During the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, Ustadh Sulaiman Totoola Olopoeyan, the Chief Imam of Okeho in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State, praised the town of Ìséyìn as a leading center of Islamic practice in the region.

Speaking at the Kara Junction Eid ground on Sunday, March 30, Imam Totoola emphasized Ìséyìn's long-standing role in promoting Islamic knowledge and devotion. He highlighted its historical significance as a hub for Islamic scholarship, influencing not just the Oke-Ogun zone but beyond.

"Ìséyìn has always been a beacon of Islamic practice," he said. "Its contributions to spreading Islamic knowledge and nurturing devout Muslims cannot be overlooked."

To illustrate this, the Chief Imam shared the remarkable story of a blind Islamic scholar in Ìséyìn who has memorized the entire Qur'an along with its Tafsir (interpretation). This scholar's ability to recite the holy text fluently and with deep understanding, he noted, reflects the town's strong dedication to Islamic learning.

"The presence of such profound scholarship in Ìséyìn shows its unwavering commitment to preserving and spreading Islamic teachings," Imam Totoola remarked. "Islam has flourished here for generations, and the town continues to set a high standard in religious knowledge and practice."

His words resonated with the congregation, reinforcing Ìséyìn's reputation as a key center of Islamic influence in the region.

This version keeps the essence of the original while making it more engaging and reader-friendly. Let me know if you need any refinements!

In his sermon, Imam Totoola also addressed the fundamental tenet of Tawhid, the oneness of Allah, and urged Muslims to abstain from Shirk (idol worship). He called upon those who engaged in the worship of celestial bodies, inanimate objects, or man-made idols to renounce such practices, emphasizing the supremacy and incomparability of Allah.

"Human intellect has evolved beyond the worship of idols," he asserted. "Numerous esteemed Islamic scholars have refuted the notion that idols deserve reverence. It is imperative that we recognize the sole divinity of Allah."

Reflecting on the recently concluded Ramadan, Imam Totoola likened the holy month to an institution, emphasizing the importance of adhering to its principles of forgiveness, reflection, and charity. He implored Muslims to maintain the spiritual gains achieved during Ramadan and to continue practicing the virtues of piety and compassion.

He also reminded the congregation of the Sunnah (Prophet's tradition) of observing six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.

"Ramadan is a period of intense spiritual training, and its lessons should not be discarded," he cautioned. "We must strive to embody the values of forgiveness, generosity, and reflection throughout our lives."

In a brief interview with acrossnigerianews.com, following the Eid prayer, Imam Totoola summarized his sermon, reiterating the central theme of Islamic unity, devotion to Allah, and the importance of upholding the principles of Ramadan. His pronouncements have ignited a renewed sense of pride and commitment within the Muslim community, underscoring the enduring influence of Ìséyìn as a leading center of Islamic practice in Oyo State.