By Abdul-Mumin Abdul-Quadir
* Launches Foundation in honour of members involved in accident
* I have never been left alone for once, survivor appreciates Al-Mu’minaat
The former National Amirah of Al-Muminaat and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Munaad Natural Healthcare Services, Hajia Munirah Thalith has emphasized the importance of sound creed, saying that it’s a prerequisite to achieve the Nigeria of our dream.
Hajia Thalith said this on Sunday, 29th December at the formal opening ceremony of the 30th Annual National Training Forum (ATF) of Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation.
Muslim News gathered that thousands of Muslim women graced the occasion held at Vanguards Academy, Odonsengolu, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the venue of the 4-day annual camping programme, holding between Saturday, 28th December 2024 and Wednesday, 1st January 2025.
Speaking on the theme: ‘Sound Creed’, Hajia Thalith, who is also the Natural Medicine Practitioner with Lagos State Government and Federal Ministry of Health, disclosed that the essence of a sound creed in any society can not be over-emphasised, stressing that it’s an essential component needed to restore peace and orderliness in any society.
According to her, “With sound creed, leaders will lead righteously, and the followers will do their part diligently. Everyone will cooperate to make the society better, safe, and habitable for all.”
Let’s turn back to Allah, she urges Muslim women
Hajia Thalith, who headed the female organisation between 2010 and 2013, raised concerns over the level of decadence in the country while admonishing Nigerians to turn back to Allah.
She said, “Things have gone haywire. We can’t even start counting our losses. It’s so disheartening, and as women, the onus lies on us. We are the ones to train the next generation.
“Hence, as women and as a people, let’s all go back to the basis and comply more with the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet. Let us shun all vices, no matter how little or insignificant we feel it is, and be steadfast in paying our Zakat,” she noted.
The launch of Assabiqun Care Foundation
One of the highlights of the formal opening was the launch of the Assabiqun Care Foundation in honour of members of the Believing Women Organisation who were involved in a tragic motor accident on their way to the annual training programme two years ago.
The National Ameerah of Al-Mu’minaat, Hajia Jelilah AbdulHamid, disclosed that the Foundation was initiated to cater for the two survivors of the accident and the families of the deceased members who lost their lives in the accident.
She said: “The Assabiqun Care Foundation was birthed by the incident that claimed the lives of twelve of our sisters and three of our children around this time two years ago. After the incident, we appealed to people for assistance. We rallied support around our sisters, and people responded positively. We fought with all that we had, but many returned to their creator.
“We have since taken the families of the deceased as our responsibility, and we’ve continued to look after the survivors, ensuring they got adequate healthcare services. Having done that to an appreciable extent, we decided to start this foundation with remnant money from our appeal and sow a seed in their name so the reward from its good work could get to them in their respective graves.
“We, therefore, urge people to contribute to the cause, as we’ve extended the tentacles to more beneficiaries, including widows, children and the aged.”
Hajia AbdulHameed, a Builder and Deputy Director of Lagos State Building Control Agency expressed mixed feelings over the demise of the sisters and the launch of the foundation while thanking Allah, the Giver and Taker of life.
The need for societal reformation gave birth to ATF, says Amirah
Speaking on the ATF, the Amirah disclosed that the organisation was formed out of the zeal to liberate humanity through women.
“In respect to the ATF, Alhamdulillah, as Al-Mu’minaat, we started well. We understood the Prophet (SAW)’s saying that training a woman is synonymous with training a nation. Therefore, we decided to train women. We saw the anomalies in the society and felt the need for societal reforms, in the quest for a well-structured and God-conscious society and country.
“Twelve of us came together then and named the organisation Al-Mu’minaat. We started this training forum. Alhamdulillah, today, we’re having it in Lagos, Oyo, and Abuja. Tomorrow, we’ll be having this same programme in the Republic of Benin.
“So far, we’ve been able to train thousands of women, including professionals. We also empower them. Recently, we empowered 19 women in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and that’s one of our statutory annual programmes.”
She noted that the 12 stakeholders are still working together and waxing strong.
* I have never been left alone for once, survivor appreciates Al-Mu’minaat
Tawakalt Kamaldeen – one of the survivors, is stunned by the support she has been receiving from Al-Mu’minaat since the ugly occurrence while appreciating Almighty Allah for the gift of life.
According to her, “It has not been easy, but when you have intentional people who are very supportive around you, people who assist you in every way possible, it’s easier to navigate through any situation.
“I was not left alone for once, and that encouraged me to be more participatory in the activities of the organisation. I’d particularly extend my gratitude to the former and current Ameerahs. I never expected what I got from them. The duo won’t cease to amaze me.”
The survivor concluded that their encouragement gives her morale to move on with life.
Other remarks, goodwill messages
Speaking at the event, business mogul and CEO of Monolous Enterprises, Alhaja Monsurat Sarayi, urged the people to make due donations to the cause of the Foundation without any delay.
She said: “We shouldn’t be far away from this kind of organisation. We should learn to commit ourselves from time to time. This is one thing we can do for the less privileged. No one wants to be in such situations, but Allah does what He wills to whom He will. You don’t know what might happen to you or your family.”
Speaking further, the CEO of Monolous Enterprises highlighted the relevance of a sound creed to business owners, asserting that it will ensure truth and honesty.
“As a business owner, I believe our Deen should not suffer because of our business. Your Deen should influence your dealings in business. Your yes should be yes and no, no.
“If you have to sell a substandard, let the customer know it is substandard. Even though it is easy for you to deceive oblivious customers, you won’t do that because of your Deen. You will deal honestly because of the fear of Allah.”
Academic and one of the founding members of Al-Mu’minaat, Prof. Khadijah Idowu, stressed the relevance of the theme, A Sound Creed, to academics, submitting that it will rid many of the problems in the educational system within the country and beyond.
