Laylatul Qadr is a night of immense spiritual significance. It is a night of mercy, forgiveness, destiny, and divine elevation. It is also the night when the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind,” he said.

He noted that the sacred night offers Muslims an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God, seek forgiveness, and renew their commitment to righteous living.

Ayodeji, however, said the gathering also comes at a time when the world is facing several challenges, including conflicts, economic hardship and humanitarian crises.

According to him, wars and political tensions across different regions have displaced millions of people, leaving many families struggling with poverty and uncertainty.

“These global challenges remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility as members of one Ummah. When one part suffers, the rest must feel the pain,” he said.

The NASFAT president called on Muslims to use the spiritual atmosphere of Laylatul Qadr to pray for peace in conflict zones, relief for the oppressed and healing for those suffering from illness and hardship.

He also urged worshippers to pray for stability and prosperity in Nigeria.

Ayodeji cautioned Muslims against allowing global political tensions to create religious divisions within their communities.

Referring to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving global powers, he said such conflicts should not be interpreted as religious disputes.

“Muslims must not allow tensions involving countries such as the United States, Israel and Iran to trigger religious divisions within our communities. These conflicts are largely struggles for strategic dominance and influence rather than religious differences,” he said.

He also warned young people against being drawn into extremist narratives or geopolitical conflicts that do not reflect the values of Islam.

The NASFAT president also urged members of the organisation to reflect these values in their daily lives by promoting peace, unity and development in their communities.

“As members of NASFAT, our mission goes beyond personal piety. We are called to be ambassadors of peace, unity and development within our communities and the nation,” he said.

As part of activities marking the night, the organisation also provided financial support to some of its members to strengthen their businesses.

Ten beneficiaries from the seven zones of NASFAT received cash support to help expand their small-scale enterprises.

The initiative, according to the organisation, is part of its commitment to economic empowerment and social support among members, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Ayodeji also used the occasion to appreciate donors, volunteers and members who have contributed to NASFAT’s Ramadan programmes and ongoing development projects.

He thanked individuals who have supported the construction of the mosque at the NASFAT Islamic Centre in Aseese, noting that the first phase of the project is nearing completion.

The NASFAT president appealed to members, branches and other Muslim organisations to support the remaining phases of the project.

“We call on all our zones, branches and well-meaning Muslims to support the completion of the mosque and other development projects at the centre,” he said.

He encouraged worshippers to continue giving charity, offering prayers and seeking forgiveness during the final days of Ramadan.

Ayodeji also prayed for the acceptance of the fasting, prayers and charitable acts of Muslims observing the holy month.

Laylatul Qadr holds special significance in Islam as the night the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

The gathering at the NASFAT Islamic Centre continued with prayers, supplications and Qur’an recitations as worshippers sought divine blessings and forgiveness during the sacred night.