Islamic scholars urged to engage in politics for better governance

Muslim scholars in Nigeria have been urged to actively participate in politics to promote good governance and bring integrity to the nation’s leadership. Justice Idris Haroon, a former Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, made the appeal during the 75th anniversary celebration of Kamal School of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Ilorin, […]

Muslim scholars in Nigeria have been urged to actively participate in politics to promote good governance and bring integrity to the nation’s leadership.

Justice Idris Haroon, a former Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, made the appeal during the 75th anniversary celebration of Kamal School of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Ilorin, which also featured a book launch.

The book, titled ‘Shaykh Abdulraheem Aminullahi Al-Adabby, Oniwasi Agbaye: His Role in the Development of Arabic, Islamic Studies and Da’wah’, was written to honour the school’s founder.

The week-long event also included a N500 million fundraising campaign for the comprehensive renovation of the school and an award ceremony.

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Justice Haroon said beyond acquiring Islamic knowledge, Muslim scholars must engage in the political process to ensure ethical governance.

“We are told to advance our educational qualifications as Muslims, attaining doctorates and professorships. However, if we remain absent from politics, we risk being sidelined.

 “By participating as upright Muslims with strong credentials, we can improve governance and sanitise the system,” he said.

The chairman of the event, Engr. Suleiman Alapasanpa, the Danmasani of Ilorin, also advised Muslim scholars to remain strictly guided by Islamic texts in their preaching to avoid giving adversaries the opportunity to exploit divisive tendencies.

He urged madrasa (Islamic school) proprietors to focus on spreading Islamic knowledge, noting that financial rewards would follow in due time.

Also, Shaykh Abdul-Mumini Hanafi Ayara, the National Missioner of Ansarul Islam Society, called on affluent Muslims to support the propagation of Islam through meaningful contributions.

Professor Salihu Muhammad Alaso, Chairman of the Central Working Committee, highlighted the school’s transformation from a humble night class in the 1940s into a globally recognised institution.

He explained that the funds raised would support the construction of 20 classrooms, the completion of the mosque, and hostels to accommodate more students, including international scholars from Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Professor Alaso also appealed to the alumni and the Muslim community to continue supporting the school’s growth and development.