An Islamic scholar, Mallam Ibrahim Agboola-Gambari, has identified a lack of knowledge as one of the major challenges facing contemporary Muslims in Nigeria.
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 was speaking on the theme titled: “Challenges Facing Muslims in Our Time”.
He explained that seeking knowledge is considered a duty in Islamic beliefs, adding that the very first revelation was “Iqra”, meaning “read”.
According to him, when knowledge is lacking, it creates real challenges for individuals and communities.
Gambari pointed out that the numerous challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah
can be overcome by adhering to the teachings of Islam and the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Similarly, the Islamic Scholar explained that the school has produced a total of 60 Memorizers of the Quran since 2001.
He noted that the 2026 Graduation Ceremony includes 23 Graduands, among which 13 students have memorized the Quran.
Gambari added that the school includes Juniour secondary school (Idaadiyyah) and the Seniour Secondary (Thanawiyyah) sections, with
students cutting across various tertiary institutions including University of Ilorin and Kwara State Polytechnic.
In his Lecture, an Islamic Cleric, Dr Khaleel Al-Qorowiy decried that the challenges faced by Muslims is as a result of lack of knowledge and straying away from the path of Allah.
He observed that adherents are now weak in worship and practice, while relying on amulets, encouraged by misguided religious leaders.
Al-Qorowiy pointed out that 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 not knowing 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 gnorance leads to shirk or bid’ah,” he warns.
The cleric therefore appealed to the Muslims to remain united and not be divided, adding that Islam has warned against over-reliance in acquiring worldly possession at the detriment of the hereafter.
