Says some Muslims rely on amulets promoted by misguided religious leaders

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

An Islamic scholar and proprietor of Madaris Daril Qur’anil Kareem Was-Sunnah for Islamic and Arabic Teaching, Ibrahim Agboola-Gambari, has identified a lack of knowledge as one of the major challenges facing contemporary Muslims in Nigeria.

He stated this in Ilorin on Monday while speaking with newsmen at the 6th graduation ceremony of the institution, where he delivered a lecture titled “Challenges Facing Muslims in Our Time.”

Drawing reference from the first revelation in Islam, “Iqra” (Read), Agboola-Gambari explained that seeking knowledge is an obligation in Islam. He added that a lack of knowledge creates significant challenges for both individuals and the wider Muslim community.

According to him, most of the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah can be overcome through adherence to the teachings of Islam and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

He disclosed that the school has produced a total of 60 Quran memorizers since its establishment in 2001. He added that 23 students graduated during the 2026 ceremony, including 13 who successfully memorised the Holy Quran.

Agboola-Gambari further explained that the institution comprises the Junior Secondary (Idaadiyyah) and Senior Secondary (Thanawiyyah) sections, with students drawn from various tertiary institutions, including the University of Ilorin and Kwara State Polytechnic.

Also speaking, Dr. Khaleel Al-Qorowiy said many of the challenges facing Muslims today stem from a lack of knowledge and straying from the path of Allah.

He observed that many Muslims had become weak in worship and religious practice, relying instead on amulets promoted by misguided religious leaders. According to him, when people lack basic Islamic knowledge, they may pray, fast or pay zakat without fully understanding the principles behind these acts of worship.

“Islam provides guidance on family, business, finance, health and community life,” he said, adding that without knowledge, marriages break down because people are unaware of their rights and responsibilities, while business transactions fall into riba (interest) due to ignorance of halal alternatives.

According to him, a lack of knowledge also makes it easier for people to follow misguided teachers, superstition and extremist ideas.

“When someone does not know the authentic teachings of Islam, they can be convinced that amulets, charms or other un-Islamic practices are part of the religion. This ignorance leads to shirk or bid’ah,” he warned.

Al-Qorowiy therefore urged Muslims to remain united and avoid division, adding that Islam warns against excessive pursuit of worldly possessions at the expense of the hereafter.

Source: NAN