By Abdul-Mumin AbdulQuadir
* As MSSN UNILAG holds da’wah conference, launches magazine
Muslim scholars have called on adherents of the Islamic faith to strengthen and sustain Islamic propagation efforts while working collectively to challenge false narratives that seek to demonise Islam and wrongly associate the religion with violence and insecurity.
They made the call at the Dawah Conference organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Lagos Branch, held at the Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos, on Saturday, 13 June 2026.
The conference brought together students, Islamic scholars, Da’wah workers, and well-wishers from within and outside the university community to examine growing misconceptions about Islam and explore ways of projecting the pristine message of the religion.
Muslim News gathered that the conference, themed “Islam Beyond the Veil of Time,” was one of the flagship programmes of MSSN Unilag’s annual Dawah Week, which commenced with a procession across the university campus on Friday, 12 June 2026.
Speakers at the event explained how Islamophobes continue to fabricate and propagate dangerous narratives against Islam and Muslims in a bid to demonise and criminalise the religion in the eyes of unsuspecting members of the global community.
They stressed the need for conscious Muslims with sound understanding of the Deen to propagate the true message of Islam through Da’wah.
Speaking on the importance of Da’wah in contemporary society, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr Ridwan Jamiu, said insecurity and social disunity have contributed to the misrepresentation of Islam, as criminal activities are often wrongly linked to the faith.
“Dawah is much needed in society today. Among other issues, the problem is insecurity is affecting every Nigerian and the criminal elements are thriving on disunity among us. Many ascribe banditry and terror to Islam. Hence, it’s important that we make people understand Islam, promote national unity and fight the sinister groups in one voice,” he said.
The Chief Imam, however, noted that today’s Da’wah worker must go beyond conventional methods and demonstrate greater patience, discipline, and wisdom in engaging society.
“More is required of a caller today. It is no longer business as usual. Now, you have to be more lenient because a lot will test your patience, and you must not fall for the trials. We should be disciplined, cautious and uphold best practices. Aside that, Dawah workers should also learn to collaborate more to achieve the common goal. We’re stronger together,” he added.
He further reminded Da’wah workers that they serve as role models for younger generations and should therefore use their platforms solely for the cause of Islam.
“Dawah workers should also know that they’re role models for the younger generations. They should use the momentum gathered for the cause of Islam only, not for personal gains, grievances, abuse or other ungodly endeavours. It’s sad that today, some of the Duat who are supposed to invite people onto the path of Allah with wisdom are busy settling scores among themselves. What exactly can the public learn from them?” he asked.
Dr Jamiu commended MSSN Unilag for organising the conference and providing young Muslims with the opportunity to learn from experienced scholars.
“It’s a great thing that MSSN Unilag has put this programme together on campus. They’ve also invited scholars to guide them on the cause. Without guidance, youths who are passionate about the work of Allah may do it the wrong way out of exuberance. Hence, the need to set their feet on the right track,” he said.
He also urged Da’wah workers and Islamic organisations to work hand in hand for collective progress and success.
Also speaking, renowned Muslim scholar Sheikh Thaoban Adam Al-Ilory emphasised the central role of knowledge in Da’wah, urging Muslims to equip themselves with sound understanding of the Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic traditions before engaging in propagation.
“Knowledge is key to Dawah. You’d see that Allah first instructed the Prophet PBUH to acquire knowledge when he was about beginning his Dawah. In that light, everyone passionate about propagation of Islam should seek adequate knowledge,” he said.
According to him, Da’wah must be carried out with sincerity, understanding, and exemplary conduct, warning that ignorance could lead to the misrepresentation of Islam.
Sheikh Al-Ilory also advised proprietors and teachers of Islamic learning centres to nurture students with patience and sincerity, stressing that future Da’wah workers are products of today’s classrooms.
The conference featured a panel session where the Imam of Lighthouse Mosque, Lekki, Imam Nojeem Jimoh and Ustadh Abdul-Azeez Ajala discussed the role of social media in Da’wah.
They described digital platforms as powerful tools for spreading Islamic knowledge and urged Muslims to engage intentionally without compromising Islamic values for popularity or social media influence.
The panellists cited prominent global Da’wah personalities such as Mufti Ismail Menk and Dr Zakir Naik as examples of how social media can be utilised effectively to reach millions with the message of Islam.
In his remarks, the Amir of MSSN Unilag, Muhammad Abdus-Salam, said the conference, themed “Islam Beyond the Veil of Time,” was designed to address contemporary challenges facing humanity, including insecurity and misconceptions about Islam.
He noted that Islam has continued to provide solutions to human problems across generations and urged Muslims to be vocal in presenting the true position of the religion on societal issues.
The event also witnessed the launch of the second edition of Al Baseerah magazine with the theme “Between Faith and False Narratives.”
Head of the Editorial Board, Muneeb Zafaran, said the publication was inspired by the increasing spread of misleading narratives about Islam.
“Many say a lot about Islam today. Some Muslims lack conviction in their faith. Non-Muslims are heaping lies on Islam, and the media is intentional about demonising Islam. This magazine will not only deepen the understanding of Muslims but also teach non-Muslims the truth about Islam,” he said.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the conference.
One of the attendees, Jelil Gafar, described the programme as an eye-opener that broadened his understanding of Da’wah, while Halima Badrudeen said the conference inspired her to become a better caller to Islam through both words and actions.
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