Encouraging Youth Independence and Cultural Identity
Sheikh Muyideen Ibuowo, the Missioner of the United Kingdom and Ireland Zone of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT), has called on parents to avoid making career choices for their children. He believes that allowing young people to make their own decisions will help them become independent and successful in life. This message was delivered during the 1st Anniversary Celebration of the NASFAT Swansea Group, which focused on “Harnessing Self-Esteem as a Pivot for Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Success.” The event took place at Swansea Central Mosque, St. Helen’s Road, Swansea, Wales.
Sheikh Ibuowo emphasized that youth is a crucial stage in life, particularly between the ages of 15 and 39. During this time, he said, parents must be sensitive, patient, and actively involved in their children’s upbringing. He noted that many children are on the wrong path due to parents’ insistence on choosing their careers, which can negatively impact their self-esteem.
The Islamic scholar also highlighted the importance of native languages in shaping a child’s identity. He stressed that the mother tongue plays a vital role in developing self-esteem, confidence, independence, cultural values, and moral discipline. According to him, parents should avoid forcing foreign languages on their children and instead focus on nurturing their connection with their heritage.
Ibuowo further urged parents to stop competing with neighbors and friends when deciding their children’s career paths. He argued that such behavior can undermine children’s self-esteem and hinder their potential to become future leaders.
Revitalizing the Yoruba Nationalist Movement
In discussing the current state of the Yoruba Nationalist Movement, Sheikh Ibuowo expressed concern that the movement has lost its direction. He suggested that the fight for the Yoruba nation should begin in universities, where subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, and Computer Science should be taught in the Yoruba language. This approach, he believed, would better prepare children for the future and build their self-esteem to face life’s challenges.
He concluded by emphasizing that the success of any society depends on the success of its youth. The failure of a society, he said, reflects the inability of its youth to thrive. Parents’ prayers, he added, play a crucial role in guiding their children towards success. He encouraged continued daily prayers from parents for their children, referencing the Prophet of Almighty Allah (Prophet Isa) who said, “Let the children come,” reinforcing the idea that a child’s role in life determines the overall success of the society.
Celebrating Growth and Unity
During the anniversary celebration, Dr. Daud Hamzat, represented by the Vice Chairman of NASFAT UK and Ireland Zone, Alhaji Rauf Mohammed Noah, welcomed attendees and congratulated the members, especially those of the Swansea Group, for their dedication and contributions. He shared the history of the NASFAT Swansea Coordinator’s journey within the organization, emphasizing that growth within NASFAT is possible through dedication and commitment.
Hamzat highlighted that NASFAT is guided by principles rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, stating that any rule contradicting these is null and void. He encouraged the Swansea Group to aspire to branch status, noting that only branches can be fully integrated into the zonal structure. Additionally, he advised members to maintain unity and emphasized the importance of establishing an Advisory Council of Elders, whose guidance is invaluable.
He also stressed the need for a youth executive, pointing out that several zonal activities, including Sports Day, Winter Camp, Family Retreat, and Joint Night of Majesty (Lailatul Qadr), require youth participation. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he urged everyone to work hard to transform the Swansea Group into a full-fledged branch.
A Vision for Community and Faith
In his welcome address, NASFAT Swansea Group Coordinator, Brother Abdulfatai Omotunde, praised Almighty Allah and expressed joy at the historic gathering. He recalled how what once seemed impossible became a reality through Allah’s grace, emphasizing that offering Asalatul remained a powerful tool for both personal and communal spiritual upliftment.
Omotunde noted that his vision for NASFAT Swansea began when he first attended a Jumah service in the UK and saw fellow Nigerian Muslims. He felt a strong need for a space where Muslims could come together regularly, support one another, pray as one Ummah, and raise children grounded in Islamic teachings within a Western society.
He urged all members, elders, and guests to see the gathering not just as a celebration but as a reaffirmation of their shared commitment to serve Allah sincerely, uplift the Ummah through knowledge and prayer, and secure the future of their children in line with Islamic values.
Additional Activities and Contributions
Other activities at the event included the presentation of NASFAT Asalatul Prayer Books by the executives of the Pages Walk Branch (UK) to the Swansea Group. The NASFAT Pageswalk Branch Women Affairs Secretary UK, Alhaja Mutiat Adekunle Bello, presented the books to the Women Coordinator NASFAT Swansea Group, Sister Samiat Jokogbola-Shaibu.
