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Da'wah Weekend 1448: Na'ibul Ameer Shares Key Details, Urges Participation

As preparations gather momentum for Da'wah Weekend 1448, Imam Alliy Abubakri, Na'ibul Ameer of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MSSNUI), speaks on the vision behind the programme, the thinking behind this year's theme, The Critical Gap, and why no Muslim student on campus should let it pass them by.

Da'wah Weekend has become a major feature of MSSNUI's activities. What role does it seek to play in the lives of students and the society as a whole?

As Muslim students on campus, it's important that we combine two things; the primary assignment in this Dunyā (that's the Deen) and the primary assignment on campus (and that's academics).

Although, the society has provided students with Circle of Learning (COL) to help them achieve that, however, many still feel too busy to attend.

Da'wah Weekend (or Dawroh), being a 3-day intensive programme, is designed to provide Muslim students with insights into their religion. The programme aims to foster a strong appreciation of Islamic knowledge and scholarship, while awakening a deeper understanding of Islamic principles and practices.

It's worth mentioning that Da'wah Weekend is not a substitute for Circle of Learning; rather, it is an extension of it (so to speak).

This year's Da'wah Weekend is themed "The Critical Gap." What inspired the choice of this theme, and what message does it seek to convey?

As little or much a person's knowledge might be, there often exists an unnoticed critical gap between the knowledge, understanding and awareness, except for the few ones. And when this gap becomes negatively impacting, the knowledge often does more harm than good.

This theme aims to focus on the unnoticed space between awareness and understanding. The small but critical gaps that often shape perception, decisions, and outcomes. It highlights the importance of identifying and bridging what is overlooked in order to achieve a clearer understanding and direction.

Could you give us an overview of this year's Da'wah Weekend, including major activities and key highlights participants should look forward to?

The programme aims to complete courses based on five different fields of Islamic knowledge, which are crucial in our environment and to our development as Muslims.

These fields include:

•Aadaab (Moral, Etiquettes and Asceticism): this is particularly important in our immediate environment.

•Raqāiq (Heart softeners)

•Seerah (Biography of past scholars, to learn from)

•Aqeedah (correct Islamic creed)

•Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence): this session focuses on the Jurisprudence of commercial transactions and businesses. It aims to enlighten the Muslim students on which sorts of transactions are halal, and which are Haram. What kinds of businesses can we venture into as Muslims? Because, as Muslims, not every opportunity that comes our way is halal, and not everything should be grabbed. This course gives us in-depth insights into that.

To what extent do you expect the lessons and discussions from this year's Da'wah Weekend to influence the spiritual, intellectual, and personal development of participants?

Well, there isn't a straightforward answer to this. The programme's impact on the participants is a function of several factors, including the quality of classes/lectures that will be delivered, the participants' seriousness and environmental conditions.

In shaa Allah, we have no problem with the first and the third factors. The second factor, however, depends on the participants.

However, we will try our possible best to give the participants memorable lessons, in our own best way possible.

Da'wah Weekend attracts participants with varying levels of Islamic knowledge and experience. How has the programme been structured to ensure that everyone benefits meaningfully?

From the outset, all these considerations have been factored in during the course of planning the programme. All classes have been designed in a way that everyone, regardless of the level of Islamic knowledge, will be carried along, simplified, interactive and engaging. Bi idhniLlah.

MSSNUI is widely recognised for its commitment to the welfare of participants, particularly in areas such as feeding and hospitality. What should participants expect in this regard at this year's Da'wah Weekend?

The mosque environment is and has always been a conducive environment for Muslim students, and indeed, the majority call it a "second home" for that reason.

As regards feeding, all participants will be catered for, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, as at when due.

In addition, although the programme is an intensive one, it leaves room for breaks and rest. Participants get to enjoy a minimum of 2 hours break in the day, and 7 hours in the night, in shaa Allah.

Given the security challenges in the country today, what arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of participants throughout the programme?

Arrangements have been made to ensure participant safety and safety of their belongings, including their phones, laptops and other belongings.

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) of MSSNUI, has been duly informed, and has assured that the members of the Muslim Students' Security Organization (MSSO), both males and females, will be on ground for the whole of 3 days to ensure security of participants' belongings and properties.

For many freshers and first-time attendees, this will be their introduction to Da'wah Weekend. What measures have been put in place to help them feel welcome, gain maximum benefit from the programme, and remain actively involved in MSSN activities afterwards?

We understand that many attendees, especially freshers, will be experiencing Da'wah Weekend for the first time. That's why we've put measures in place to ensure they feel welcome, comfortable, and fully engaged from the moment they arrive. Our goal is for every attendee to leave not only with valuable knowledge but also with a sense of belonging and a desire to stay involved.

Finally, what message would you like to share with students, especially those who are still undecided about registering for this year's Da'wah Weekend?

My message is simple: don't miss the opportunity.

Da'wah Weekend is more than just a programme; it's an opportunity to learn, reflect, connect with fellow Muslim students, and strengthen your relationship with Allah, and that alone is worth sacrificing for.

So if you're still undecided, I encourage you to register and be part of it. We are confident that, by Allah's permission, you will leave better informed, inspired, and enriched than when you came.