History & heritage

Foundation and pioneering role

The Anwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria, formerly known as the Ahmadiyya Movement-in-Islam of Nigeria, was founded in 1916.

The movement can aptly be described as a pioneer Muslim organisation in the southern parts of the country, if not indeed the whole Federation. Pioneer, or precursor, in the sense that before the advent of the movement, countrywide Islamic societies or missions, as they appear among Nigeria’s religious organisations today, were unknown.

In that sense, Anwar-Ul Islam, which in its long and chequered history has undergone many transformations, is a pathfinder and trailblazer.

It was founded by members of the Muslim Literary Society and Juvenile Muslim Society, whose principal members included Messrs L.B. Augusto, A.T. Adele, B.A. Fanimokun, Alfa Mohammed Bello Lawal and Ashafa Tijani of Martins Street, Lagos.

Religious purpose and ideals

The aims and objects of the movement can be summarised as to “reform the Muslim world morally, intellectually, socially, religiously and spiritually and to realise in all walks of life the ideals of Islam as taught in the Holy Quran and exemplified in the life, character and spirit of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBOH). The objects of the Movement are to study, teach and spread Islam according to the Holy Quran throughout the world.”

A pioneering commitment to education

In the early part of the twentieth century, a conflict arose between Islamic education and Euro-Christian education. The Muslim community feared that Western education could become a route to conversion to Christianity. The young Muslim elites who founded the movement, then known as Ahmadiyya, sought to remedy and ameliorate this situation. Its pioneering role in Islamic education and the award of scholarships to young Nigerian Muslims can be understood in this context.

According to the movement’s historical account, it established the first Muslim secondary school in Nigeria in Lagos in 1948, at 4–6 Olushi Street, on properties belonging to Alhaji Jibril Martin and Alhaji N.B. Kenku.

Transformation and doctrinal differences

The movement’s history has included periods of division and difficult change. It has sailed through troubled waters and overcome many vicissitudes.

It was known as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Society of Nigeria in 1916 and subsequently as the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam in Nigeria Branch, which had its roots in Quadian, India. The break with Quadian arose from basic differences in dogma and doctrine and was connected with litigation in 1940.

The adoption of Anwar-Ul Islam

A watershed came in 1974, when the movement decided to remove Ahmadiyya from its name and became Anwar-Ul Islam. Despite years of litigation and acrimonious disagreement, the movement continued to grow in faith and conviction.

Anwar-Ul Islam means “the light of the religion of Islam.” The movement’s historical account describes a particular achievement: all other reputable Islamic bodies, including Jamaat’ul Islamiyya and Ansar-ud-deen Society, can trace their origin, inspiration and early membership to the movement.

A living heritage and continuing leadership

The movement’s experience of weathering storms has strengthened it, much as storms and thunder toughen the Iroko tree and make it the diamond of the forest.

With the leadership of Alhaji Lateef Adisa Lawal and his executive, supported by former presidents, reputable trustees and the faithful Ummah, the movement’s journey continues.

Anwar-Ul Islam is described in its historical account as primus inter pares and a leading presence among Muslim organisations in Nigeria. Its history forms an important chapter in the annals of Islam in the country.