Olubadan urges muslims to hold regular remembrance prayers for departed parents

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has encouraged Muslim children to organise regular remembrance prayers in honour of their deceased parents.

The monarch gave this advice in Ibadan on Tuesday during an annual Fidau prayer, held as part of events marking the 31st anniversary of the passing of Pa Abdulraheem Oladosu-Alabi.

The late Oladosu-Alabi was the father of the Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi.

Speaking on behalf of the Olubadan, his personal assistant, Mr Adekunle Owolabi-Olakulehin, advised Muslim children to also cultivate the habit of giving in memory of their departed parents.

According to him, remembrance prayers are a reflection of a child’s sense of responsibility, even after the loss of their parents.

“Such prayers, alongside acts of charity, can bring further blessings into the lives of those who honour their parents in this way,” he stated.

Fidau prayers, also known as Islamic funeral prayers, are offered for the deceased to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness on their behalf.

Speaking at the event, Chief Lekan Alabi remarked that this year marked the 31st edition of the prayer programme in memory of his late father.

He fondly recalled his father’s kindness and generosity during his lifetime, noting that he instilled in his children the belief that the rewards of goodwill often surpass expectations.

“He always led us in prayers of gratitude to God.

“While alive, he frequently organised gatherings like this, and now that he has returned to his Maker, we are committed to continuing his legacy.

“The purpose of this prayer is to express our gratitude to the Almighty for preserving the lives of the children he left behind and to seek further blessings.

“I am merely the representative; this programme is a collective effort by all the siblings,” he stated.

In his sermon, the lead cleric of the event, Sheikh Abdulwahab Ajibola, reaffirmed that the Quran encourages and endorses the remembrance of departed parents through Fidau prayers and charitable acts.

He explained that the spirits of deceased parents could be honoured not only through regular prayers but also by preserving their good deeds and ensuring the proper upkeep of the family and possessions they left behind.

Recall that Pa Oladosu-Alabi passed away on 18 March 1994, at the age of 72.