Want Hijab, Sharia discussed,  ‘Oro’ curfew banned

ALthough the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) is representing Muslims’ interest at the conference, as affirmed by Prof. Dawud Noibi, the Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN); Facing the Kaaba provides this platform for Muslim individuals who do not have the opportunity to be at the conference to express their views on issues affecting Islam in the country.

As the delegates settle for business at the conference, some Muslims have reminded their delegates to consider the issue of undue discrimination against the use of hijab, marriageable age and Sharia as critical for discussion at the confab.

Others suggests that restrictions in some areas (especially in the South west) by the traditionalists through ‘oro’ masqurades should be discussed.

Popular Radio presenter, Qamardeen Ajala suggest that outright ban should be placed on the use of oro restricting individuales especially women to their houses while the traditionalists hold ‘oro’ festival.By

ISHOLA BALOGUN & ADERONKE ADEYERI

TRADITIONAL religious groups should be restricted from declaring ‘oro’ curfew”

Amir Qamadeen Ajala Jimoh is the founder of Markaz Dawah organization and a Radio presenter.

I implore all the Muslim representatives at the confab to emulate the ways of Prophet Mohammed both in utterances and actions. There are some important issues that if well addressed at the confab, Islam will move forward and the entire society will be a better place.

The issue of civil sharia in all states should be made optional and should not include criminal offences but should be in marriages, divorces, inheritance and the rest.

Islamic banks should be allowed to operate just as the conventional banks; we have the right to choose our banks. I will also like our delegates to recommend two types of dressing for female students like what we have during the time of Prof Jibil Aminu – skirt with beret or long sleeve gown, trouser with hijab.

Again, the dressing of our female nurses and lawyers should include hijab and long sleeve (optional) as the present dressing of our nurses and lawyers are designed by the Christian oriented government that colonized Nigeria. I also think no school or teacher should impose Christian Knowledge as a subject on the students.

Female youth Corps members should be allowed to use hijab on their uniform. Traditional religious groups should be restricted from declaring curfew like oro, eyo, egungun and other forms of restriction on people.

Also, no exams should be fixed on any Islamic festivals to enable our children participate and understand the importance of the festival. Certificates of marriages conducted at registered mosques should be acceptable at every embassy and government parastatals.

“Muslims should be no hinderance in the practice of Islam”

Ustaz Eletu is a seasoned construction engineer and an Islamic instructor who has passion for nurturing kids in the ways of Allah.

The National conference is a civilized and matured approach to tackle the cumbersome challenges facing our fatherland. However, to defeat terrorism and corruption, we must start listening to those who follow the path of God.

Muslim delegates at the confab should emphasize that Muslims should be allowed to practice their religion according to the teachings of their religion. Recently in Lagos state, some students were beaten for using hijab in secondary schools which is injustice to man and Allah.

Also, it should be established at the conference that there is no body of Imams in Nigeria. An Imam is selected at the community level. It is the members of the community who chooses someone who is considered knowledgeable and wise.

An Imam may be specifically recruited and hired, and may have undergone some special training. In other climes, Imams are often chosen from among the existing members of the Muslim community.

“Hijab, under-aged marriage should be discussed”

Alhaja Rafiat Akinsipo Oladoyin is a chattered accountant and a civil servant in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

It will be appreciated if the Muslim representatives at the on-going confab trash out the issue of hijab in schools and discrimination against hijabite sisters during job interviews.  I had an experience where I was denied of a job I was qualified for because I was

dressed in conformity with my religion. Although, I was not discouraged but I believe it is ungodly and something urgent should be done about it. The case of marriage of under-aged girls should also be discussed. Most people have the misconception that that the under-age marriage is supported and propagated by Islam. However, the National Confab is a golden opportunity for our representatives to correct the impression.

We must respect our secularity — Fagba

Sheikh Folorunsho Fagba

There must be agreement to honour and respect the secularity of Nigeria.  Muslims must be free and allowed to practice their religion without intimidation and molestation; so also the Christians.  We must respect and tolerate each other. Islam as a religion of peace

allows for freedom of worship as stated in the Quran that there is no compulsion in religion. Therefore, that freedom should be allowed to flourish.  If the other religion enjoys the freedom, Muslims should also enjoy the full freedom to practice their religion.

But where the Muslims are being denied some rights relating to the practice of Islam either policy or government actions, it becomes unfair and do not suggests tolerance and respect for one and another.

The future of our youths should be the concern of everygood parent.  Every parent wants their children to live and emulate the tenets of the religion.