“And say to the believing women to lower their gazes and guard their chastity, and let them not display of their charm – except what is apparent.” (Q24:31) Commenting on the phrase, “what is apparent”, Ibn `Abbas, the famous Companion and the Qur’an analyst, said, “It means face and hands.”

Hardly a day passes on without any issue relating to Islam making the headlines in a very sorry manner. If it is not the Boko Haram ‘Islamic’ sect, it is the Ansaru ‘Islamic’ sect or better still a Michael that was converted to Islam. Even if they never had any link with Islam as a religion, or whether such heinous activities run contrary to the teachings of Islam, it wouldn’t matter to them. It is Islam here and there. It is one wrong notion or the other about the religion mainly orchestrated to decimate the religion. But no matter the persecution, Islam will outlive its persecutors.

It was one Hamas activist, Muhammad Abu Wardeh, who was reported to be recruiting terrorists for suicide bombings in Israel more than a decade ago that said: “God would compensate the martyr for sacrificing his life for his land. If you become a martyr, God will give you 70 virgins, 70 wives and everlasting happiness.” All the informed Muslims knew certainly that Wardeh was only shortchanging his recruits.

Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC, has said it will engage all lawful means to frustrate the decision of the Lagos State Ministry of Education with respect to the recent ban on hijab, adding that it will continue to actively work with other Islamic organizations and stakeholders towards expanding the coalition to achieve reversal of the ban in the quickest possible time.

Allah created the heavens and the earth; He made the days; the months and the years. Another year has rolled by when we saw this month. Many who failed to appreciate the blessings of Allah have another opportunity of glorifying Him today. At least for being part of those who welcome another month of Rajab.