By Abdul-Mumeen Abdul-Quadir
It was an inspiring afternoon as the Muslim Community of King’s Court Estate, Shasha, Lagos State, held its third Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The event, which attracted Muslim faithful from within and outside the estate, was organised to boost spiritual, psychological and medical preparedness ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
Chairman, King’s Court Muslim Community, Alhaji Shamsudeen Animashaun, said the lecture was designed to achieve two major objectives: preparing Muslims for the blessed month and reminding them about the journey of the hereafter.
“We are having two lectures today. The first is titled Al-Barzakh: The Bridge Between Two Worlds, which admonishes souls on the existence between death and resurrection and what can be done to have a seamless stay there. The second, Virtues of Ramadan: Foundation for Peaceful Living, is meant to help Muslims maximise the globally anticipated month of Ramadan,” he said.
Reflecting on previous editions, Animashaun noted that the community began the initiative three years ago with a Pre-Ramadan Lecture and Eid Get-Together. Last year’s activities included additional iftar gatherings and humanitarian visits to orphanage homes.
“This year, by the grace of Allah, we will continue with the Pre-Ramadan Lecture, iftar gatherings, Eid Get-Together, and possibly visits to orphanages, widows’ support initiatives, and welfare outreach to hospital patients. We are working tirelessly to actualise these plans. May Allah make our vision a reality,” he added.
He urged Muslims to reflect, reinvent themselves and reconnect with purpose in the spirit of Ramadan.
Scholars emphasise charity, consistency in worship
Speaking on The Bridge Between Two Worlds, Mudeer of Usoolul Iman Tahfeez School, Imam Jibril Adeyemi, charged Muslims to go beyond obligatory acts of worship.
“Do not confine yourself to obligatory acts alone. Take advantage of superrogatory acts. You cannot rely on prayers and fasting only. Engage in voluntary prayers, additional fasting, charity and every other good deed to attain the pleasure of Allah,” he said.
He stressed the importance of Sadaqatun Jaariyah (continuous charity), noting that only three things benefit a person after death: beneficial knowledge, ongoing charity, and prayers from righteous children.
“It is important for every one of us to seize opportunities to carry out acts of charity that will remain relevant to humanity even after we are gone,” he added.
On the second topic, Dr. Akeem Dosunmu, represented by Alhaji Giyaz Najmudeen, described Ramadan as a rare privilege and blessing from Allah.
“Ramadan is Allah’s blessing upon us — another opportunity to earn immense rewards and gain admittance into Jannah. During this month, the doors of Paradise are opened, the doors of Hell are shut, and Allah forgives His servants,” he said.
He explained that the three phases of Ramadan are periods for seeking mercy, forgiveness and freedom from Hellfire, adding that the virtues of the month should extend beyond Ramadan.
“Ramadan teaches us how to live throughout the other eleven months. The acts of worship and charity we observe during Ramadan should continue after the month ends,” he emphasised.
Medical outreach enhances readiness
As part of the day’s activities, a free medical outreach was conducted to assess the health status and fitness of attendees ahead of Ramadan. The outreach was anchored by St. Loveth Pharmacy, newly opened in Shasha.
Alhaji Animashaun expressed gratitude to the pharmacy for partnering with the community.
“Every year, we spend a considerable amount bringing in medical teams, but this year is different. St. Loveth Pharmacy came fully prepared and has been attending to people since 8:00 a.m., at no cost. With their support, we were able to extend the outreach even to non-Muslims within and outside the estate,” he said.
Superintendent Pharmacist of St. Loveth Pharmacy, Chiamaka Anyachebelu, said she was passionate about community service, especially within her immediate environment.
“I grew up in this community, so when this initiative was presented, I saw it as an opportunity to assess the health status of people and ensure Muslims are strong, healthy and fit for fasting,” she said.
According to her, close to 100 people were attended to at her desk alone.
“About 50 per cent of those checked are healthy. Others need to pay closer attention to their diet, blood pressure and lifestyle habits, while a few require medical attention. We are making necessary referrals and are willing to support them through their health journey,” she added.
Participants Express Appreciation
Some attendees described the lecture as uplifting and spiritually energising.
Hajia Lateefah Ajisebutu said the programme was enlightening and motivating.
“It reminds us that Ramadan should not be business as usual. It is a charge for Ramadan and for life afterwards. May Allah reward the organisers,” she said.
Young Hakeemah Bello noted that the lecture reinforced the importance of prayer, fasting and charity.
“If I have something and my friend does not, I will share with her,” she said.
