The popular Islamic Cleric and Philanthropist, Subhanallah Shamashad, the newly turbaned Jagunmolu Adinni of Mosafejo Central Mosque spoke to Lagos Focus News at the occasion when Amukoko Central Mosque honoured some illustrious sons and daughters and he captured the mood on this conversation
How do you feel about the recognition, sir?
I feel well and mostly honoured. It did not start today because I am from the royal family and the title there is the warrior. Today, I am being honoured by the Central Mosque Mosafejo, Amukoko, Ojora land. It’s an honour and a fulfilled destiny because my grandfather happened to be a warrior, judge, and the Seriki of Oshogbo land. The same title was passed to my father, he was honoured as Jagunmolu Adini of Mosafejo of Ojora land and now down to me, it’s an honour .
Can you recall some of the philanthropic gestures you have given the mosque?
If you recall the story of Prophet Muhammed, he did not fight against anybody for himself but he fought the course of Allah and liberation of the people from idol worship. If we are genuine Muslims, our role model should be Prophet Muhammed. We should all work the way of Allah and assist people, not to worship us but to worship Allah because we’re role models.
Tell us about Shamashad
This is a society that started in 1963. My father started preaching the word of God in 1958 and by the grace of Allah, he started this society in 1963. We started from Ajegunle here at 11 Ogumuyi Street in Olodi Apapa. I can categorically say that we are the first generation of Islamic Society that came to Ojora land and since then we have had more than 40 branches in Ojora land. Our motto is preaching and peace. We preach the word of God and also pray for the people. We pray for ourselves, the people, the community, and the entire country because the Prophet of Allah, his message is peace and Islam is peace
Now that you are the Jagunmolu, does it come with more responsibilities?
Of course yes. We have been doing it for a long time. It’s only almighty Allah that makes what we’re doing come to reality. We did not ask for the title. They looked around and decided that we deserved the title. By the grace of God, we will continue to establish the word of God and preach peace to all mankind.
Your growing up
I was born here in Ajegunle in this very house and I attended most of my schools here I want to use this medium to thank His Royal Majesty, The Ojora of Ojoraland for his support and fatherly love. I want to thank Chief Akeem Oladimeji Oseni, the Baale of this place, my junior brother and the Chief Imam of Ojora land for the love of Islam, and the Chief Imam of Amukoko Safejo for the love. May Allah make the community peaceful
Let’s talk about the inter-religious peace
We have peace with the Christian community because we have a lot in common. We believe in the books of Allah that came before the Prophet Muhammed. We did not dispute any of Allah’s messengers, so we have a lot in common. We believe in Christianity and we love Jesus Christ the prophet. Aside from that, we believe in Allah and it’s only him we worship.
