By Salam Saheed
The National Association of Proprietors of Arabic and Islamic Schools has distributed 1,000 copies of the Holy Qur’an to students undergoing Qur’anic and Arabic education across Oke-Ogun Zone II of Oyo State.
The distribution was held on Sunday at the Saki City Hall, Saki, with beneficiaries drawn from Islamic training centres in Saki West, Saki East, ATISBO, Oorelope, Irepo and Olorunsogo LGAs
Speaking at the event, the President of NAPAIS, Engr. Muhammadu Jamiu Abdulgafar, said the initiative was aimed at providing students with learning materials to deepen their knowledge of the Qur’an and Arabic education.
He said, “The purpose of this programme is to enable our Muslim children to have more insight into Qur’anic and Arabic educational programmes. These are real students who are currently undergoing Qur’anic and Arabic studies in various centres across Oke-Ogun Zone II.”
Abdulgafar also disclosed that the association was working towards establishing an Arabic centre in the area to provide opportunities for students who wished to pursue Islamic education beyond the elementary level.
He said, “The establishment of the Arabic centre will provide our students with an opportunity to advance their Qur’anic and Islamic knowledge beyond the elementary level without having to leave this area.”
The NAPAIS president urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the Qur’ans and allow the teachings to reflect in their conduct.
He said, “We want our students to uphold good character and shun criminal activities capable of bringing Islam and the Muslim community into disrepute.”
He also cautioned the students against name-dropping and the inappropriate use of the names of prominent individuals or organisations to gain undue influence or advantage.
According to him, proper understanding of the Qur’an should promote honesty, patience, compassion, justice, humility, discipline and peaceful coexistence.
He added, “Qur’anic knowledge is not only about reading the Qur’an. It should guide our character, our relationship with our parents, neighbours and members of society, and the decisions we make every day.”
The president called for greater unity among Muslims in Oke-Ogun, stressing that collective efforts were required to strengthen Arabic and Islamic education in the zone.
The event was attended by Islamic scholars, traditional representatives and other stakeholders, including Fadilat Sheikh Nurain Megida, Daodu of the Okere of Sakiland; Baale Sango, Alhaji Bunyaminu; Fadilat Sheikh Kamaldeen Abdul Azeez; Oyo State NAPAIS President, Fadilat Sheikh Nasrudeen Arikewusola; and Fadilat Sheikh Agbesinga Adini.
The beneficiaries comprised students from Islamic training centres across the six local government areas forming Oke-Ogun Zone II.