By Aliyu ilias
Twenty-five years after the foundation of what is now a rallying point for Muslims in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, The Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria Abuja branch was laid, the founding fathers of the Society and Abuja branch can look back with all sense of fulfilment and give glory to Allah for what he has used their hands to achieve.
Arguably, the creation of the Abuja branch of Ansar-ud-deen in 1997 by those visionary founders was in tandem with the verse of the Holy Quran in Chapter 3 (Al-Imran).
“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, meaning Islam, enjoining virtue (meaning Islamic monotheism) and forbidding all evil (Polytheism and disbelief).} [Quran 3:104].”
And they were also guided clearly by what Allah says in Suratul an-Nahl (bee)− “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction and argue with them in a best way. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided …”. (Quran 16:125).
The Ansar-ud-deen motto of hold the cord of Allah be not united has been upheld by all the members of the Abuja branch as the branch has grown with enough wings.
When it was created, the mission was clear, it is to continue promoting the intellectual pursuits of Muslims irrespective of tribe, age, sex and status.
It is not surprising, therefore, that 25 years after the structure in the eyebrow Maitama area of Abuja was erected, the society has grown in leaps and bounds in propagating pristine Islam, fostering unity and promoting educational pursuits among its members and the general public.
While many have identified Ansar-ud-deen with the Yoruba Muslims of Southwest Nigeria, because truly the society found its roots in Lagos, as far back as 1923, the truth is, like every other branch across Nigeria, the Abuja chapter is home to all and sundry who are true believers in the Glorious Quran, Oneness of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
This explains why its Jumah and Asalat prayers are attended by all classes of people including top members of the government and members of the diplomatic corps. It has in the real sense of purpose served to unite Nigerians, especially on every Jumah.
The Jumah sermon is always thought-provoking and mind enriching, topical issue being rendered every week by the erudite Chief Imam, Dr Musa Olaofe, not many people want to miss the gathering.
The past leaders of Ansar-ud-deen Abuja branch have created a pathway for the development of the masjid and it’s been consolidated by the current leadership.
Today, the branch has given birth to branches within and around Abuja, Gwagwalada Branch, Mararaba Branch and Kubwa Branch.
There is also Dutse, Gwarimpa, Bwari, Ushafa, Kuje, and Guzape Division, these divisions are potential branches of Ansar-ud-deen within Abuja and its environment.
The society has performed exceedingly well through the women advisory council (WAC) and the Ansar-ud-deen youth Association (ADYAN). This reflects in the attention its leaders pay to the critical roles of women and youth in the growth and development of society. At Ansar-ud-deen empowerment and opportunities take the front burner in all decision-making processes.
The branch was also nurtured and guided to an extent by Suleja and kaduna branches respectively.
In general, the well-being and growth of members are prioritized. This is underscored by the fact that if members are doing well in their respective endeavours, society and the country will be better for all of us.
Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria will be 100 years in the year 2023 a centenary, the society, a non-political has continued to be a source of unity, progress and continuity among its members.
Ansar-ud-deen society of Nigeria Abuja Branch under the leadership of Alh. Muhammad Kabir Olayiwola and the entire members have kicked started the celebration of the 25th anniversary with a road walk, free Health services, Jumat service prayer on 4th February and a special lecture and awards is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 5th February at the NAF Conference Centre Kado, Abuja.
