It is yet another December, the yuletide period where some Christians across the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and usher in a new gregorian year.
Interestingly, it is also a time many Islamic organisations gather Muslims of all categories, particularly their respective members for camping programmes — for the purpose of moving closer to their Lord and Creator, as well as staying away from the merriment of the festive period, which some consider to be idolatry.
The sudden emergence of Coronavirus otherwise known as COVID-19, the virus that has wreaked havoc all over the world over, has however made mankind adapt to a new normal, which by extension, will have great impact on the celebrations and hosting of yearly Islamic camping activities.
Muslim News findings revealed that many notable Islamic organisations have concluded plans to go on with their camping events, albeit virtually; while others insist on retaining the physical format with full observance of COVID-19 protocols.
In this special report, Muslim News compiles a list of the Islamic organisations and brings to you details of their activities during the camping programmes.
▪︎MSSN B-Zone begins IVC at permanent site, says delegates will observe ‘strict COVID-19 protocols’
One of the most anticipated camping programmes that assembles thousands of Muslim students in southwest states, the 109th Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) will begin on Wednesday, December 23 at MSSN B-ZONE permanent site, Km 30, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Imolisa Village, Ogun State.
The organisers of the camp with the theme ‘The Common Ground’ said in a release that participants — ranging from adults to secondary school students, among others, who will be attending the 9-day camp are expected to comply strictly to COVID-19 regulations throughout their stay.
Since the modality of this year’s MSSN B-Zone IVC surfaced on social media, some concerned Muslims have been calling for its cancellation, saying it is dangerous to stage such a large gathering at a time Nigeria is about witnessing the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
But in a switch reaction, the IVC Organiser, Malam Abdul Hakeem Kolawole told Muslim News that the organisation has put in place measures to ensure that all members attending the camp, which ends January 1, 2021 must comply with the COVID-19 protocols.
According to him, “We’ve read comments on social media. We saw what people are saying but we want to assure them that COVID-19 protocols such as use of face masks, regular hand washing and social distancing will be observed throughout the 9-Day camp. Read more HERE
▪︎ MSSN Lagos rolls out 6-day virtual camp for 10,000 delegates
Unlike their counterparts at the B-Zone, the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit will be staging a virtual camping programme for no fewer than 10,000 participants cut across secondary schools, higher institutions of learning and workers.
Themed, The Priority, the virtual 109th Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) is scheduled to run from Thursday, December 24, 2020 to Friday, January 1, 2021.
Speaking with Muslim News, the Amir of the Lagos State chapter reputed to be the most active chapter in Nigeria, Mal. Miftahudeen Thaani said unlike the previous editions held at the society’s Human Capital Development Centre (HCDC) in Epe area of Lagos, this year’s IVC was designed as virtual in order to mitigate the spread and effects of COVID-19 as a second wave of the pandemic has since hit the country.
According to him, “The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit (MSSNLagos) wishes to inform our members, parents, teachers, and head of schools that the 109th December Islamic Vacation Course is holding virtually.
“This is to ensure the safety of our delegates and prevent any unforeseen circumstances in the wake of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic and security challenges, especially kidnapping, in the country,” he noted.
In a move to lessen the financial burden on the teeming members, especially the secondary school students, the Muslim students’ body has made the registration for participation free for all delegates. Read more HERE
▪︎ TMC stages virtual Islamic Training Programme (ITP)
One of Nigeria’s leading faith-based organisations, The Muslim Congress (TMC) has announced that its 27th National Islamic Training Programme (NITP) would commence from December 25 to December 27 on a virtual platform.
This year’s camping programme is the first ever virtual camp organised by the Islamic group, following the advent of the second wave of the deadly coronavirus.
The event which is themed, “Mankind at the Crossroads: Islam to the Rescue” will feature erudite scholars who will provoke religious cum intellectual discussions to the admiration of participants.
Muslim News learnt that Sheikh AbdulFatah Thanni, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafii’, Imam (Dr) Abdullahi Shuaib, Dr Zafaran Adeniyi, the outgoing Amir of TMC, Dr Luqman AbdulRaheem, and a host of other renowned scholars would facilitate various sessions.
In a statement, TMC said the three-day virtual ITP, “is a camping event organized annually to mobilize Muslims’ innate resources; the spiritual, intellectual and physical inclination for the common good. Read more HERE
▪︎GMP holds 2-Day virtual Convention, focuses on ‘Navigating through Times of Crisis’
Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP) is not left out out of what as the group is also going to organise a virtual two-day convention between Friday and Saturday, December 25 and 26, 2020.
The event, with the theme, ‘Navigating Through Times of Crisis: Health, Governance, Economy and Opportunities’ will feature panel discussions on different mind-boggling topics, among them are: Demanding Change: Global Experiences, The Future of Work: Embracing the new normal, Opportunities and Challenges.
Muslim News also learnt that there will be a Virtual Exhibition on ‘Family and Work: In an era of Social Distancing and Work from Home’ to be handled by erudite Muslim Professionals.
Some of the guest lecturers and discusants to grace the 2020 convention are: Prof. Kamil Omoteso, Professor Oreagba, Hon. Abdul Lateef Abdul Hakeem and Dr. Tajudeen Yusuf.
Others are: Dr. Moshood Bello, DSP Tunji Disu, Mr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, Hajia Tope Fajingbesin, Mr. Abdul Fatai Ashimi, Mr. Olatunji Ololade, Mr. Jamiu Olakisan, Mrs. Sherifat Akinwunmi, Hajia Medeenah Thanni, Engr. Suruurah Ogunfemi among others.
Speaking with Muslim News, Arc. Lateefah Olajide said this year’s event will be held virtually, considering the effects on COVID-19 on the world. Read more HERE
▪︎ Al-Mu’minaat’s 2020 NATF goes virtual
The leadership of Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women Organisation) has announced the date for her annual National Al-Mu’minaat Training Forum (NATF).
The annual gathering, which usually witness thousands in attendance, will be holding virtually, in strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols, coupled with the second wave of COVID-19 which has spread across countries of the world.
This year’s Forum with the theme; ‘The Menace in the World: Muslim Sisters on Call’, will feature soul-inspiring lectures, fiqh session, guidance and counselling session, health talk and numerous side attractions.
The distinguished event will have in attendance Islamic and academic scholars and professionals from different fields of human endeavour, and hold between 13th to 17th Jumadal Awwal, 1442 A.H (28th December, 2020 – 1st January, 2021). Read more HERE
▪︎ JUNUUD Mukhayyam 2020 e-Conference
In a bid to converge Muslim faithful for one of the most anticipated camping programmes (Mukhayyam) of the year 2020, Jam’iyyat Junuud Deenil Islamiyyah has concluded plans to stage a 2-day e-conference with the theme; “Beyond the Next Level: My Stake”.
The annual event, which was initially announced to hold physically at Iponri Central Mosque, Lagos will take place on Zoom platform between Saturday and Sunday, December 26 and 27, 2020 respectively.
Muslim News findings revealed that the sudden change in the choice of platform for the programme was informed by the recent directive of the Lagos State Government, which places restrictions on religious activities due to the possible second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a chat with Muslim News, the Naibul Ameer and Chairman, Planning Committee of the e-conference, Ustadh Nurudeen Hassan said, “As a responsible Muslim organisation that wants to see an end to the virus in our country, it is our duty to support the laid down rules by the government. The recent directive of Gov. Sanwo-Olu made our organisation to go virtual instead of the initial physical event.” Read more HERE
