Yoruba Muslim Scholars Association launches in Ibadan, calls for stronger Islamic unity

WITH a call for stronger unity and impactful service delivery, the Yoruba Muslim Scholars Association was officially launched at a religious seminar in Ibadan, Oyo State, last weekend.

Attended by leading Islamic figures from across the South West, the event emphasised scholarly cooperation, da’wah efforts and service to humanity.

The inauguration ceremony, which followed the establishment of the association in August 2022, took place at the Islamic Centre, University of Ibadan.

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Abubakri Agbotomokekere, was represented by Mogaji Hassan Onisiniyan.

Two eminent traditional rulers, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba AbdurRasheed Adewale Akanbi, and the Olowu of Owu Ile, Oba Muhammadu-Qosim Raji, were also in attendance, lending royal support to the landmark event.

Speaking at the unveiling, the association’s president, Sheikh Khidr Mustapha, explained that the Yoruba Muslim Scholars Association, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), was founded to consolidate the achievements of past Islamic scholars while advancing Islamic scholarship and the propagation of the religion.

Sheikh Mustapha emphasised the association’s focus on human development, the preservation of Islamic creed, and the promotion of a moderate and authentic Islamic methodology based on the Qur’an and prophetic teachings.

“This association operates an open-door policy for all Islamic scholars and clerics to join in the collective mission of propagating Islam and fostering unity,” he stated.

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He added that the association will actively engage in research on Islamic knowledge, issue fatwas (religious rulings), and provide scholarly insight on matters relevant to Muslim communities.

“One of the major challenges among Islamic propagators is internal disagreement, which often leads to unnecessary litigation. Social media attacks over trivial issues must be addressed in order to maintain unity,” he said.

Dr. Mustapha appealed to Muslim philanthropists, entrepreneurs, leaders, and traditional rulers to support the association in achieving its noble goals.

Also speaking, Professor Ibrahim Otuyo, Chairman of the Organising Committee and a retired professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, noted that the association has been well-structured to effectively implement its vision, mission and projects.

He urged interested members of the public to contact 08149465848 or 08143374562 for further information about the association.

In a lecture titled ‘The Importance of Unity and Togetherness in the Face of Challenges: Yorubaland as a Case Study’, the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr. Ridwanullahi Jamiu, advocated the modernisation of Arabic and Islamic Studies curricula.

He suggested incorporating contemporary disciplines such as Islamic Finance, Prophetic Medicine, and Estate Planning to enhance the employability and relevance of graduates.

“We should encourage our youths to pursue Arabic and Islamic Studies in universities, but with modern upgrades that make them self-reliant and professionally competitive,” he said.

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Akanbi, urged participants to work toward a better future for the next generation, stressing the need for Muslims to engage actively in politics and seek leadership positions to safeguard their welfare and interests.

Also speaking, the Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Daud Imran-Molaasan, described the inauguration as a welcome development and called for mutual cooperation among Muslims to ensure the association’s success.