Muslim leaders advocate safe homes, mentorship to empower women

JUSTICE AbdurRaheem Ahmad Sayi of the Shari’ah Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Kwara State, has urged Muslim men to make their homes safe and nurturing, stressing that how they treat their wives and families reflects their accountability before Allah.

He made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 1447 AH Annual Seminar of The Criterion, an association of Muslim women in business and the professions, held on Sunday in Ikeja, Lagos.

The seminar, themed ‘Creating a Safe Space for Muslim Women to Nurture the Future’, was chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Dr. AbdulAfeez Toriola.

Justice Sayi explained that acts of worship in Islam extend beyond prayer, noting that supporting women in their roles as wives and mothers attracts immense reward from Allah.

He stressed that men are responsible for providing, protecting and caring for their wives, warning that neglecting this duty could affect one’s place in Jannah.

“Make your homes habitable for your wife. Let her experience what Jannah will probably look like right from your home,” he said.

The seminar featured free medical screenings by the FAJIM Medicare Foundation and a drama presentation by pupils of First Criterion College, reflecting the theme creatively.

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A panel session explored legal, medical, educational, and leadership perspectives on safe spaces.

Chief Executive Officer of Distinct International Properties Limited, Hajiya Mutiat Hassan, highlighted empowerment as essential for women to thrive both professionally and personally.

Drawing lessons from Islamic history, she recalled how Prophet Muhammad created safe spaces for women and cited instances of women exercising agency during the caliphate of Umar.

Hajiya Hassan urged leaders and mentors to foster environments that welcome differing opinions, uphold confidentiality and facilitate constructive dialogue.

“You can’t give what you don’t have,” she said, stressing that empowered women contribute meaningfully to society and the Ummah.

Director-General of the Office of Education Quality Assurance in Lagos, Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, emphasised the need for intellectual, social, and cultural safe spaces.

Advocating collaboration through mentorship and shared experiences, he encouraged women to adopt positive mindsets, make informed decisions and challenge cultural misconceptions that limit their potential.

A consultant psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Kabirat Kilanse-Oni, noted that safe spaces must start with the girl child.

She described safe spaces as environments of trust, learning, and shared commitment, enabling young girls to develop self-esteem and problem-solving skills.

The chairman, Dr. Toriola, described leadership as a trust from Allah requiring vision and service.

He emphasised that inclusive homes, where women are valued and engaged, form the foundation for responsible leadership in society.

Ameerah of The Criterion, Lagos State Chapter, Hajiya Maryam Morenike Saba, noted that the seminar’s theme aligns with Islamic teachings and contemporary realities.

Quoting Qur’an 30:21, she stressed that tranquillity, mercy and compassion form the foundation of safe spaces in homes, workplaces and communities.

Participants at the seminar were urged to translate the lessons learned into practical action and ensure that Muslim women are empowered to nurture future generations in safety, dignity and faith.