By Yunus Olawale, Abuja
The delicate issue of inter-faith marriage and its far-reaching consequences dominated discussions at the inaugural Joint Usrah of The Companion, Abuja District, held on Sunday, 24th August 2025 (30th Safar 1447 AH). The event, organized under the leadership of Dr. Imran Saheed Adekunle, District Ameer, took place at the Bratim Business School Hall, National Library of Nigeria, Abuja.
The gathering drew prominent Muslim scholars, leaders, and professionals, who unanimously emphasized the need for Muslim youths to prioritize faith over fleeting emotions and material considerations when choosing life partners.
Marriage: The Bedrock of Society
In his opening remarks, Dr. Imran Saheed Adekunle, District Ameer of The Companion, Abuja welcomed participants and underscored the centrality of marriage to societal stability. He expressed concern over the rising number of broken homes and disoriented children, which he linked to improper orientation in marital choices.
“Marriage is the foundation of society. If it is not properly guided, society will be in chaos,” he cautioned. “Today, we see thousands of broken homes and shattered children. That is why we decided to focus our first Joint Usrah under this new administration on the critical subject of marriage.”
He further assured the participants that the session would be both fruitful and beneficial, noting that The Companion, Abuja District is committed to addressing topical issues affecting Muslim families.
Inter-Faith Marriage and the Islamic Perspective
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Abdulfatai Bello Araoye, a respected Islamic scholar and seasoning writer, examined inter-faith marriage through the lens of Qur’anic guidance and Prophetic teachings.
He warned that inter-faith marriages often leave children spiritually vulnerable, especially when the non-Muslim partner exerts influence. “If a Muslim marries a Christian who upholds doctrines such as the Trinity, the faith of the children may be endangered,” he said.
Citing both the Qur’an and Bible, Dr. Araoye explained that Islam rejects the Christian notions of original sin and salvation through Jesus’ crucifixion, emphasizing instead that salvation lies solely in worshipping Allah. He reminded participants that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) guided believers to seek piety and faith as the foundation of marriage, not material or emotional attachments.
“Faith Above Love and Wealth” – Amb. Safiu Olaniyan
A major highlight of the Usrah was the passionate admonition delivered by Ambassador Safiu Olaniyan, former Nigerian Ambassador to Sudan. He spoke firmly on the need to elevate faith above worldly considerations in marital decisions.
“It is very important to tell our young Muslims who are getting married or wish to get married to consider good Islamic faith in their relationship,” he declared. “Love will fade, wealth will fade, and beauty will diminish. But Islamic faith sustains marriage through trials.”
He further stressed:
“If you take love first in marriage, you may end up having problems that can crash the union. Love is good and important, but it must come last. Faith should always be on top, because it is this faith that will control and stabilize every challenge that arises later on.”
Ambassador Olaniyan reminded parents of their responsibility to guide their children through Islamic teachings: “Parents should teach their children the words of Allah and the sayings of the Prophet (SAW). Life is not for jokes but for worship. Get married to worship Allah, and be elevated.”
Quoting Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he added: “Marriage may be pursued for love, wealth, beauty, or faith – but let faith be prioritized above all.”
Voices of Experience: “Marriage is an Act of Worship”
Also addressing the gathering, Alhaji Sulaiman Abdulmajeed, a former President II of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), reinforced the call for caution and prioritization of faith.
He shared personal observations and stories of Muslims who married non-Muslims and later faced regret. “Do not allow emotions to overpower you in relationships,” he advised. “Marriage is an act of ibadah (worship), and Allah will question us about it.”
Warning about the dangers of compromising faith in marriage, Alhaji Sulaiman Abdulmajeed said:
“Inter-faith marriage has created serious problems in our society. This world is temporary; we will all die and face our Lord. On that day, we will be asked about the choices we made. If you want peace in this life and the hereafter, marry a Muslim and pious spouse so you will not have yourself blamed before Allah.”
A Call to Parents and Youths
The session ended with a unanimous call for parents to play a stronger role in mentoring their children about Islamic values in marriage, and for Muslim youths to resist societal pressures that prioritize beauty, wealth, or passion over faith.
The speakers agreed that while love, wealth, and beauty have their rightful place in a marriage, faith remains the ultimate pillar of a lasting union. They stressed that Muslims must see marriage not only as a social contract but as a sacred covenant and act of worship, one that determines both worldly harmony and eternal destiny.
As The Companion Abuja District embarks on its new administration, the successful inaugural Joint Usrah has set a tone of relevance and spiritual depth — calling the Muslim community back to the fundamentals of faith in family life.
* Yunus, Olawale
is Public Affairs Secretary to The Companion, Abuja District
You can reach us @
_publicaffairsthecompanionabuja@gmail.com_