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From the Mimbar: Chief Imam Calls for Sustainable Development Through Islamic Principles

Professor Ibrahim Uthman has urged Muslims to approach sustainable development through the Islamic principles of stewardship, service and social justice, as outlined in the Qur’an and Hadith.

He made the call while delivering the Jumu'ah sermon at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque on Friday, 2 October 2026, where he highlighted justice and equality as key principles in Prophet Muhammad’s approach to leadership.

Professor Uthman defined sustainable development as the use of a nation’s resources for the welfare of its people without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

“The main problem of contemporary leadership is that religion is often factored out. With this, a lot of things go wrong. Whosoever leaves Allah out of his affairs has failed even before he starts,” he said.

The Chief Imam called on national, state and local government leaders to make the objectives of Islamic law, including the protection of life, religion, wealth, intellect and lineage, the foundation of their leadership.

He further urged Muslims to uphold and protect their faith in all circumstances, stressing the importance of allowing Islamic values to guide their actions and responsibilities in the society.