By Our Correspondent

The 16th edition of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, organized by Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) National Headquarters, Jos, has officially commenced at the Unguwa Uku Centre. The event brought together prominent Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, clerics, and community leaders, united in their mission to promote Qur’anic scholarship and instill moral discipline among youth.

In his opening address, Chairman of the Occasion, Hafiz Musa Kwairanga, emphasized the importance of discipline, modest dressing, and unwavering adherence to Islamic values. He encouraged participants to see the competition not just as a contest, but as a spiritual journey that deepens their bond with the Holy Qur’an. He concluded by praying for the success of all contestants.

The competition was formally declared open by the Coordinator, Hafiz Hamza Dauda, represented by the Secretary, Malam Ahmad Umar. He noted that while the previous edition saw 65 participants, this year recorded an increase to 76—comprising 20 males and 56 females—reflecting a growing interest in Qur’anic education, especially among girls. He urged parents to prioritize Islamic education and fulfill their obligations by settling school fees to support both moral and spiritual growth in their families.

Also speaking, the District Head of Kurba, Alhaji Abubakar Isa Kurba, encouraged students to seek knowledge sincerely for the sake of Allah. He appealed to parents and the wider Muslim community to intensify support for Qur’anic education and to offer regular prayers for the success of their children. He also called on stakeholders and authorities to treat Qur’anic education as a national priority.

Renowned Islamic scholar, Ustaz Adamu Salihu, stressed the need to integrate Qur’anic learning with strong moral and social values. He said a sound Islamic upbringing is the foundation for producing responsible future leaders.

In a goodwill message, Dr. Abubakar Balde Fika, representing Alhaji Abubakar Isa Kurba, delivered a strong admonition on sincerity, dedication, and fulfilling one’s religious responsibilities.

Malam Yahya Muhammad Jauro, representing the Cheshi community, called for unity among Muslims in advancing Qur’anic education. He noted that such collective efforts attract divine blessings and strengthen the Ummah.

Malam Aliyu Mamuda challenged parents, especially those with male children, to renew their commitment to Islamic education. He observed that in recent years, female students have shown greater dedication in Qur’anic memorization and scholarship. He called for increased community support for the *Mahaddata* (memorizers of the Qur’an).

Chairman of the Council of Ulama in Gombe Local Government, Mallam Musa Bello Yunusa, represented by his deputy, expressed gratitude for the growing attention given to Islamic education. He advised the Muslim community to resist foreign cultural influences and instead uphold authentic Islamic values. He added that investing in Qur’anic education is more impactful than spending on entertainment ventures such as football sponsorships.

In his closing remarks, Malam Muhammad Bello extended heartfelt appreciation to participants, scholars, and dignitaries. He offered prayers for continued unity, peace, and the spiritual upliftment of the Muslim Ummah.

Earlier, the Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Alhaji Musa Husaini, warmly welcomed guests and prayed for a successful and spiritually rewarding event.

The competition continues to serve as a cornerstone for spiritual enlightenment within the JIBWIS community and beyond—promoting not only Qur’anic literacy but also the cultivation of disciplined, God-fearing, and morally upright citizens.

By Our Correspondent

The Jewel Sanity Aid Foundation (JSAF), in collaboration with the Gombe State Muslim Ummah, successfully organized a two-day Marital Counselling Workshop aimed at enlightening both married and unmarried individuals on Islamic perspectives of marriage and family life.

The workshop, which took place from May 31st to June 1st, 2025, brought together participants from across Gombe State, including both men and women, married and single, who gathered to deepen their understanding of marital responsibilities and the Islamic approach to building strong family structures.

One of the highlights of the event was a lecture delivered by Professor Rasheed Abdulganiyu, Dean of Student Affairs at Gombe State University. He spoke extensively on the topic of “Marrying More Than One Wife and the Institution of Marriage in Islam.” Professor Rasheed emphasized the importance of justice, sincerity, and emotional maturity in polygamous marriages, stressing that the practice must be guided strictly by Islamic principles.

Also speaking at the event was Professor Muhammad Manga, a lecturer at Gombe State University and consultant at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe. He delivered a lecture on “The Science of Human Creation and Its Role in Marital Life,” where he explored the biological, psychological, and emotional dynamics that influence human behavior in marriage, linking them to Islamic teachings and societal expectations.

In another session, Dr. Usman Ali Abdullahi from the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, addressed the topic “Proper Preparation Before Marriage.” His presentation focused on the importance of mental, emotional, and financial readiness before entering into marriage. He advised youths to acquire basic knowledge, skills, and a sense of responsibility before tying the knot.

Participants at the workshop expressed gratitude to the organizers for hosting such an insightful and timely event. Yunusa Muhammad Ibrahim and Amina Muhammad Mijinyawa, two attendees, described the workshop as highly beneficial, saying it broadened their understanding of the principles of a successful marriage in Islam.

“I’ve learned so much about how to manage responsibilities in marriage and how Islam guides us to treat our partners with respect and love,” said Amina.

The workshop concluded with a renewed sense of awareness among participants, many of whom pledged to apply the knowledge gained in their personal and future marital lives. The organizers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting stable families and moral values through continued advocacy and educational programs.

The event stands as a significant effort towards strengthening marriages and family life in Gombe State, guided by the tenets of Islam and social understanding.