The Aberdeen Aku Ebileh Foundation (TAAEF) on Thursday joined Muslims across the world to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The event, which attracted community stakeholders, Islamic scholars, and worshippers, was held at the Kaabatuklah Masjid Madrasat on 9 Cape Road, Aberdeen.

Giving a historical background of the Foundation, Alhaji Babatunde Yajidu Tejan explained that the organization was established two and a half years ago to promote Islamic knowledge among worshippers and to revive the Aku heritage, which he noted was gradually fading away within the Aku tribe in Aberdeen and beyond.

He added that since its inception, the Foundation has not only revived aspects of Aku culture but also strengthened Islamic teachings, especially among children and young worshippers. “Over the years, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that Islamic knowledge is spread not only in Aberdeen but also in surrounding communities,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Ya Imam Ibrahim Sanusi Macauley, commended the Foundation for its remarkable progress in such a short period of time.

“This is a very good initiative that you have started, and we are hoping to see it continue,” he stated.

He encouraged the Foundation to prepare its future leaders, noting that continuity is vital for sustaining the work of their predecessors.

Ya Imam Macauley further emphasized the importance of prayer, knowledge, and teaching children the values of Islam.

He dosclosed that before our parents left us, the only gifts they gave were the Masjid and the Holy Qur’an that is what we should use wisely.

He lamented the decline of religious practice in some homes, describing a family where parents neither pray nor observe Ramadan as “the worst kind of home.”

He reminded worshippers that after death, all deeds cease except those that continue to benefit others, such as knowledge passed on to future generations.

He urged parents to pay attention to their children’s upbringing, ensuring they are taught Islam from a young age. “The best time to acquire knowledge is during youth. If you fail to teach your children Islam, how they will pray for you when you are gone?” he questioned.

The Imam concluded by calling on the Aberdeen community to remain steadfast in spreading the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), emphasizing that passing on knowledge and proper training to the next generation is the greatest legacy any parent can leave behind.