By Abdul-Mumin Abdul-Quadir
* Many homes suffer irreparable damage from misleading internet advice: Imam Yusuf
* Dr Ogunmuyiwa says patience, piety key to sustaining Islamic homes
Thousands of married Muslim women from across Lagos and beyond converged on the Blueroof Event Centre, Agege, on Sunday for Ummahaat Day 2026, where Islamic scholars and marriage counsellors urged women to remain committed to their marital vows and avoid negative social influences that threaten family stability.
The annual gathering, organised by the Office of Ummahaat Affairs, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit, focused on the theme “Living the Vow,” highlighting marriage as a sacred covenant between spouses and Allah.
Speakers stressed the importance of faith, patience and mutual responsibility in building enduring Islamic homes.
Naibatul Ameerah (Deputy Female Leader), Ummahaat Coordinator, Hajia Balqees Owolewa, said the theme was chosen to refocus married women on the spiritual essence of marriage beyond cultural expectations and social media narratives.
According to her, the programme was designed to inspire Muslim women to consciously recommit themselves to nurturing peaceful homes while resisting unrealistic standards promoted online.
“Marriage is a sincere pledge to Allah. We must face its realities, focus on what truly matters and avoid unnecessary societal and digital pressures,” she said, cautioning against publicising marital issues or relying on unverified online counselling.
Imam Sanni Yusuf warns against social media fatwas, urges appreciation of husbands
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Imam of Al-Faoz Central Mosque, Ijede, Imam Sanni K. Yusuf, warned Muslim wives against relying on what he described as “social media fatwas,” noting that many marriages have suffered irreparable damage due to misleading online advice.
Drawing from his experience as a marriage counsellor, Imam Yusuf advised wives to be intentional about nurturing their marriages, encouraging appreciation, emotional support and prayer for their spouses.
“Men are going through a lot. Support them with prayers, show appreciation and remember that love fades without effort,” he said, adding that winning every argument is not necessary for a successful marriage.
He further urged women to avoid ingratitude towards their husbands, citing prophetic teachings that emphasise gratitude as a pathway to Allah’s mercy.
Dr Ogunmuyiwa says patience, piety key to sustaining Islamic homes
Also speaking at the event, Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, described marital vows as a solemn responsibility between individuals and their Creator, urging couples to fulfil their roles with piety and compassion.
Dr Ogunmuyiwa advised women to persevere through marital challenges except in cases where their lives or health are at risk, noting that while divorce is permissible in Islam, it is discouraged.
“There is no marriage without challenges. Knowing that our vows are between us and Allah will make us more patient and careful in how we deal with our spouses,” he said.
He added that couples should prioritise resolving disputes privately and noted that greater responsibility for maintaining harmony in marriage rests on men.
Panellists advise Muslim women on marital harmony
Muslim News gathered that participants were further engaged during a panel session moderated by hijab rights advocate and lawyer, Barrister Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, where marriage counsellor and retired Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Hajia Bushrah Adeola Shafi’i, alongside Director of Education and Vice Principal of Egbe Junior High School, Lagos, Hajia Aminah Yahya, offered practical guidance to women on sustaining harmony in marriage.
Speaking during the session, Hajia Shafi’i, who also co-founded Serenity Steps Counselling Outfit, urged wives to embrace submission and respect their husbands’ leadership, stressing that marriage should not be seen as a contest of authority. She noted that spouses have distinct but complementary roles that must be respected for the home to thrive.
“You are not in competition with your husband. Play your role and allow him to play his. When a man feels his role is being challenged, he may withdraw his provision and protection, which later becomes a source of complaint,” she said.
Hajia Shafi’i further advised wives to obey their husbands willingly, emphasising that obedience should be upheld as long as it does not contradict the will of Allah.
Also contributing, educator and marriage counsellor Hajia Aminah Yahya cautioned women against using intimacy as a tool for protest or punishment in marriage, describing such actions as detrimental to marital stability.
“Do not deliberately deny your husband intimacy under any circumstance, even in moments of disagreement or when he marries another wife. Intimacy plays a significant role in marriage, and weaponising it often comes with consequences,” she warned.
She encouraged wives to maintain open communication with their husbands whenever challenges arise and to work together in finding lasting solutions.
MSSN Lagos Amirah calls for return to Islamic values
Amirah of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, Hajia Rofiat Tijani, emphasised the importance of sustained spiritual consciousness in addressing challenges confronting Muslim homes and marriages.
Hajia Tijani, who served as the chief host, said the discourse was timely and necessary, noting that many marital challenges stem from a departure from Islamic principles.
“We really need to call ourselves to order,” she said, adding, “The majority have failed to hold on to the rope of Allah, and that is why, as the lecturer has said, we see homes falling apart three months, six months into marriages.”
She stressed that true stability in marriage and family life can only be achieved by recognizing Allah as the ultimate source of guidance and support.
According to her, Muslims often forget their dependence on Allah in their daily affairs, including marriage, despite His promise to guide and sustain believers through all circumstances.
“We forget that we owe all we do to Him, and we have every right to count on Him for guidance,” Tijani added. “He has promised to always see us through thick and thin, and He never fails in His promises.”
Participants laud Ummahaat Day 2025, say lessons will strengthen Muslim homes
Excited Muslim women who graced the occasion expressed satisfaction with the programme, describing it as enlightening, timely and impactful, with many noting that the lessons learnt would positively influence their homes and family lives.
One of the attendees, Hajia Toyyibah Afolabi, said the event was a powerful reminder that fulfilling marital vows is not only a responsibility to one’s spouse but also a means of earning divine reward.
Similarly, Alhaja Jemeelat Adetona said she thoroughly enjoyed the programme and intends to share the lessons with her children, expressing optimism that the guidance would remain beneficial even for those who are already married.
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