Ansar Ud Deen

Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria
Formation21 December 1923
TypeReligious Non Sectarian Organization
HeadquartersAnsar-ud-deen Central Mosque, Ajao Road, Surulere, Lagos
President
Alhaji Dr. Aare Abdurofii Ademola Sanni
Key people
Sheikh AbdulRahman Olanrewaju Ahmad
Websitehttps://www.ansaruddeensociety.org

Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria is a Muslim organization established for the purpose of the educational development of Muslims and also as a body to enhance the moral and social development of the Muslim community in Lagos.[1] It was founded in 1923 as a non-sectarian and non-political educational association, although there are doubts about its non-political stance.[2]

The society started out as a response to the advent of a class of Western trained Christian elites in the colonial capital of Lagos and also to engage in the promotion of reformist ideas and development in the Muslim communities of Lagos and later in Nigeria. The group, however, toed the line that a reformist Islam could co-exist with western innovations and ideas without relegating Islamic principles and values. With her mosque across the country, the organisation leads in propagation of the peace message of Islam using Quran and the Sunnah of Muhammad[3]

History

A series of meetings were held in November and December 1924 to form an association. On 21 December 1924, the Young Ansar Ud Deen was formed. A number of its original members were associated with Saros in Lagos.[4]

References

  1. ^ Stefan Reichmuth. 'New Trends in Islamic Education in Nigeria: A Preliminary Account', Die Welt des Islams, New Ser., Bd. 29, Nr. 1/4, 1989. p 42.
  2. ^ Reichmuth, Education and Growth p 374.
  3. ^ Andrew Roberts. The Colonial Moment in Africa: Essays on the Movement of Minds and Materials, 1900-1940, Cambridge University Press, 1990. p 219. ISBN 0-521-38674-8
  4. ^ Reichmuth, Education and Growth p 370-375.