Why Islamic organisations were formed – Oloyede

Secretary General, NSCIA, Prof Is-haq Oloyede

Why Islamic organisations were formed – Oloyede

Registrar of the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) Prof Ishaq Oloyede, has said that formation of Islamic organisations was to check the influence of Western civilization brought by the missionaries.

Oloyede, who is also the Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said forming Islamic organisations became a necessity to preserve the Islamic cultures from eroding

According to him, the practice of setting up Islamic organisations is not only in Nigeria but in other countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Mali, among others.

He said as far back as 1914, several Islamic organizations were formed to check what he called imperialism by the colonialists.

“Muslims worldwide saw that the imperial government would wipe them off and they came up with the idea of setting up one group or the other to promote the beauty of Islam and be part of the global movement,” he said.

Oloyede recalled that the founding fathers of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah were conversant with contemporary global issues despite their level of education.

According to him, their concern was to safeguard the future of Islam and the Muslims, especially the younger ones.

Oloyede, however, urged leaders of Islamic organisations to go back to the drawing board and learn from the founding fathers the ideal and pristine Islamic principles which they propagated.

He said they should learn to understand the language of the present generation of Muslim children which he referred to as ‘Gen Z’ to eradicate the moral decadence in the society.

Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Noimot Salako, said the story of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah reflects resilience, growth and unwavering dedication to principles.

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“We are not merely acknowledging a century of existence; we are celebrating a legacy, a testament to the enduring spirit and commitment of the founders and members of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah… Through trials and triumphs, our predecessors laid the foundation upon which we stand today. They sowed the seeds of a movement, fostering a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood that has become the hallmark of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah.”

Mrs Salako, an engineer, tasked the organisation with youth engagement and funding, noting they are a major groundwork for the future.

“We should engage directly with the youths where they are likely to be; on TikTok, IG, Reddit etc. If we check this audience, the number of under 40s will be quite low. How will the youth get these messages? Similarly, without funding, all the noble plans of the association will be pipe dreams,” she said.

The Deputy Governor also urged members of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah to take the centenary celebration as a moment of reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment.

Former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Lai Olurode charged Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah to embrace a cosmopolitan orientation in its operations and promote its membership drive.

The retired Professor of Sociology at the University of Lagos noted that Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah is not visible enough in the establishment of Islamic and Western school systems, which he called a major tool of propagation and ideology.

“On key variables and in comparison to the other sister organizations established around the second decade of the twentieth century, the Jama’at is just above average, majorly present in Lagos and its suburbs. The Jama’at is not visible enough in the establishment of madrassah (a major tool of propaganda and ideology) and even the modern school system. The Jama’at lost an opportunity to be the sole proprietor of the Muslim International School, Moleefon, Iwo.

“It is also imperative for the Jama’at to open up to tolerate competitiveness and a cosmopolitan orientation in place of a provincial outlook – promote common/universal instead of fractured/limited membership (no to Lagosians versus others),” he said.

Olurode meanwhile commended the organisation for rising to challenge the hostility of the colonial authorities towards the local population, especially Muslims.

“The colonial state was exploitative and ruthless and was generally hostile toward the local population and Muslims particularly. It displayed ambivalence towards the education of Muslims. There was a blossoming of Islamic organizations in response to marginalization and discriminatory treatment. The coming of government Muslims schools did not assuage the feelings of exclusion felt by the Muslims.”

President of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah, Hashim Oyekan, an engineer, lauded the dedication of the founding fathers of the organisation, noting that the contributions of the organisation cannot be overlooked in the development of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria.

He said: “This historical milestone connects the past to the future, as we acknowledge the dedication of those who planted the seeds of this great movement a century ago. We serve as the bridge between the past and the future.

“In reflecting on the development of Islam and Muslims in Lagos and Nigeria, one cannot overlook the significant contributions of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah of Nigeria, its founder, companions, doctrines, and impact. Today, we honour the memory of the founder, late Alhaji B.L. Agusto, and all dedicated Muslims who served Islam through this Jama’at.”

He enjoined members to intensify their commitment to the growth of Islam as they mark a new phase for the organisation.

“As we enter a new phase in the life of our beloved Jama’at, I urge everyone to intensify their commitment to its growth and the advancement of Islam. Let’s elevate our services to the next level, building on the gains made and projecting a sustainable future for the Jama’at. Our values and virtues, inspired by our founding fathers, continue to guide us. Let’s celebrate our 100th anniversary by transmitting these virtues and the Jamaat’s doctrines,” he said.