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A CRITIQUE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF SHAYKH DR. ABBAS TUNDE ABD AZEEZ AL-IDEERY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAM IN ALAGBADO, LAGOS STATE

Abstract:

This study titled “A Critique of the Activities of Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-Ideery on the Development of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State” examines the establishment and activities of Markazul Uloom Alagbado/Otubu Agege Lagos, under the leadership of Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-Ideery. The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the institution’s contributions to Islamic education and the development of Islam in Alagbado. The study documents the mission of Markazul Uloom Alagbado, which focuses on establishing Arabic schools and nurturing prospective scholars in Arabic language fluency and Islamic studies. It explores the learning stages, academic activities, extracurricular activities, and occasional activities at the institution, highlighting their impact on the holistic development of students. Furthermore, the study acknowledges the challenges faced by Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-Ideery, including the low quality of human resources, lack of interest in learning Islamic education, and financial constraints. It provides potential solutions to address these challenges, including improving teacher training, enhancing student engagement, diversifying funding sources, and fostering community partnerships. The study also emphasizes the future goals and ambitions of Markazul Uloom Alagbado, such as incorporating entrepreneurship in the curriculum, enhancing academic excellence and modernization, promoting research and scholarship, and fostering interfaith and interethnic relationships.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY

1.1 Background to the study

Islamic scholarship and education have a rich history in various regions of the world. In this context, Alagbado, an area of Lagos State in Nigeria, has been one of the significant centres for Arabic and Islamic studies acquisition in Nigeria. Arabic is an essential tool that contributes to the growth of Islam in a given area because the holy book of Islam, Al-Qur’an, was revealed in Arabic; hence, it is being taught as a subject in some primary and secondary schools in Nigeria, but mostly in Arabic schools, otherwise known as madrasah.

Arabic language learning and culture have flourished due to the presence of numerous Arabic schools in Alagbado, Lagos. Among the contemporary figures who have played a prominent role in the Arabic education system, which led to the growth of Islam in Alagbado, is Shaykh Dr. Abbas Babatunde Abdul Azeez Al-Ideery. The proprietor of Markazul Uloom Alagbado, one of the earliest Arabic schools in Alagbado, and its axis played a vital role in the development of Islam in the area due to the establishment of Markazul Uloom and his dawah activities.

Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abdul Azeez Al-Ideery is a renowned Islamic scholar, known and respected by all and sundry for his intellectual sermons and exegesis of the holy Quran. His relentless efforts to advance Islamic Studies and Arabic education, development, and Da’wah are evident from his countless lectures, seminars, and classes; hence, this project aimed at delving into his activities towards the development of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos.

1.2 Statement of Problems

The growth of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State, has witnessed significant progress in recent years. However, little attention has been given to the influential Islamic figures in the area who have contributed to this rapid growth.

The advancement of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State, manifests a notable absence of substantial progress despite the concerted efforts of various individuals, including the endeavors of Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-Ideery. This stagnation has led to a lack of significant developments within the Islamic community, resulting in limited community engagement, inadequate educational initiatives, and a deficiency in sustainable programs designed to uplift and fortify the foundations of Islamic teachings.

The ramifications of this stagnation are multifaceted, impacting the social, educational, and spiritual fabric of the Alagbado Islamic community. There arises an urgent need to comprehend the factors contributing to this inertia. The activities and contributions of Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-Ideery stand as a focal point for investigation. Understanding the efficacy and scope of his initiatives becomes paramount in discerning the reasons behind the community’s stagnant growth.

Although Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-Ideery has been visibly active in spearheading Islamic development in Alagbado, the comprehensive assessment of the impact, effectiveness, and nuances of his methodologies remains largely unexplored. This research aims to delve into the intricacies of his initiatives, assessing their efficacy, identifying potential limitations, and uncovering unexplored avenues for the holistic advancement of Islam within the community. It seeks to bridge the gap between existing efforts and the optimal means to address the community’s needs.

It is therefore, in light of this, that the research was necessitated with the aim of finding lasting solutions to this problem by:

• Identifying the factors that contributed to the rapid growth of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State The factors that influence the growth of Islam in Alagbado have not yet been identified or addressed.
• Recognising the role of Arabic school owners in the development of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State It is unclear what the roles of Arabic school owners are in the spread and development of Islam in Alagbado.
• The extent to which Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abdul Azeez Al-Ideery has contributed to the growth of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State There is a need to assess how his activities have affected the development of Islam in the area.

Therefore, this research endeavors to conduct a comprehensive and critical evaluation of Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-Ideery’s contributions to the evolution of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State. By meticulously analyzing his strategies, identifying areas for enhancement, and proposing alternative approaches, this study aspires to augment the development of Islamic teachings and practices within the community. Ultimately, the objective is to contribute substantively to the revitalization and sustainable growth of Islam in Alagbado.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study, titled A Critique of the Activities of Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-Ideery on the Development of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State. To achieve this, it is essential to delve into his background, including his birthday, educational journey, early career, and the various ways in which he has facilitated the growth of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State.

This study seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• To assess the extent to which Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abdul Azeez Al-ideery has contributed to the growth and transmission of Islamic and Arabic knowledge in Alagbado, Lagos State
• To critically examine the pedagogical approaches and curricula developed and employed by Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abdul Azeez Al-ideery and their effectiveness in meeting the educational needs of the Alagbado area.
• To explore whether Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abdul Azeez Al-ideery’s contributions have promoted gender inclusivity and participation in Islamic learning, and to identify any challenges or limitations in this regard.
• To assess the role of Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abdul Azeez Al-ideery in religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the religiously diverse context of Alagbado Lagos.
• To evaluate the historical and contemporary significance of Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abdul Azeez Al-ideery’s contributions and their ongoing impact on Islamic education and scholarship in Alagbado.

1.4 Research Questions

The study was guided by the following research questions:

1. How has Shaykh Abbas Tunde Abdul Azeez Al-Ideery contributed to the preservation and transmission of Islamic knowledge in Alagbado?
2. What pedagogical approaches and curricula have Shaykh Abbas Tunde Abdul Azeez Al-ideery developed and employed in his educational initiatives, and what is their effectiveness in meeting the educational needs of the students in Alagbado?
3. Has Shaykh Abbas Tunde Abdul Azeez Al-ideery educational efforts fostered greater gender inclusivity and participation in Islamic learning in Alagbado, and what are the challenges facing the process?
4. How have Shaykh Abbas Tunde Abdul Azeez Al-ideery teachings and activities contributed to interfaith relations, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence in Alagbado?
5. What is the historical and contemporary significance of Shaykh Abbas Tunde Abdul Azeez Al-Ideery’s contributions to Islamic learning in Alagbado, and do his legacy and teachings in any way promote scholarship in the region today?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The importance of this study cannot be underestimated for the following reasons:

• This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the fields of Islamic education, African Islamic scholarship, and community development by providing a comprehensive examination of the activities of Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-ideery in relation to Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State.
• This study will address the gaps in knowledge and understanding regarding his specific contributions. This study serves as a valuable resource for future researchers.
• This study will also serve as a guide for future researchers on the factors that influence the growth of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State.
• It also enhances our understanding of the role played by influential figures such as Shaykh Abbas Babatunde Abdul Azeez in the growth and development of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State.

1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study

The scope of this study, A critique of the activities of Sheikh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-ideery on the development of Islam in Alagbado, Lagos State, focuses on examining the activities of Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-ideery within the specific geographic context of Alagbado and its surrounding areas. The study takes into account both historical and contemporary perspectives, analysing the evolution of Shaykh Dr. Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-ideery’s activities over time as well as his ongoing impact up to the present day. Furthermore, the study explores Shaykh Abbas Tunde Abd Azeez Al-ideery’s role in Islamic education, including his pedagogical approaches, curriculum development, and efforts to preserve and transmit Islamic knowledge. While the study aims to be comprehensive, it acknowledges certain limitations, such as the availability of data and the constraints of time and resources.