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The Islamic movement in Nigeria has strong representations under the
able leadership of some of its most dedicated and educated members in
various towns and cities consisting mainly of the youth and middle aged of
the population. Older people also remain sympathetic towards the ideals of
the movement even while not participating in the active struggle the
movement is involved in.
To maintain these teaming follower ships in top moral and spiritual form
so that they present the best example of Muslim individuals and community,
their times are occupied with various activities such as Ta’alimat,
Ijtima’at, Dauras, Pre or Post Khutbats and Muzaharats to mention but a
few.
Below is a more detailed explanation of some of these activities: -
Ta’alim
This is a study session that takes place in mosques usually a number of
times in a week. The particular days of the week taken for this activity
is a matter of convenience and differs from place to place. The kind of
book to be studied on each day may also differ but generally books such as
Jundullah of Sa’id Hawa, Riyadhu Saliheen of Imam Nawawi, Arba’una
Haditha of Imam Khumaini, and Tafsir (commentary of the holy Qur’an) are
studied in most towns. There is also the Ta’alim Khass where choice
number of Brothers and other times Sisters are trained on certain books of
Faith and Jurisprudence.
Ijtima
This is also another study session but this time more intensive. Brothers
gather in mosque spend some days making deep study of the books mentioned
in the above section as well as engaging in intensive spiritual exercise
and devotion. Some physical exercises are also embarked upon to inculcate
a culture of endurance. At the end of the ijtima, usually on the last
night a brain storming session takes place where various problems facing
the movement in that particular locality are discussed and solutions are
proffered. Usually participants come back home changed and full of
spiritual illumination.
Daura.
This usually takes the form of seminars and workshops that takes some
days. A particular theme is chosen and speakers from various places and
backgrounds are invited from within and outside the movement to give
lectures on sub themes. At the end of the program the spiritual leader of
the movement sheikh Ibrahim Elzak-zaki comes and close the program with an
inspiring speech.
Pre or Post Khutba
It is the practice in most mosques in the Nigeria on Fridays during the
Friday prayer service, a preacher or a number of preachers would stand up
at various locations within and around the vicinity of the mosque
preaching on various issues to people that can listen to them before the
Khudbat begins. Members do take advantage of this practice and talk to
people about what the movement is all about and other issues happening at
the moment within the country. It is mostly during this time that all
conspiracies being perpetrated against Islam and the people, nationally
and internationally, as well as corrupt practices of the ruling class are
brought to the fore and explained in local languages. Where it is not
possible to do this before the Khudbat due to one reason or another, it is
done after the prayer service before people disperse. Thus the name pre or
post Khudbat.
Muzaharats
This is a political activity of the movement and involves mass
demonstrations against or for national or international issues that are of
concern to the Muslims, as well as in solidarity with oppressed section of
the Muslim Ummah such as the Palestinians and Iraqis. Demonstrations are
also done to mark certain events such as Quds Day and Ashura Day.
Muzaharats are accompanied with other activities such as rallies at the
end of the mozaharats and distribution of handbills explaining reasons
behind the demonstrations. Some times these demonstrations do not end
peacefully as they are started; this is particularly so whenever the
authorities send in there agents of oppression to crack down on the
unarmed demonstrators. This some times result in heavy casualties on the
part of the movement with many being martyred and many injured.
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