Activities

MAR-ANWAR Merit Award

The Merit Award of Anwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as MAR-ANWAR, is one of the Movement's distinguished honours, established to recognise individuals whose outstanding contributions have advanced the growth, development and objectives of the Movement and the wider Muslim community.

The designation MAR-ANWAR stands for Merit Award Recipient – Anwar.

Unlike traditional chieftaincy titles, the Merit Award is designed to honour deserving individuals based on their record of service, commitment, philanthropy and contributions to the advancement of Islam and humanity.

The initiative reflects the Movement's conviction that selfless service and exceptional contributions deserve meaningful recognition, while avoiding the extravagance sometimes associated with ceremonial titles.

Constitutional provisions

The Merit Award is provided for under Chapter 8, General Provisions, Part I, Section 133 of the Movement's Bye-Laws.

Section 133 – Awards and Honours

1. The National Executive Council may confer Merit Award Honours, abbreviated as MAR-ANWAR, on deserving members and non-members of the Movement for consistent and outstanding contributions to the growth of the Movement and/or Islam.
2. The award shall be conferred in accordance with criteria and guidelines established by the National Executive Council from time to time.
3. Missions may confer recognition awards on deserving members and non-members within their Missions or communities for outstanding contributions to their Missions, the Movement and/or Islam, provided that prior notice is communicated to the National Executive Council.

Furthermore, Section 134 – Chieftaincy Titles provides that:

1. Members of the Movement are prohibited from accepting traditional chieftaincy titles or becoming traditional chiefs of institutions within or outside Nigeria.
2. No Mission, Division, organisation or organ of the Movement may confer chieftaincy titles on members or non-members.
3. A member may accept an Islamic chieftaincy title only with the consent and approval of the National Executive Council.

These provisions reinforce the Movement's preference for recognising distinguished service through merit-based honours rather than traditional chieftaincy titles.

The philosophy of recognition

The guiding philosophy of the Merit Award is inspired by the Holy Qur'an:

هَلْ جَزَاءُ الْإِحْسَانِ إِلَّا الْإِحْسَانُ

Hal Jazā'ul-Iḥsāni Illal-Iḥsān

“Is the reward for good [anything] but good?”

— Surah Ar-Rahman (55:60)

This Qur'anic verse, inscribed on the award certificate, expresses the Movement's appreciation of individuals who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and service.

An honour established in 1991

The MAR-ANWAR Merit Award was introduced in 1991 as an institutional platform for recognising outstanding members and distinguished individuals whose contributions have positively influenced the Movement and society.

The award was originally conceived as a quinquennial event, held once every five years, to preserve its prestige, significance and exceptional character.

Over the years, the programme has celebrated eminent Islamic leaders, educationists, philanthropists, public servants and distinguished personalities, including recipients honoured posthumously for their enduring contributions.

1991 · Inaugural recipients

The inaugural Merit Award ceremony was held in 1991, marking the beginning of an important tradition of institutional recognition within the Movement.

The pioneer recipients included:

1. Alhaji B. D. Oshodi
2. Alhaji (Dr.) I. B. Jose, OFR
3. Alhaji (Dr.) Chief S. L. Edu, MFR
4. Alhaji Senator H. A. B. Fasinro
5. Alhaji Justice L. J. Dosunmu
6. Alhaji Justice Atanda Fatayi-Williams, former Chief Justice of Nigeria
7. Alhaja S. A. Alafia
8. Alhaja A. A. Gbadamosi
9. Alhaji Bashorun M. K. O. Abiola

Of particular historical significance was the recognition of Bashorun M. K. O. Abiola, who was not a member of the Movement but received the award in appreciation of his philanthropy and contributions to society.

This demonstrated that MAR-ANWAR was conceived as an honour extending beyond organisational membership to recognise exceptional service to Islam and humanity.

1996 · Distinguished service and remembrance

The second edition of the Merit Award was held in 1996, continuing the tradition of celebrating distinguished personalities and recognising the contributions of past leaders.

Notable recipients included:

1. Alhaji K. O. Tinubu – Former President of the Movement
2. Alhaji N. Ola Hammed – Former General Secretary
3. Alhaji J. A. Gbadamosi – Former General Secretary

Posthumous Awards – Past Presidents

1. Late Brother Adam Idowu Yakub
2. Late Alhaji Saka Tinubu
3. Late Alhaji Jibril Martin

Posthumous Awards – Past Chief Imams

1. Late Chief Imam Rufai Ajose
2. Late Alhaji Ashafa Bokini Tijani
3. Late Alhaji A. L. S. Akodu

The posthumous recognitions paid tribute to pioneering leaders whose sacrifices, commitment and service helped establish and strengthen the Movement.

2001 · The 85th Anniversary ceremony

The third Merit Award ceremony was held on Saturday, 14 April 2001, at the Nigerian Law School Auditorium, Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of activities commemorating the Movement's 85th Anniversary and Annual Conference.

The ceremony recognised distinguished personalities from government, traditional institutions, Islamic leadership and the wider community.

Recipients included:

1. His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Executive Governor of Lagos State at the time
2. His Royal Highness, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi, Oguntade II
3. Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, CON – Baba Adinni of Nigeria and Chairman, Executive Council of Lagos Central Mosque
4. Alhaji Rafiu Olayinka Oyenubi – President of the Movement
5. Alhaji Imam Ahmed Babatunde Yoosuf – National Chief Imam of the Movement
6. Alhaji Haruna Adekunle Elewi – Honourable Minister of State for Communications
7. Dr. B. S. Ajenifuja
8. Alhaji Prince L. A. B. Katayeyanjue
9. Alhaji K. O. Owonikoko
10. Alhaji N. A. M. Eleha

Posthumous Award Recipients

1. Late Alhaji B. O. A. Agbaje
2. Late Alhaji R. O. Ojo
3. Late Alhaji A. A. Jolaoso
4. Late Barrister M. I. R. Seriki
5. Late Alhaja Ramat Ibijoke Animashawun
6. Late Alhaji Prince M. A. Balogun, popularly known as Saga

The 2001 ceremony further strengthened the reputation of MAR-ANWAR as an institutional platform for recognising excellence, philanthropy and distinguished service.

Continuing the legacy

The complete lists of recipients for these editions may be incorporated into the Movement's historical archive as the records are verified and updated.

The Merit Award remains an important expression of the Movement's commitment to acknowledging selfless service, exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions.

Through MAR-ANWAR, Anwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria seeks to inspire present and future generations to embrace the values of dedication, integrity, generosity, humility and service to Islam and humanity.

Conference & General Assembly

The Conference of Anwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria is one of the Movement's important institutional gatherings, providing a platform for delegates and representatives from its Missions and other organs to deliberate on matters affecting the welfare, administration and progress of the organisation.

Historically, the Conference was associated with the Easter holiday period, taking advantage of the extended public holidays from Friday to Monday to facilitate the participation of members and delegates from different locations.

In its early years, the Conference was predominantly held in Lagos. However, as the Movement expanded beyond Lagos, the hosting arrangement was extended to other Missions willing and able to host the gathering.

This development strengthened the national character of the Movement and encouraged broader participation in its affairs.

Article 107 of the Movement's earlier constitutional provisions stated:

“A Conference shall be held annually at which representatives from different Missions shall be present to discuss matters affecting the welfare and progress of the Movement, and to formulate programme of work to be undertaken in the coming year.”

This provision reflected the importance attached to collective consultation, accountability, strategic planning and institutional development.

The biennial Conference

Under Section 63 of the Movement's Bye-Laws, the Conference is provided for as a biennial event.

Section 63 – Biennial Conference

1. A Conference of members and delegates of Missions and other organs of the Movement shall be held once every two years to discuss the affairs and progress of the Movement and initiate new policies for consideration by the National Executive Council. The National President shall chair the Conference.
2. In a year other than a Conference year, the National Executive Council may, at its discretion, convene a one-day meeting of the General Assembly established under Article 50 of the Movement's Constitution. At such a meeting, the National Officers shall brief the Assembly on the affairs of the Movement and progress made during the period under review. The National President shall chair the General Assembly.

The biennial arrangement provides a structured opportunity for comprehensive institutional deliberations, while allowing the General Assembly to meet in intervening years when considered necessary.

The General Assembly

Section 64 of the Movement's Bye-Laws establishes the General Assembly as a representative body comprising:

1. Members of the National Executive Council
2. Chairmen of Missions
3. Chief Imams of Missions
4. Secretaries of Missions
5. Women Leaders of Missions
6. Youth Leaders of Missions

The General Assembly provides a forum through which the various organs of the Movement can participate in discussions concerning its administration, programmes, challenges and future development.

Consultation, accountability and unity

The Conference and General Assembly serve several important institutional purposes, including:

• Reviewing the activities, achievements and challenges of the Movement.
• Strengthening unity and cooperation among Missions, Divisions and other organs.
• Deliberating on policies and programmes for institutional growth.
• Promoting accountability and communication between national leadership and constituent Missions.
• Encouraging participation by women, youths, religious leaders and other representatives.
• Providing a platform for collective consultation and long-term strategic planning.

Through these gatherings, the Movement sustains its tradition of consultation, collective responsibility and organisational unity.

Annual Ramadan Tafsir

The Annual Ramadan Tafsir is one of the Movement's established religious programmes, organised during the holy month of Ramadan to promote deeper understanding of the Holy Qur'an, strengthen Islamic knowledge and encourage spiritual development among Muslims.

Traditionally held on the second Sunday of Ramadan, the programme brings together members from the Movement's various Missions, Islamic scholars, invited guests and members of the wider Muslim community.

The Tafsir is generally organised at a designated public venue or hall to encourage broad participation and provide an opportunity for Muslims from different communities to benefit from scholarly teachings.

Purpose and objectives

The programme seeks to:

1. Promote a deeper understanding of the Holy Qur'an and the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
2. Encourage spiritual renewal, righteousness and moral discipline during Ramadan.
3. Educate participants on essential Islamic obligations, including Salah (prayer), Zakat (obligatory charity), Sawm (fasting) and other important religious duties.
4. Address contemporary social and moral issues from an Islamic perspective.
5. Strengthen brotherhood, unity and cooperation among members of the Movement and the wider Muslim community.
6. Encourage charitable giving and support for educational, religious and community development initiatives.

Knowledge for everyday life

The Annual Ramadan Tafsir provides an opportunity for respected Islamic scholars and lecturers to deliver enlightening presentations on selected Qur'anic passages and relevant religious subjects.

Topics traditionally include Islamic worship, moral conduct, family responsibilities, social justice, charitable obligations and the practical application of Islamic teachings in everyday life.

Through these lectures, participants are encouraged to translate religious knowledge into positive conduct and meaningful contributions to society.

Charitable service and development

Beyond its spiritual and educational objectives, the Annual Ramadan Tafsir also serves as an opportunity to mobilise support for the Movement's developmental initiatives.

Invited guests, philanthropists, members and well-wishers are encouraged to contribute voluntarily towards projects and programmes that advance the Movement's objectives.

Such contributions may support the development and maintenance of mosques, educational institutions, Islamic propagation activities and other approved community projects.

The Annual Ramadan Tafsir reflects the Movement's longstanding commitment to making Islamic knowledge accessible and relevant to contemporary society.

By bringing together scholars, members and the wider Muslim community during the blessed month of Ramadan, the programme continues to strengthen faith, promote unity and inspire charitable service.