Life is full of hurdles and human beings are expected to surmount one challenge or the other. This is the basis for Jihad in its best approach of a Muslim. The mention of Jihad in the technicality of working language of modernity goes beyond the archaic and anachronistic strife with arms and weapons in the cause of self defence or of on behalf of others. The Jihad of intellectualism had since taken the position in the display of wit and wisdom.
The phase of Jihad in the early 20th century South Western Nigeria sociology, underscored gradations which include Jihad-Da'wah (Calling), Jihad-Tarbiyyah (Education) and Jihad-Taqrib (Levelling). That Muslim Children were deprived of Western Education except with option of dropping their religious background was never a fallacy but also mounting stern measures to combat the menace was more imperative. This was the onus on the 42 Young Muslims in the Lagos Island who stood up to challenge the Colonial Office and its fiat of dasdatic winning souls for Christ.
The Young Ansar, saw the need for taking proactive measures to mend fence began with Pentecostal Da'wah Approach with burning zeal, sincerity of purpose, and un-alloyed desire to float Muslim or better still, Islam-compliant system of education which march the Colonial formation. This measure was sequel to the outlandish petition filed against the office of the District Officer (D.O) in charge of Lagos Colony challenging the double stand of denying Muslim children the right to western education on the basis of difference in religion.
As a determined group, Young Ansar focussed mainly on two things which include education and religiousness of Muslims. The first primary school was established in 1933, barely ten years after the formation of the group. The burning desire sustained the Young Ansar to establish schools in almost every nooks and crannies of not only Yorubaland but also East and North of Nigeria. Mention must be made there is hardly any village along Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara and lots more where Ansar-Ud-Deen (AUD) Schools cannot be found. The need for mosque building arose much later to accommodate the group's dynamics in religious circles to thrive independent of the main stream Muslims in towns and villages. This account for the situation whereby some towns and villages still operate mainly of Ansar-Ud-Deen as the main Central mosque in places like Ilero (Oyo State) and lots more.
The Centenary Anniversary of the group is unfolding and it is going on in seven State Councils of the Society namely Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Northern State Councils with activities centered around ruminating on the vision, focus and target of the 42 founding fathers. A hundred years, how far so far of Ansar-Ud-Deen- as the current name of the society- gives attention to the education and religious mission with a view to re-strategize on way forward for better output during the next century ahead of the society.
Each of the following is capable area of concern to the society members in the current dispensation. The founding fathers were able to thrive with those sterling achievements from Primary School, Modern Secondary School, Grammar School, Teacher Training College, Arabic Institute with affiliation to Premier University (U.I), College of Education and of recent, Summit University, Offa. There is no gain-saying the fact that their burning candle was built on Iman (Strong faith in Allah), Ikhlas (Purity of intention), Azmah (Dedication), Ru'ya (Clear Vision), Tad-hiyyah (Sacrifice), Hubb (Permeating Love), Hus ul Khuluq (Sincerity of Purpose), Tajammu' (Team Spirit) and above all Fi Sabili Llah (In the Cause of Allah).
Allah (SWT) made a mention of earlier young chaps whose disposition to the native authority gave them wherewithal to receive and sustain guidance. Qur'an 18:13 declares: "In truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance." A great symbolic comparison is evident from the verse between the Young Ansar and the youths mentioned.
These and lots more factors which do not consider self-centered, ego-centric and nepotism in all coloration, gave the Young Ansar the wherewithal to reach this level in a period of One hundred years. Today, the crop of members have a lot to emulate from their passion for Da'wah (Packaged Calling) from the grassroot to the apex level. The 21st century Da'wah berrates establishment of schools whose patronage members cannot afford. There is more than meeting the eye in carrying Da'wah to corporate level. Pentecostal Da'wah needs rebranding at hospitals, correctional centers, orphanage and less privileged homes. In fact, that lots of Muslims need where to adopt children places premium on the Ansar-Ud-Deen to do everything humanly possible to organize, sponsor and sustain orphanage program. The effects of its non-existence is enormous on too much to count conversion of Muslim children to Christians. Not only that, preparing Islamic Studies teachers and presenting same for respective Government for employment would make nonsense of the usual policy statements of the Gospel and bigot officials in employment capacity. Above all, sincerity of intention of members goes a long way to drive in the vision of the founding gathers as it sustained them earliet. Semi- finally, the Ansar-Ud-Deen should as a matter of urgency evolve policies of civil engagement of people in Government and follow same with grassroot politicking which might need sponsoring of members to positions of authority. Finally, Diaspora mission should be constituted and sustained for the best interest of the society in the present economic hullabaloo.
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