Some faith-based organisations have called for deep understanding and application of Islamic teachings to address the challenges facing contemporary Muslim women and girls in Nigeria.

The organisations stated this at a workshop in Abuja.

The workshop was organised by the Nigeria Association of Female Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NAFTAIS) and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society in collaboration with NUSRET Educational and Cultural Company Ltd.

The theme of the workshop is  “Islamic Solutions to Challenges facing Muslim Women and the Girl-child in Nigeria”.

The guest speakers Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) and Prof. Rafat AbdulHamid, University of Abuja, spoke on the influence of Nigerian cultures and Western culture on Nigerian Muslim women and girls.

Dr Habiba Alfadarai of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies and Mrs Saltanat Rakhmanova of the Nigeria Turkish International College, Abuja, highlighted the impact of social media and the teachings of Hizmet movement on the issue.

According to them, Islam is a complete way of life which is not against any culture but has laid out principles for everything positive as far as life is concerned.

They called on women and girls to live a modest life by using their hijabs (head cover) to protect their aura, lower their gazes, protect their chastity and cover their adornments and turn away from allurement of the world.

The speakers stressed the need for parents, particularly mothers to inculcate in their children the ‘dos and don’ts’ of Islam at a very early age.

Liman, who is also the Chairperson of NAFTAIS, said that Muslim women should always serve as role models in terms of their conduct, dressing and productivity.

She said that contemporary Muslim women should be able to practice their religion properly without feeling inferior.

“As Muslim women, we should be role models and this should reflect in all spheres of our life.

“As a female Vice Chancellor, I face a lot of challenges, but am constantly guided by my faith and the etiquette of my profession” she said.

AbdulHamid emphasised the need to constantly enlighten Muslim women on how to balance the practice of their religion and contemporary influences.

“The Muslim women and girls gare in great dilemma on which to pick or follow between Islam and western culture.

“Little or no knowledge of Islam has affected us a lot. Most people think the western culture is the best in terms of lifestyle and not following it make some Muslims feel inferior.

“Islam has provided a good foundation to seek knowledge right from the era of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

“Islamic knowledge encompasses every knowledge that will promote the consciousness of humanity to worship Allah,” she said.

Earlier, Hajia Salamatu Usman of Al-Habibiyyah called on participants to imbibe the culture of learning and association which she said will go a long way in shaping their lives.

“It is an eye-opening programme for me, we were taught about the dynamics of the social media, the western culture, the Nigerian culture and how it affects the Islamic upbringing of our children.

“So my take home from here is that learning starts from cradle to grave, meaning learning is not restricted to just the four walls of the classroom,” she said.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates to  participants. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh