By Ishola Balogun
Justice AbdurRaheem Ahmad Sayi, a Judge of the Shari’ah Court of Appeal in Ilorin, Kwara State, has called on states in Southwest Nigeria to establish Sharia courts of first instance that can exercise jurisdiction in Islamic law.
According to him, “The non-existence of courts with jurisdiction to handle matters involving Islamic laws has created a big vacuum in the sub-region, which should be filled immediately.”
Justice Sayi stated this while speaking at the 30th Pre-Ramadan lecture of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) held at the Ade Ajayi Hall, UNILAG last Sunday.
He emphasized that Muslims in the region are “completely ostracized” and “treated as if they are not citizens of the law.” Justice Sayi argued that the constitution guarantees the right to determine certain aspects of life in accordance with Islamic law.
The judge also noted that there are no institutions in the southwest to regulate Muslim families and marriages due to a lack of legal framework. “Our family law in southwestern Nigeria has provided only for the two classes of family, but not Islamic family… We think it is a slap on the face of the Muslims of these concerned states that are not adequately represented in the body of family law,” Justice Sayi said.
Hamzat urges Muslims to imbibe positive values
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, emphasized the significance of Ramadan in fostering a positive disposition towards humanity. He noted that Ramadan presents an opportunity for individuals to cultivate compassion, generosity, and healthy habits, ultimately transforming themselves inwardly and externally.
“The impact of fasting is also that it transforms us inwardly and externally. Fasting expresses our servitude (diyyah) to Allah. It trains us to submit and obey,” Hamzat stated.
He urged Muslims to look beyond the religiosity of fasting and internalize the critical disciplines that come with undertaking Allah’s will. Hamzat also emphasized the importance of promoting Allah’s will, regardless of status or position.
Hamzat’s address highlighted the transformative experience of fasting, which goes beyond mere religiosity. He called on Muslim scholars and clergymen to champion positive change in their pulpits, focusing on the moral epitaph of their faith.
Harness transformative value of Ramadan — Prof Baderin
Guest lecturer and a Professor of Law at the University of London, Prof. Moshood Baderin stressed the importance of Muslims preparing adequately for the month of Ramadan and harnessing its transformative value.
“Ramadan is reformative in the sense that when a person is fasting, it makes them conscious of Allah all the time,” Prof. Baderin said. “While fulfilling the spiritual aspects, there are so many requirements of fasting a Muslim should uphold, like being kind to people, feeding the poor, and watching your speech.”
He noted that the challenge for many Muslims is sustaining the transformation that Ramadan offers. Prof. Baderin quoted Imam Al-Ghazaali, who categorizes siyaam (fast) during Ramadan into three levels. “It depends on how you observe the fast… The transformative power of the holy month can only endure when one observes it very well,” he added.
Prof. Baderin explained that the first category of fasting is general, where one only refrains from eating, drinking, and sexual relations. The second category involves a deeper level of fasting, where one also examines their habits. The third category, the “fast of the special of the specials,” involves a complete internal participation of the soul. “If a person is able to get to this stage, the reformative aspect of Ramadan will sustain them till another Ramadan comes,” he said.
Epoch-making lecture — UMA President
The President of the UNILAG Muslim Alumni (UMA), Dr. Abdulmumin Alao, expressed excitement over the successful hosting of the 30th Pre-Ramadan lecture, describing it as “epoch-making”.
“Thirty years of any human endeavour should not be taken for granted. Therefore, we give immeasurable thanks to Almighty Allah (SWT) for giving us the grace to bring the lecture series this far,” Dr. Alao said.
He also seized the opportunity to highlight the association’s scholarship programme, which supports indigent Muslim postgraduate students to pursue careers in academics. “As an association of intellectuals, UMA decided to focus on this specific area of need when we noticed the huge shortage of Muslim manpower in the sector,” he explained.
Dr. Alao appealed to individuals and corporate donors to support the scholarship scheme, with the aim of doubling the number of PhD scholarships awarded so far. “We humbly invite individuals and corporate donors to subscribe to the scholarship scheme as sponsors… Our desire is to commemorate this 30th anniversary lecture by doubling the number of PhD scholarships that we have awarded so far.”
Ahmad, Shaafi other revered Muslim scholars honoured
The event was marked with the presentation of awards of recognition to distinguished Muslim scholars who have served as guest lecturers in previous editions of the event.
The awardees included Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, Chief Missioner, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Worldwide, Sheikh Jubril Ramadan Jubril, Mudeer, Markaz Salaam, Sheikh AbduWahab Zubayr (Al-Gamawy), Mudeer, Zawiyat Sofwat El-Islam, Sheikh Imran AbdulMajeed Eleha, Chief Imam, Daru Na’eem Central Mosque, Sheikh Muhammed Robiu Adebayo (Baba Loworo), Mudeer, Mahdul-Iftai wan-Najaat Institute of Arabic & Islamic Studies, Sheikh Daud Alfanla AbdulMajeed, Mudeer, Markaz Nurul-Islam, and Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i, Grand Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organizations (CIO).
Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, one of the awardees, expressed his gratitude and viewed the recognition as a challenge to do more. “It is very challenging indeed. It’s an honour, but I see it as a very big challenge — a challenge to be more, do more, and to say more,” he stated. He commended the organisers of the UMA pre-Ramadan lecture, emphasizing the importance of enlightening Muslims and underscoring the transformative power of Ramadan. “The most unfortunate person is the person who goes through fasting, but the fasting refuses to go through him,” he added.
Ramadan teachings can engender prosperous Nigeria —UNILAG VC
Earlier, the Chief Host and institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics and Research, Prof. Bolanle Olufunmilayo Oboh, lauded UMA for sustaining a good legacy over the past three decades.
The VC said the institution has strengthened its relationship with the Muslim Alumni Association, adding that it has made it possible for the Muslim and Christian communities to live together in harmony at the University
She expressed great hope that the transformative power of Ramadan, which is going to commence around the same time in March 2025 with the Christian lent fast, will reflect in building a prosperous nation.
“As we anticipate Ramadan, we are hoping that the transformative power of Ramadan will reflect in our nation, especially now that Nigeria is at a critical point. Those of us in the education sector will understand what I am talking about, because, we feel it a lot but we are hoping that with all the prayers and lectures we listen to, we will be able to reflect it in building this nation into a prosperous nation for everyone, young and old; rich and poor,” she added.
Roll call at the event
Among the dignitaries were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Hamzat; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Senator Umar Shehu Buba, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Intelligence; Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, represented by Alhaji Chief Dr Kazeem Bakinson, Maiyegun of Òwú Kingdom; the Chief Host, VC, UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, represented by UNILAG DVC Academics and Research, Professor Bolanle Olufunmilayo Oboh.
Others were the senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Dr Idiat Adebule; another Senator representing Ogun Central senatorial District, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu; Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo; Former Vice Chancellor, UNILAG, Prof AbdurRahman Bello; Ex NAHCON Chairman, Bar. Zikrullah Hassan; Lead Consultant, AS & Associates, Abdullah Shuaib; Former AMCON Chairman, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN; Aare Musulumi of Ijebuland, Bar Musibau Oyefeso, and the endless list of top dignitaries and captains of industries.
