Opinion
Friday Sermon: How Islam Supports And Encourages Girl-Child Education!
By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
Dear brothers and sisters! Acquisition of knowledge is sine qua non for all human beings to enable them to have basic information and act according to the principles of the religion. In fact, no religion and no ideology place as much emphasis on education and knowledge as much as Islam does and makes the seeking of knowledge and application of what has been learnt mandatory for both men and women. Thereby, knowledge is one of the indispensable pillars upon which the edifice of Islam has been erected. Notwithstanding, education is a prevalent accusation raised against Islam today and the discrepancy in educational opportunities between men and women in many Muslim countries is often adduced as a primary instance of this.
Respected brothers and sisters! Women and girls have been victims of ruthless power struggles for centuries in all societies and cultures around the world.
Sadly, but truly, many societies including some Muslim societies continue to exercise this patriarchy in different forms such as the denial to education, unequal salaries compared to men in workplaces, forced marriages and prostitution, among many others.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) came at a time when the Arab society, like so many patriarchal societies at that time, was rife with abhorrent practices against girls. He preached Islam, liberating women and girls in every walk of life, education being a prime aspect. This sermon examines the facts about the importance of female education in Islam. It does so through referencing verses of the Qur’an, Islam’s noble book, and Hadith, authentic traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), along with offering a short glimpse of his wive’s level of education.
Let me start with the first Qur’anic revelation. Allah Almighty says:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clinging form. Read! Your Lord is the Most Generous, who taught by means of the pen; taught man what he did not know.” [Qur’an, 96:1-5]
These Qur’anic verses address humankind to seek knowledge and delve in critical thinking. The emphasis laid in the acquisition of knowledge, in the above Qur’anic verses, surpasses any statement or action denying girls the right to education. Had these Qur’anic verses only been for men, it would be inconceivable to imagine the extent of progression that the society made in a mere twenty-three years — the entire duration of the revelation of the noble Qur’an.
In another verse in the Qur’an, Allah the Most High says:
“(This is) a Book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.” [Qur’an, 38:29]
It is important to mention that the word “men” in the above Qur’anic verse refers to humankind as it does so in several other places in the Qur’an when Allah addresses humanity. These and other Qur’anic verses inform the readers that engaging in critical thinking is a moral obligation on both men and women. The Qur’an repetitively reminds people to ponder, to think, to analyse, thus using their mind power to contemplate and understand, whilst making no distinction between men and women.
Let me now examine some Hadith, authentic sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). He (Peace be upon him) said:
“Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim.”
And also:
“He who has a girl (daughter) and teaches her good manners and improves her education and then manumits and marries her, will get a double reward; and any servant who observes Allah’s right and his master’s right will get a double reward.”
And also:
“If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, Allah will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks knowledge, the inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man. The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion.”
Three important themes around education are emerging in the above Prophetic Hadiths. From the first Hadith we infer that education is not a right but a responsibility on every Muslim, male or female. In the second Hadith, emphasis is laid on the quality of education imparted to the girl and the latter part deals with the encouragement to free slaves (Islam denounced and later abolished slavery). The third Hadith speaks volumes about the superiority of the person who seeks knowledge over the one who does not. The reference here to superiority is to the person who seeks knowledge, man or woman.
We shall now examine information about the intellectual abilities of two wives of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him): Khadijah and Aisha.
1. Khadijah Bint Khuwailid: The first wife of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), was a wealthy tradeswoman, the richest woman in Makkah at the time, who exported goods as far away as Syria (Sham). To manage her large business, she employed several males and to do so then in Arabia, necessitated that you have a high level of understanding and wisdom.
2. Aisha Bint Abubakar: The youngest wife of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), was very talented and possessed an incredible memory. As a Muslim scholar, she is credited with narrating more than two thousand Hadith and was noted for teaching eminent scholars. She had a great love for learning and became known for her intelligence and sharp sense of judgment. Her life also substantiates that a woman can be a scholar, exert influence over men and women and provide them with inspiration and leadership. The example of Aisha in promoting education, particularly education of women in the laws and teachings of Islam, is a hallmark in female education in Islam. Because of the strength of her personality, she was a leader in every field of knowledge, in society and in politics.
Dear servants of Allah! Islam advocates educating women and enlightening them about the teachings of religion, as this greatly influences the life of women as well, as those of their children in the future. As Hafiz Ibrahim, the Poet of the Nile said:
“The mother is a school; if she is well-prepared, a noble nation is prepared.”
Besides, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) addressed women saying:
“O womenfolk….”
He even specified a day on which he used to address them; when some female Companions said to him:
“Men are always with you. So, specify a day for us.”
He indeed specified a day on which he met them, admonished them and commanded them… [Bukhari and Muslim]
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) used to urge women to teach each other. For example, he said to Ash-Shifa Bint Abdullah Al-Adawiyyah:
“Teach Hafsah the Ruqyah (protective and healing supplications) for Namlah (Namlah literary means ‘ant.’ It is a skin disease where pustules appear on the side of the body and they are swallowed like ants), just as you taught her writing.” [Ahmad and Al-Hakim]
The mothers of the believers, such as Aisha and Hafsah, used to explain and teach matters of the religion to women. This was also the guidance of other male Companions, for they were keen on teaching their wives and informing them about the teachings of the religion, especially rulings that are specific to women, such as those related to ritual purification, menstruation, postpartum bleeding, prayer, marriage, divorce, breastfeeding, and so on. Some Companions used to hold gatherings of knowledge in their homes in order to teach their children and daughters.
Imam An-Nawawi transmitted on the authority of Qatadah who was a Tabi‘i, that:
“Whenever Anas Ibn Malik completed the recitation of the whole Qur’an, he used to gather his family and supplicate Allah (Du’a).” [Abu Dawud]
On the whole, Islamic scholars were keen on teaching women. History has recorded the biographies of women who were knowledgeable in religion and were taught by their fathers, brothers and husbands. Such men present shining examples in caring for and educating both men and women without discrimination. Life i.e. daily obligations and duties did not divert them from their duty towards their families until their sons and daughters grew into excellent role models in knowledge and piety.
Here, I will mention the biographies of some women who learnt from their fathers and husbands. The purpose of this is to highlight the woman’s position in Islam. Women Islamic scholars were appreciated by Muslim biographers, and therefore, they included them in their classifications of great figures and biographies. It is hoped that this will urge women students to exert their best efforts in learning religion and mastering what is beneficial for them in their scientific and practical lives.
These women scholars specialised in different branches of knowledge at different ages. The names of women Companions have not been included because they are numerous and well-known. Rather, I will mention women from among the Tabi‘is and their successors:
1. Asma’u Bint Asad Ibn Al-Furat
Her father was the Maghrib’s (North-West Africa) famous scholar and judge. She was her father’s only daughter and he used to teach her the noble Qur’an, Hadith and Fiqh. She used to attend her father’s assemblies of knowledge (Halqah) and contribute to debates. When her father was appointed as the army’s commander in order to conquer Sicily, he attained a great victory and besieged the city of Sousse, but was killed there in 213 AH. Asma’u married one of her father’s students whose name was Muhammad Ibn Abu Al-Jawad and who was the head of the Hanafi scholars in Maghrib. Asma’u died in 250 AH. To know more about her biography, please review Ad-Dibaj Al-Mazhab, by Ibn Farhun, page 305, and Faqihat Alimat, by Muhammad Khair, page 29.
2. The Sister of Imam Al-Muzani
She was the sister of the Shafi‘i scholar, Isma’il Al-Muzani, the companion of Ash-Shafi‘i, who died in 264 AH. His sister used to attend the Fiqh lectures of Ash-Shafi‘i. Some of the Shafi‘i scholars used to transmit her Fiqh opinions and her decisions regarding what she believed to be the most preponderant opinions. To know more about her biography, review Tabaqat Ash-Shafi‘iyyah, by Al-Asnawi, Volume 1, page 443.
3. Hafsah Bint Sirin
She was the sister of the noble Tabi‘i, Muhammad Ibn Sirin. She was trustworthy and knowledgeable in Fiqh, as well as in other branches of knowledge. She was a sincere worshipper and one of the most prominent Tabi’i women. She completed the memorisation of the Qur’an at the age of twelve (12), and lived for seventy (70) years. Her brother, Muhammad, used to ask her about what he did not have knowledge about in the Qur’an. Mahdi Ibn Maimun mentioned that she remained in her place of worship for thirty (30) years, and did not leave it except for siesta and answering the call of nature. She died after 100 AH. Her traditions are mentioned in different books of Hadith. To know more about her biography, review Tahzib Al-Kamal, by Al-Mizzi, Volume 35, page 151; and Siyar A’lam An-Nubala, by Az-Zahabi, Volume 4, page 507.
Respected brothers and sisters! below is a very nice story which will In Shaa Allah make you all aware about the importance of women’s education, especially young Muslim girls!
After finishing Salatul Isha’, a Muslim girl sat on her prayer mat to make Du’a. Once she finished making Du’a to her Lord, her mobile phone rang. She picked up saying: ‘Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu’. The voice of a young man replied: ‘Wa alaikumus salam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu!’ Can I speak to (so and so) please? The Muslim girl said: ‘Sorry brother, you have dialed the wrong number’… Then she hung up. After few minutes, her mobile rang again. She picked it up, it was the young man who called her few minutes ago. He told her: ‘I called again to apologise for disturbing you! You seem to be a good girl! Can I know you better?’ The girl was shocked for few seconds but then she replied: ‘Brother… Fear Allah! you are supposed to be at the Mosque praying Salatul Isha’ but here you are going after girls to flirt with them at night! Here you are disobeying your Lord instead of obeying Him! Shame on you!!!’ After saying these words, she immediately hang up. A few days later, he called her again: ‘Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu sister, please don’t hang up! I want to apologise again and inform you that I went back to pray all my five (5) daily prayers at Mosque! All praises be to Allah and thank you for waking me up from my neglectfulness! Please, can I know the name of the one through whom Allah guided me? I really need someone like you in my life to strengthen my faith (Iman) and support me to stay on the right path! Please help me sister, may Allah reward you for that!’ She didn’t reply and started to think: ‘Should she accept to help him to stay on the right path? Should she accept that he will be in touch with her from time to time to help him strengthen his faith (Iman)?’ She heard a satanic voice whispering: ‘He is a good guy now! Why are you so worried about it?! Let him call you… you both have pure intention! He really needs you! If you refuse his suggestion, he will go astray and it will be your fault!!’ She was about to tell him her name but suddenly a little voice whispered: ‘Allah is watching you’… You see, it was her conscience and her education which woke her up from making a big mistake! ‘Sorry brother!’ she replied finally: ‘If you are sincere in your repentance then you will find people who are better than me to help you! Even I need someone who will help me to stay on the right path more than you! At Mosque, you will surely find many righteous brothers who would be good company, which will help you to get closer to Allah! Please, if you really fear your Lord now and afraid of His punishment, then do not call this number ever again! Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!’ Then she hang up and she went back to her prayer mat rising her hands to make the following Du’a:
“O Allah, Turner of the hearts, make my heart firm on your religion and save me from the evil of Fitnah, Ameen!”
Conclusively, the take away message in today’s sermon is that Islam promotes education, particularly girl’s education. Had it not been so, the world would not have witnessed the transformation of a society plunged in anarchy and hegemony into one enlightened with critical thinkers and scholars, all in the span of twenty-three years.
Dear brothers and sisters! I pray, may Allah accept our Ibadah (worship) and supplications, May He guide our leaders and provide us with a lasting peace, unity and progress in our beloved country Nigeria, ameen Ya Mujib!
All perfect praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761.
This Friday sermon (Jumu’ah Khutbah) was prepared for delivery today Friday, 11 Jumadal Akhirah, 1446 AH (December 13, 2024).
Opinion
State Police in Nigeria: Understanding the true position of the proposed constitutional framework
DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel (Rtd.)
The renewed national debate on state policing has sparked intense discussions. Supporters see it as a solution to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges. Critics, however, fear political abuse and threats to national unity. Given these differing views, it is important to understand the true constitutional position of the current proposals before the National Assembly.
An examination of the *Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 (SB. 1055)*, along with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) analysis of the earlier House Bill (HB. 617), shows that the proposed framework is neither a full transfer of policing powers to the states nor a continuation of the current centralized system. Instead, it introduces a cooperative federal policing model.
This model balances state autonomy with national standards and constitutional safeguards.
The first key point is that the Federal Police will not be abolished. The proposal creates a Federal Police Service while allowing State Police Services to operate alongside it. The Federal Police will continue to handle federal responsibilities, including counter-terrorism, cybercrime investigations, border security, organized crime, inter-state offences, and the protection of federal institutions and assets.
It is also important to note that state policing is not compulsory. States that lack the financial or institutional capacity to establish their own police services can continue to rely entirely on the Federal Police Service. In simple terms, the amendment gives states a choice, not an obligation, to establish their own police organizations.
The proposed framework sets strict conditions before a State Police Service can begin operations. A state must pass its own enabling law, establish the required institutions, and obtain certification confirming that it meets nationally defined minimum standards.
These standards will cover recruitment, training, vetting, discipline, firearms management, the use of force, accountability systems, and criminal information management.
One of the most debated issues is the possibility of federal interference in state policing. The Senate Bill addresses this concern by limiting federal intervention to exceptional situations. Such intervention may occur where there is an actual or imminent breakdown of public order. It may also occur if a governor requests assistance, if a State Police Service becomes unable to function, if there is evidence of widespread violations of fundamental rights, or if threats extend beyond state borders and affect national security.
Any federal intervention must be temporary, necessary, and proportionate. It must also be subject to judicial review. The President must authorize it in writing, and notice must be given to the Governor, the State House of Assembly, the National Police Council, and the National Assembly. In addition, such intervention cannot dissolve a State Police Service or suspend democratic institutions, except as permitted under existing constitutional provisions.
The framers of the Bill have also addressed concerns about possible misuse of State Police Services by governors. The proposed safeguards expressly prohibit governors from directing State Commissioners of Police to target political opponents, political parties, associations, or groups outside the provisions of the law.
Commissioners who believe a directive is unlawful or inconsistent with national standards may seek a review through the appropriate Police Service Commission or the courts.
To strengthen institutional independence, the proposed amendments provide security of tenure for both the Inspector-General of Police and State Commissioners of Police. Their removal would require valid reasons, a fair hearing, recommendations from the National Police Council, and approval by a two-thirds majority of the relevant legislature.
These measures reflect widely accepted international standards for democratic policing.
Another important feature of the framework is the clear limitation on federal control over State Police Services. While the National Assembly will establish national minimum standards, it will not exercise routine control over appointments, promotions, transfers, suspensions, dismissals, or operational decisions within State Police Services. The only exception is during constitutionally approved interventions.
This approach preserves state autonomy while ensuring consistent professional and ethical standards nationwide.
The PLAC analysis correctly notes that the proposed model does not create a fully independent state policing system. Instead, it incorporates elements of federal oversight to address concerns relating to funding, accountability, human rights protection, and potential political misuse. The objective is to decentralize policing without weakening national unity or undermining the constitutional order.
Viewed objectively, the proposed amendment seeks to balance local responsiveness with national integrity. It aims to bring policing closer to communities while maintaining safeguards against abuse. It also protects the shared security interests of the Federation.
In essence, Nigeria is not moving toward two competing police systems. Rather, it is moving toward a cooperative federal policing arrangement. This model recognizes the need for local control of security issues while preserving constitutional mechanisms that safeguard democracy, human rights, and national unity.
The success of this initiative will depend not only on constitutional provisions but also on the strength of institutions, adherence to professionalism, and the political will to uphold the rule of law. Like any major reform in a democratic society, state policing should be judged not only by fears but also by the safeguards it contains and the practical benefits it can bring to the security and welfare of Nigerians.
DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel (Rtd.).
By Jamilu Uba Adamu
Since 1987, June 26 has been designated by the United Nations as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking—a day set aside to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and its devastating effects on individuals and society. This year’s theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” reminds us that while the fight against drugs continues, our strategies must evolve.
Simply put, the drug problem is still with us. New drugs continue to emerge, and we must respond with innovative solutions, including the use of sports to keep our youths engaged and productive.
Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil; it is its youth. The energy, creativity, and determination of young people will determine whether we build a stronger nation or lose a generation. One of the most effective tools for channeling that energy positively is sports—but only when it is built on discipline.
Sports is more than playing football on weekends or sprinting on the track. It teaches valuable life lessons. When a young person wakes up at 5:00 a.m. for training, they learn punctuality. When a team loses and returns to train harder, they learn resilience. When eleven players on a pitch follow the instructions of one coach, they learn respect for authority, teamwork, and discipline.
Here in Kano, the effects of drug abuse are both painful and visible. Drug abuse is fueling fadan daba, phone snatching, and other violent crimes across our streets and communities. The truth is simple: idle hands are the devil’s workshop, while busy feet on the pitch have little time for crime or drugs.
Talent without discipline is wasted talent. Many of our youths possess enormous potential, but without discipline, that potential often turns into frustration. Discipline means:
- Self-control — saying “no” to peer pressure, drugs, and violence.
- Consistency — training even when no one is watching.
- Respect — for rules, opponents, coaches, and oneself.
A boxer who cannot control his temper outside the ring will never become a champion inside it. A footballer who skips training will never wear the national jersey. Discipline is the bridge between potential and achievement.
In our communities, we see too many young lives derailed by drugs. The equation is clear: idleness + bad company + lack of purpose = drug abuse. Sports helps break that cycle.
Let us encourage our youths to choose the pitch over the street corner and the “jungle.” Let them choose training over idleness. Let discipline be their guide in life, just as it is in sports.
To parents, schools, and government: invest in sports facilities and mentorship programmes across our 44 Local Government Areas. Every playing field we build in Kano is a prison we may never need. Every disciplined athlete we nurture is a future leader we secure.
If we get this right, Kano, with its vibrant and youthful population, will not only win trophies at national sporting events but will also reclaim its promising young people from the grip of drug abuse and crime.
Mr. Jamilu Uba Adamu is the Officer-in-Charge of Sports, NDLEA Kano Strategic Command.
He can be reached via jameelubaadamu@yahoo.com.
Urges electorate to remain peaceful, prayerful, and law-abiding
By Lamara Garba
The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared that his political future, including the question of re-election in 2027, rests entirely in the hands of Almighty Allah, stressing that political power is neither a matter of life and death nor something that any individual can permanently give or take away.
Governor Yusuf made the remarks while addressing Kano pilgrims and Hajj officials in Makkah during a Sallah visit on Wednesday.
Speaking before hundreds of pilgrims, the Governor quoted verses from the Holy Qur’an, reminding the faithful that ultimate authority belongs to Allah alone, who grants power to whom He wills and withdraws it whenever He pleases.
According to him, while politicians and their supporters often become consumed by political calculations and permutations, true believers understand that leadership is a divine trust bestowed by Allah at His appointed time.
“Power belongs to Allah alone. He gives leadership to whom He wills and takes it away from whom He wills. No human being can stop what Allah has destined, and no one can impose what Allah has not ordained,” Governor Yusuf said.
The Governor noted that he remains completely submissive to the will of Allah regarding future political developments, including his possible re-election, insisting that his focus remains on serving the people of Kano State diligently rather than becoming distracted by political anxiety.
He stressed that elective office should never be viewed as a do-or-die affair, adding that public service is meaningful only when carried out with sincerity, the fear of God, and a commitment to the welfare of the people.
“Leadership is not a matter of life and death. What matters most is serving humanity, discharging one’s responsibilities faithfully, and leaving the rest to Allah. Whatever Allah decrees will surely come to pass,” he stated.
Governor Yusuf, however, urged Kano citizens to remain politically conscious and actively participate in the democratic process by ensuring that they possess valid voter cards ahead of future elections.
He called on those whose voter cards require renewal to do so promptly and encouraged eligible citizens who have not yet registered to take advantage of the registration exercise before it closes.
The Governor said voter registration remains a civic responsibility that enables citizens to exercise their constitutional right to choose leaders and contribute to the growth and development of society.
He also appealed to the pilgrims to continue praying for peace, unity, stability, and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.
Observers believe Governor Yusuf’s remarks reflect growing confidence within his administration following what many regard as remarkable achievements recorded over the past three years in education, healthcare, infrastructure development, agriculture, human capital development, and women and youth empowerment.
The Governor maintained that while political debates and speculations may continue, the final decision on who occupies positions of authority rests with Almighty Allah, whose decree cannot be altered by any human effort.
Gov. Yusuf appoints Dr. Aminu Magashi co-chair of Kano anti-drug abuse task force
Gov. Yusuf tasks media on truthful reporting, patriotism
Kano launches free 48-hour emergency treatment scheme for accident victims, other critical cases
K-SAFE hails Gov. Yusuf as Kano tops ECOWAS education spending ranking
Abdulaziz unveils project inspection initiative, trains APC social media inflluencers at Arewa media summit
Kano ranks best in ECOWAS on education spending index
Kano recruits over 16,000 teachers, begins 10-year education reform plan
Kano emerges top beneficiary as World Bank rewards states with $27m for reforms
Kano delegation participates in international labour conference in Geneva
