For three decades, the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has grown from a small gathering of Muslim families into a global organisation helping to shape not only the practice of Islam but also as it relates to education, healthcare, and community development.
But as part of its efforts to expand its reach and strengthen partnerships, NASFAT executives recently visited The Guardian headquarters, where they shared insights into the society’s journey, impact, and future goals.
Narrating how the group started and its journey so far, NASFAT worldwide President, Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulWahid Abdulrauf, disclosed that NASFAT began in 1995 with just nine families meeting for prayers in a living room.
According to him, the idea was to create a space where professionals and educated Muslims could practice their faith in a way that was engaging and meaningful, especially for the younger generation. “As more people joined, it became clear that the living room was too small to accommodate everyone.
“On March 5, 1995, NASFAT held its first public prayer session at the Old Secretariat Mosque in Ikeja GRA, Lagos. This marked the beginning of its journey as a structured religious society. By 1997, the group had moved to a bigger space, and in 2000, it organised a strategic retreat to properly define its vision, structure, and leadership
“Over the years, NASFAT has expanded to over 350 locations across Nigeria and in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.
“One of the reasons for NASFAT’s continued growth is its strong leadership structure. The organisation has different councils that ensure smooth operations and accountability. These include the National Executive Council, led by the president, the National Council of Elders, which provides guidance, and the Missionary Council, which oversees religious matters. The society also has a Youth Council and a Women’s Affairs Committee that focus on empowering young people and women.”
Providing more insight, Abdulrauf explained that leadership in the society is carefully structured to allow for continuity and fresh ideas. The president, he said, serves a maximum of four years, ensuring that new leaders bring in innovative approaches while maintaining the society’s core values.
“NASFAT is not just a religious group, it is deeply involved in social development. One of its biggest achievements is the establishment of Fountain University in Osogbo, the first Islamic faith-based university in the country. The university was set up to provide quality education rooted in moral and ethical values.
“The society also runs several hospitals and clinics in locations like Ikorodu, Ibadan, Osogbo, Ota, Ikire, and Abidjan. Through the NASFAT Health Initiative (NASHIN), these hospitals provide medical services to members and the general public. Additionally, NASFAT has launched skill acquisition programmes that have trained hundreds of people in various trades, equipping them with the knowledge to become self-sufficient.”
In recent years, NASFAT has expanded its focus to include digital skills and renewable energy. Through a programme called NASFAT Activate, young people are being trained in ICT and sustainable energy solutions, helping them develop relevant skills for today’s job market.
NASFAT’s Women Affairs Management Committee has been at the forefront of various advocacy initiatives. The committee has actively campaigned against drug abuse among Nigerian youth and has taken a stand against violence towards women and the girl child. They have also organized events to promote religious and cultural awareness, such as the celebration of World Hijab Day.
Another major area of focus is addressing misconceptions about Islam. NASFAT has been running campaigns to challenge negative stereotypes and educate the public about the true principles of Islam. According to the organization, part of its mission is to present Islam in a way that is attractive, peaceful, and inclusive, countering narratives that portray the religion as extreme .
During the visit to The Guardian, the society’s National Public Relations Secretary, Shamsudeen Owolabi, recalled a time in the early 2000s when the newspaper helped raise awareness and mobilise funds for a child with a heart condition. “The child was later able to undergo life-saving surgery in India, thanks to donations that came from the newspaper’s coverage.”
This collaboration, among others, highlights NASFAT’s commitment to using the media as a tool for positive change, he stated. The society believes that by working with reputable platforms like The Guardian, it can spread its message further and make a greater impact.
As NASFAT celebrates its 30th anniversary, it is looking ahead to even bigger projects. One of its major ongoing initiatives is the construction of the society’s headquarters along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which will accommodate over 5,000 people at a time. The society is also working on setting up a virtual and offline Guidance and Counseling Unit to provide support to both members and non-members.
Another major plan in the pipeline is the Interfaith Arbitration Centre, which will serve as an alternative dispute resolution body for people seeking mediation on religious and community-related conflicts.
