As Nigeria marks centenary, Islam celebrates 700 years

As Nigeria celebrates 100 years as a country, there is no doubt that there have been a lot of ups and downs in the quest for nation building. The current insurgency in the North-East is the worst challenge the country has ever witnessed in modern history.

Interestingly, unofficially, Islam is about 800 years old in northern Nigeria. Officially, we will celebrate 700 years of its existence in the country, specifically in Katsina as the official state religion.

It is widely believed that Muhammad Al-Maghili and his group brought Islam to Hausaland through Katsina. In a different narration, 40 Wangarawa traders are said to have brought the religion to Hausa- land through Kano. Also, Muhammad Korau of Katsina was the first Emir in Hausaland to accept Islam in 1415. Undoubtedly, the religion has shaped, civilised and developed Hausaland. It is a peaceful, disciplined and organised religion. It is believed that among the numerous religions in Nigeria, Islam is practised by over 65 per cent of the country’s population.

It is about 212 years after the Holy Jihad of 1804. And 18041903 was the golden era of Islam in Nigeria. My prayer is that Nigerians would unite irrespective of religious differences. However, Muslims will continue to unite no matter what happens to the country. I prefer to celebrate 700 years of Islam in Nigeria to the country’s 100 years of existence. This is because I have felt the positive impact of Islam in my life, the lives of my parents, grandparents, great- grandparents, up to my great- grandfather who came from Egypt some 200 years ago. But I cannot say the same about Nigeria. I am still suffering in Nigeria, my people are still suffering. Unfortunately, out of the so-called 52 years of independence, Muslims from the North had ruled this country for about 30 years, but most of them had little to show for it. As we celebrate 700 years in northern Nigeria, I call on all Muslims to practise the religion as expected. It is a religion of peace, not violence. May the Almighty Allah help us!

Comrade Malam Abdulbaqijari, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.