By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
An Islamic Scholar, Malam Ibrahim Agboola-Gambari has identified lack of knowledge as one of the challenges of contemporary Muslims in Nigeria.
Agboola-Gambari stated this on Monday in Ilorin while speaking with newsmen at the 6th Graduation Ceremony of the Madaris Daril Qur’anil Kareem Was-Sunnah for Islamic and Arabic Teaching.
The scholar, who is the proprietor of the school, spoke on the theme: “Challenges Facing Muslims in Our Time”.
He explained that seeking knowledge is considered a duty in Islamic belief, adding that the very first revelation was “Iqra”, meaning “read”.
According to him, a lack of knowledge creates significant challenges for both individuals and communities.
Agboola-Gambari said the numerous challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah could be overcome through adherence to the teachings of Islam and the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The Islamic scholar explained that the school has produced a total of 60 memorisers of the Quran since 2001.
He noted that the 2026 graduation ceremony included 23 graduands, among which 13 students have memorised the Quran.
Agboola-Gambari added that the school comprises the Junior Secondary (Idaadiyyah) and Senior Secondary (Thanawiyyah) sections, with students drawn from various tertiary institutions, including the University of Ilorin and Kwara State Polytechnic.
In his lecture, a cleric, Dr Khaleel Al-Qorowiy, said the challenges facing Muslims are the result of a lack of knowledge and straying from the path of Allah.
He observed that many adherents have become weak in worship and religious practice, relying instead on amulets promoted by misguided religious leaders.
According to him, when basic Islamic knowledge is missing, people may pray, fast, or give zakat without understanding the tenets.
“Islam gives guidance on family, business, finance, health, and community. Without knowledge, marriages break down due to ignorance of rights and responsibilities.
“Business deals fall into riba (interest) because people don’t know halal alternatives. Lack of knowledge makes it easier for people to follow misled teachers, superstition, or extremist ideas.
“When someone doesn’t know the authentic teachings, they can be convinced that amulets, charms, or un-Islamic practices are religious. This ignorance leads to shirk or bid’ah,” he warned.
Al-Qorowiy, therefore, urged Muslims to remain united and avoid division, adding that Islam warns against excessive pursuit of worldly possessions at the expense of the hereafter.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yetunde Fatungase