The much-anticipated Qur’an Convention, slated for February 22, 2025, in Abuja, has stirred up a whirlwind of unanswered questions and controversies. With an expected turnout of about 30,000 participants comprising Qur’an memorisers, writers, reciters, and calligraphers from across Nigeria, this event has garnered attention and skepticism from various sectors. Despite being three weeks away, the logistics and funding of this convention remain shrouded in mystery, leaving many to wonder about the sponsors, budget, and true intentions behind this grand gathering.
Unveiling the Elusive Sponsors
The Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), the primary organizers of the event, have maintained that there is no single sponsor backing the convention. However, the veil of secrecy surrounding the funding and budget has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation among Islamic clerics and the general public. Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, the national chairman of JIBWIS, exudes confidence in the Muslim Ummah’s ability to finance the convention. He proposes that the collective effort of more than 15,000 Juma’at mosques could easily fund the event, emphasizing the willingness of well-wishers to support such a noble cause. This grassroots approach to financing the convention underscores the community’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of the Qur’an.
Political Ripples and Religious Discord
The inception of the Qur’an Convention traces back to Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. Sheikh Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo credits Kyari with the brainchild of the event, asserting his noble intentions devoid of political influence. However, a divisive rift among northern clerics, particularly within the Izala sect, has brought to light the underlying tensions and suspicions surrounding the convention. While some view it as a unifying platform to celebrate the Quran’s teachings and enhance national cohesion, others denounce it as an unwarranted innovation with potential political underpinnings.
Unity Amidst Controversy
Amidst the cacophony of dissenting voices and conflicting narratives, the Qur’an Convention has received a mixed bag of reactions from various Islamic sects. While the Izala clerics remain divided over the event, leaders from the Tijjaniyya and Qadiriyya orders have extended their support and encouragement for their followers to participate. Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi and Sheikh Karibullah Nasir Kabara have publicly endorsed the convention, hailing it as a unique opportunity to celebrate the Quran and showcase the talents of Qur’anic reciters across Nigeria.
In defense of the convention, the JIBWIS leadership has vehemently refuted claims of political bias or government influence. Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau and his counterparts have reiterated the non-political nature of the event, emphasizing its broader objective of promoting unity and religious harmony. Despite facing a barrage of criticism and skepticism, the organizers stand firm in their commitment to hosting a successful and meaningful Qur’an Convention that transcends religious divides and fosters a sense of collective purpose.
As the countdown to the Qur’an Convention continues, the swirling controversies and unanswered queries serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, unity and discord within Nigeria’s diverse Islamic landscape. The fate of this landmark event hangs in the balance, caught between the fervent convictions of its supporters and the skeptical scrutiny of its critics. Only time will tell whether this grand gathering will herald a new era of religious celebration and communal harmony or fade into obscurity, leaving behind a trail of unresolved debates and fractured opinions.
