Abuja: Prof. Saheed Timeyin, a lecturer in the Department of Foreign Languages at Lagos State University (LASU), has urged Muslim faithful to emulate the exemplary life and legacies of Prophet Muhammad. Timeyin made the call at the 10th Annual Maulid Nabiyy Seminar and Family Funfair, organised by the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation in Abuja on Saturday. The theme of the seminar was ‘Inheritance Beyond Wealth: Preserving the Prophetic Legacy in Modern Society’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Timeyin highlighted that Prophet Muhammad passed away without leaving behind a worldly dynasty but established a moral civilisation and spiritual legacy that continues to influence humanity. He emphasized that the celebration of Maulid Nabiyy should inspire Muslims to study, understand, and practice the teachings and character of the Prophet. Timeyin remarked that those who celebrate Maulid Nabiyy have a moral responsibility to embody the image of Muhammad.
Timeyin underscored the importance of reflecting the Prophet’s character in daily interactions. He stated that the essence of Maulid Nabiyy is to emulate the timeless precepts and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He mentioned that the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt, who initiated the Maulid celebration, intended to use the occasion to pass on the message and teachings of the Prophet.
He further elaborated that the life of Muhammad provides lessons for virtually every human experience, emphasizing that there is no aspect of human life for which one would not find a reference in the Prophet’s life. Timeyin noted that Muhammad’s early life demonstrated perseverance, faith, and reliance on Allah despite losing his major sources of family support.
The lecturer urged Muslims not to allow their circumstances to become excuses for failing to live according to Islamic values. He explained that the Prophet’s life contained lessons applicable to various social, family, professional, or economic situations. Timeyin added that Prophet Muhammad’s example as a father, businessman, military leader, and head of state provides guidance for different aspects of life.
He stressed that the enduring legacy of the Prophet was rooted in wealth guided by God-consciousness, rather than material accumulation alone. According to him, wealth without God-consciousness could destroy an inheritance, while education without ethics could turn intelligence into a weapon. He cautioned that religious knowledge without proper moral guidance could produce intolerance and even be used to justify terrorism.
Timeyin described the legacy of Prophet Muhammad as one of the greatest paradoxes in history because the Prophet left no worldly dynasty but established a lasting moral and spiritual civilisation. He added that although the Prophet did not accumulate political power or worldly possessions, he left principles that influenced societies and institutions.
Timeyin highlighted the seminar’s theme as both beautiful and challenging, urging individuals to consider what they would leave behind beyond their material possessions. He encouraged Muslims to reflect on what their children and communities would inherit from them that money could not buy, technology could not manufacture, and time could not destroy.
He acknowledged that Islam recognized the importance of material inheritance and established principles for the rights of heirs and distribution of estates. Quoting the Qur’an, he emphasized justice and fairness in the distribution of wealth, protection of heirs’ rights, and responsible estate planning as important aspects of Islamic teachings.
Timeyin introduced the concept of another form of inheritance beyond material wealth, describing it as the inheritance of faith, knowledge, character, compassion, justice, courage, service, and moral responsibility. He stated that the greatest inheritance of Prophet Muhammad was not material wealth but the example of authentic living and commitment to divine guidance.
Also speaking at the event, Prince Muhammad Babagobi, the Chairman of the occasion, emphasized that the theme included faith, guidance, and moral responsibility, urging Muslims to uphold principles and actions that promote harmony within their communities. Imam Sharafdeen Aliagon, Founder of the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to spreading the message of the Prophet and emphasized the importance of educating Muslims about inheritance and the broader prophetic legacy.
The Maulid Nabiyy seminar also featured a family funfair, bringing together Muslim faithful and community members to reflect on the life, teachings, and enduring legacy of Prophet Muhammad.