Date: 2017-05-05

THE Chief Imam of Offa, Kwara State, Sheikh Muyideen Sulayman Hussein, has advocated the establishment of a committee for the monitoring of the activities of women who are engaged in the practice of Sufism.

Sheikh Hussein spoke on "The Role of Women in Sufism" at a two-day conference organised, last week, in Ilorin, by the Majmahu Ahbab Shiekh Ibrahim Niass which had members of the Tijaniyyah Movement from across Nigeria and Africa in attendance.

The event was part of activities to commemorate the movement's 31st mawlid anniversary in Nigeria and the 117th birthday anniversary of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, the founder of the Ibrahimiyyah branch of the Tijani order.

The cleric said the committee was necessary to guide the women in their conduct, preaching and impartation of knowledge and doctrines to the womenfolk within the Tijaniyya movement.

Hussain said women engaged in Sufism should be seen as symbols of ideal Muslim women and must abide by the rules and regulations guiding such spiritual practice.

Renowned Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, who was represented by his son; the rector of the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre (Markaz), Agege Lagos, Sheikh Habeebullah Adam El-Iloriy and the chief imam of Abuja central mosque also made presentations at the conference.

At the mawlid celebration, held at the llorin Metropolitan Square, which capped the events, the Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, asked Nigerians to continue to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders and for the growth and development of the country.

Saraki, who extolled the virtues of the late sage, Niass, said, "All of us, irrespective of tribal and religious affiliations, should work for the progress of the country."

Kwara State governor, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, charged religious leaders to shun all forms of hate preaching and become a unifying force in the society.

Also, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described Niass as a pious Muslim leader whose legacies have continued to endure many years after his death.

The rector of the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre (Markaz), Agege Lagos, Sheikh Habeebullah Adam El-Iloriy, admonished Muslims to cleanse their hearts and adhere to the doctrines of the Holy Qur'an and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.