ISLAM IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA To Start with, what is Islam? Islam means total submission to Allah in all perspectives. What do we know about Anambra State? To start with, Anambra State is one of oldest States in the old Eastern Nigeria, were Igbo myths and excavations where found and discovered, and the origination of the Igbo race and tribe which is one of the biggest tribes in Nigeria and one of the popular tribes in Africa with well-known people all over the world such as: (a) Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, (b) Dr. Alex Ekweme, (c) Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (d) Dr. Emeka Anyaokwu (e) Ngozi Okongo Iweala (f) Dr. Dorah Akunyere (g) Dr. Emeagwari (Computer wizard U.S.A) (h) Dr. Eze Ife (I) Dr. Chukwuma Okadigbo (j) Dr. Silas Ezenwa (k) Dr. I. K. B Igboanugo etc. just to mention only but few, the state is also being known as a business state of which is the centre for business in South- East, and South-South Geo-political Zones in Nigeria. There we have all types of business and trades, both good and bad. And the state is the leading state in almost everything are exported to other states and some other state are depending directly and indirectly on Anambra State both religious aspects. Finally, Anambra State, is the key state that holds all activities and religious foundation of all other eastern states. How is Islam in Anambra State? Islam was introduced in Anambra State as early as before 1970’s by immigrants from the northern Nigeria and other countries known them for that. Before Nigerian Civilian came up, Northerners are known for Islam but Islam was misunderstood by the people of Anambra State, Nigeria. Till the later years when other Igbo tribes started embracing Islam and understanding what Islam is all about. This is the startment of Islam in Anambra State. Then, Islam is being regarded as Hausa’s religion (Hausa is one of the biggest tribes in Nigeria). Early Igbo Muslims in Anambra state embraced Islam because of getting favour from other party, and many of them dislike Islam due to the hated that led to the Nigeria civil war between the North and he East, now, people are more civilized, and educated. The younger ones are embracing Islam but eh elderly ones are discouraging them and forcing them out from the fold of Islam due to the past hatred they had with Northern and would not like to share the same religion with them. So many religion in Anambra state due to hard persecutions by the elders, relations, friends and due to isolation from their people. We have only but few mosques and no single Islamic school, and those mosques are not nice looking and the nice looking ones have being destroyed due to religious conflicts in the state. Infact, Islam is no were to be found in Anambra state, Nigeria till today. What is the future of Muslims in Anambra State? As Nigerian situation worsens everyday, no one can tell the future of Anambra State Muslims for now. If time is no taken, one day the people of the state may drive away all the Muslims in the state. Since the strangers are the majority of the Muslims in Anambra State, they will not allow their sons and daughters to embrace Islam, and they have destroyed many Musques smoothly, forced many out from Islam and build a bridge of hatred between them and the Muslims. Indeed, Muslims in Anambra state have a rough future but their future can be changed. What is the status of Islamic activities in Anambra State? As fat as Anambra state is concern, Islamic activities are very strange and many of the Muslims are afraid to conduct Islamic activities. The strangers and the Anambra state Muslims are not pushing Islamic activities in Anambra state due to their level of faith and the tension around them. For example; I was arrest by security agencies led by one of the Atonmy of the state (former) and was accused of terrorist activities and named me a terrorist due to many level of conduction over Islamic issues and activities in the state and other states. This is what many Muslims are afraid of and do not want to taste. But for us to be real Muslims, we need to stand-up for our religion any were we are no matte our position and condition at point in time. Indeed, for now Islamic activities in the state is dead but we can make it live and live forever. How is Da’awah in Anambra State? Da’awah in Anambra state is in its poorest form and there is no changes over the years so far. So many states in the eastern region have gone so far away beyond Anambra state. So many people have tryied to push Da’awah in Anambra state but failed due o they are strangers and used unknown plan to the people and the people dismissed them with their strategies. The question is “what should we do?” the answer is that all Muslims everywhere should come together to build Islam in Anambra state with all their talents and with anything possible by all cost, because Anambra state is the heart of the eastern region of the country (Nigeria). If we need Islam to grow in this region of the country. We should start with identification of the Muslims in the state and give them Islamic knowledge, build Islam with anything possible, and give the people of the state proper orientation on what Islam is all about for many of them know not. How is Islamic Studies in Anambra State? Islamic studies so far in Anambra state is lost. There is no single Islamic school or center for Islamic studies in Anambra state for a long time. The Muslims in Anambra state are suffering lack of knowledge and so many Anambra state muslims do not even know the correct ways to pray, don’t know how to recite the Holy Qua’arn, don’t know about the Tauhid and Hadith, talk more or least of what is Islam all about, that is why they can’t with stand the people of state and also propagate their religion in the state. What is the next step? First and foremost, all hands must be on desk. We the South-East Muslim youth co- ordinators and leaders are inviting all the Da’awah groups, Islamic Societies, organizations and bodies in Anambra state for the development and growth of Islam. To also ensure that Islam is placed in its best position in the state in such a way that can’t be uprooted by any enemy in the state. Nevertheless, all Muslims far and near, should push forward the best of the Islamic conduct that will attract other people to the religion as well as taking Da’awah as our individual responsibility to ensure growth of Islam. Notwithstanding, we the Anambra state Muslim youth are ready to welcome any Islamic organization, Da’awah organization, Islamic society, or Islamic body that have interest in building Islam in Anambra state. May almighty Allah help us from disbelieve, save us from our enemies, protect us from all evil, beautify us all with His glory, provide for us, sustain us with his bounties, sharpen our mind with victory, and make us to meet at Jannah on the last day. Amin. By Ustaz Muhammad Chidebere Mbonu Awka – Etiti Community Anambra State, Nigeria. Email: doncegkdom2001@yahoo Phone: +2348038362639, 08038362639
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 04:24:22 +0000
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