“Can ear, eye drops and inhalers break fast?” Habeebullah El-Ilory challenges Mufti Faruq-Onikijipa to solve Ramadan riddle

Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Abdullah El-Ilory, the proprietor of the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Markaz Agege, has stirred a significant debate challenging the Mufti of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq-Onikijipa.

The contention arose during Sheikh Habeebullah’s Ramadan lecture on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, where he posed pressing inquiries concerning fasting practices.

Asserting the indispensable role of the Mufti, Habeebullah underscored that it’s not merely about delivering lectures but also about addressing critical questions facing the Muslim community.

He emphasized that the grand Mufti, Faruq-Onikijipa, bears the responsibility to provide clarity on intricate matters.

Central to the discussion were inquiries regarding the permissibility of using ear drops, eye drops, and inhalers during the fasting period.

Habeebullah urged Onikijipa to shed light on whether the usage of these medical aids could potentially nullify the fast, urging for clarity on these issues that directly impact the faithful.

“The duties of a Mufti extend beyond ceremonial roles; they are entrusted with guiding the Ummah through complex moral and religious quandaries,” Sheikh Habeeb affirmed.

He further delineated that the Mufti serves as the conduit between the community and divine guidance, resolving disputes and offering interpretations on matters ranging from the commencement of Ramadan to issues concerning intoxicants and gambling.

“The role of a Mufti transcends mere lecture deliveries,” emphasized Habeebullah. “Individuals within the Ummah turn to the Mufti seeking guidance and answers to their inquiries. They rely on the Mufti to resolve uncertainties and provide clarity on various matters.”

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Expanding on the significance of the title, Habeebullah continued, “A Mufti is regarded as a representative of Allah on earth. In addition to ceremonial duties such as announcing the commencement of Ramadan, the Mufti tackles pressing issues like alcohol consumption and gambling within the community.”

As the discourse continues to reverberate within the Muslim community, the spotlight remains on Faruq-Onikijipa to provide authoritative insights, ensuring that believers navigate the sacred month of Ramadan with clarity and conviction.

Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq-Onikijipa

Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq-Onikijipa stands as
an enduring figure among the esteemed clergy in our nation. Renowned for his profound understanding of Islamic teachings, he embodies a rare combination of scholarship and eloquence.

His sermons resonate with a message of unity and religious tolerance, reflecting his unwavering commitment to peace. This has earned him a vast following both within and beyond our borders, with admirers praising his deep knowledge of the Holy Book and adherence to its teachings.

Beyond his role as a respected Islamic scholar, Faruq-Onikijipa is celebrated for his boundless generosity. His residence in Olowo-Isheri, Lagos, serves as a sanctuary for those in need, where he consistently brings joy and relief to those who seek his assistance. Despite his close ties to influential figures in politics, entertainment, and business, he remains grounded and humble.

In recognition of his dedication to fostering peace and promoting Islamic principles, Faruq-Onikijipa was bestowed with a prestigious chieftaincy title on July 22nd in Ilorin, where he now holds the esteemed position of the fourth Grand Mufti of Ilorin.

Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Abdullah El-Ilory

Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Abdullah El-Ilory is an eminent scholar known for his profound expertise in Islamic studies. He inherits a rich legacy as the son of the esteemed Sheikh Adam Abdullah El-Ilory, renowned across West Africa for his knowledge.

Like his father, Sheikh Habeebullah possesses exceptional talent and erudition in Islamic scholarship, addressing both local and global issues with insight and depth.

His Ramadan Tafseer, conducted at the Great Markaz, garners significant attention, drawing crowds of listeners unparalleled in South West Nigeria, if not the entire country.

Sheikh Habeebullah El-Ilory’s expertise extends to contemporary Islamic Jurisprudence, Quranic exegesis (Tafseer), Arabic interpretation, and historical studies. He stands out as a rare gem among Nigerian scholars, distinguished by the quality of his research and depth of knowledge. Beyond scholarly pursuits, he exemplifies generosity, selflessness, and political neutrality, embodying the essence of true scholarship.