Ramadan: Islamic group unveils blueprint against organised crime

The Afemai Islamic Movement (AIM) has unveiled a Ramadan initiative aimed at curbing organised crime through moral and ethical strategies rooted in Islamic teachings. The President of AIM, Dr Ismael Danesi, disclosed this at the movement’s 2026 annual Ramadan lecture held in Abuja, stating that the initiative is designed to promote moral reform as a […]

The Afemai Islamic Movement (AIM) has unveiled a Ramadan initiative aimed at curbing organised crime through moral and ethical strategies rooted in Islamic teachings.

The President of AIM, Dr Ismael Danesi, disclosed this at the movement’s 2026 annual Ramadan lecture held in Abuja, stating that the initiative is designed to promote moral reform as a tool for enhancing national security.

Danesi explained that the programme is not limited to Muslims but encourages the participation of all Nigerians in efforts to reject criminality and restore societal values.

He stressed that families and communities must work collectively to tackle terrorism, banditry, cybercrime and other forms of organised crime confronting the country.

The lecture, themed “An Islamic Framework for Curtailing Organised Crime: Lessons from the Ramadan Fast,” examined issues such as terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime, oil theft, cultism and armed robbery.

The keynote lecturer, Imam Mma Shuaib, described organised crime as structured, profit-driven and sustained through violence, secrecy and corruption.

He noted that crime is a global challenge, not confined to Nigeria or any particular faith, adding that religious teachings provide moral safeguards for society.

“Every nation in history has confronted crime in one form or another, but faith and tradition offer moral guardians to prevent societies from descending into chaos,” he said.

He added that when individuals internalise the belief that they will be accountable for every action, even the weight of an atom, they would hesitate before harming others. “We teach young people to live in accordance with the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad — peace, justice and upright conduct. This is about becoming better human beings on earth and attaining mercy in the hereafter,” he said.

According to him, the framework proposed by AIM is anchored in Islamic jurisprudence and emphasises accountability before God. He explained that the concept of Tawheed (Islamic monotheism) reinforces personal responsibility, while Taqwa (consciousness of God) acts as a deterrent to wrongdoing. He added that the Maqasid al-Shariah, which promotes the protection of life, religion, intellect, lineage and property, counters moral decline.

Danesi noted that the organisation holds monthly gatherings focused on youth mentorship, moral instruction and social cohesion beyond Ramadan. He said AIM is open to collaboration with other religious and civil society groups to strengthen interfaith efforts against crime.

He urged Nigerians to use the Ramadan period for reflection and moral renewal to foster peace and stability, expressing optimism that sustained ethical reorientation would complement security measures in addressing organised crime nationwide.