The District Head of Gwadabawa in Sokoto state, Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Zayyana has called on Muslims especially youths to avoid confrontational approach in propagating the religion of islam.
It is an act of ignorance which islam condemns”, he said.
According to him” Islam abhors compulsion in the course of propagating the religion.”
Zayyana spoke at a press conference in Sokoto ahead of the annual Islamiyya and Secondary schools quiz competition as well other events lined up expected to take place on Sunday 30th December, 2018.
However, the annual event organised by the Centre for Intellectual Services on the Sokoto Caliphate under the auspices of ” Muhajirun and Lansar” is solely sponsored by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar with a view to spreading the scholarly works and contributions of late Sheikh Othman Bn Fodiyo by enriching youths with the historical legacies of the caliphate bequeath the founding father.
He said Islam was built on five fundamental pillars driven by education, peace, unity and harmonious co-existence with those of other faith.
The former lawmaker added” Sheikh Fodiyo mission was focused on promoting knowledge, peaceful co-existence and unity.”
Zayyana further noted that the late Islamic Jihadist and founder of the Sokoto caliphate over two centuries ago, was a proponent of dialogue, political diplomacy and peace in propagating knowledge on islam.
He stressed the need for muslims to tow the path of similar principles, virtues and approach bequeath Danfodiyo.
In the same vein, the traditional ruler condemned in strong terms the actions of those who violate the teachings of islam to perpetrate evil in the name of the religion.
” He described Danfodiyo as an embodiment of justice, morals and good governance which he brought to bare for the advancement of islam and humanity.
According him” his works and struggle remain a rallying hub for muslims and humanity especially the youths for their guidance.”
The monarch who was one time governor in acting capacity maintained that Danfodiyo’s mission was principally knowledge driven which focused on the teachings of islam both in worship, conduct, behaviour and human relations.
Meanwhile, the former lawmaker explained that the Centre was built on a platform that seeks to promote intellectual and relevant aspects of development on education, learning, morality and information on the legacies of the Sokoto caliphate founding fathers.
” We want to acquaint our young generation with the relevant works and contributions of our forefathers whose resilience remain a strong pillar in shaping our lives positively.
He also disclosed that the Centre had translated no fewer than 23 scholarly works on different aspects particularly on science and peaceful co-existence, organised seminars to strengthen the scope of contributions by Danfodiyo and his disciples.
He further acknowledged the unprecedented and rare contributions of late Nana Asma’u in transforming the lives of the girl child through ensuring educational awareness and promoting the consciousness of women as custodians of positive character both in learning and living.
According to the monarch” the Centre is working expeditiously to spread its activities towards promoting the scholarly works of Danfodiyo across the globe.
” We are making efforts to upgrade the Centre to an international institution with state of the art facilities where people will patronize for research on Danfodiyo’s works.”
He said ” though, we want to expand the space of the quiz to accommodate more participation of schools. Plans are underway to include Kebbi and Zamfara states, the entire north and Nigeria in subsequent arrangements for the youths to have basic knowledge on the works and contributions of founding fathers of the caliphate as tool for developing their conceptual skills on history among others.”
Also, as part of the event would be a lecture with topic” Bringing to Limelight and Spreading the Scholarly Works of the Caliphate as Upliftment of Current Generation” to be presented by Professor Mukhtar Umar Bunza as well a book presentationon” Diya’ul Kawa’id wa Nasril Fawa’d li Ahlil Makasid” published by Mallam Abdullahi Fodiyo.
In the same vein, presentation of awards of recognition at the auditorium hall of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto venue of the lecture to Professors M.S. Zahraddeen of BUK; Ibrahim A. Makoshy, UDUS; Asma’u Garba, BUK will take place.
Other awardees include :Dr Sheikh Ahmed Lemu and Sheikh Dr Abdulkadir Karibullah, Sheikh Nasiru Kabara, late Sultan Muhammadu Maccido, late Ahmad Danbaba Marafa and late Emeritus Professor Mahdi Adamu respectively.