In a significant move aimed at fostering stronger connections between mosque leadership and young Muslims, prominent scholar, the Lead Consultant at AS & Associates, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib has called for the establishment of youth councils in mosques nationwide.

Speaking at the Annual Imams Conference organized by the Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU), Dr. Shuaib highlighted the growing alarming divide between Imams and the youth in today’s rapidly changing world.

Dr. Shuaib, emphasized that many Imams often employ classical Arabic or traditional expressions that can be difficult for young people to fully grasp.

He noted that while youths are constantly exposed to diverse perspectives through the digital sphere, mosque sermons often fail to address their contemporary concerns, such as mental health, career paths, identity, and online ethics.

To bridge this gap, Dr. Shuaib urged Imams to actively involve young people in mosque affairs, including sermon planning, activities, and decision-making processes. “Young people often feel sidelined from masjid decisions and activities. Involving them creates ownership, accountability, and enthusiasm for community service,” he asserted.

The conference also addressed other pressing moral issues facing the youth, a legal scholar from Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Abdurraheem Adeleke, spoke against the controversial practice of egg donation among female students, stating unequivocally that it is not allowed in Islam to donate egg and sperm.

He clarified that Islamic law only permits blood donation due to its regenerative nature and its potential to save lives.

Professor Adeleke further warned that reproductive donations driven by financial incentives violate Islamic principles of lineage, as lineage in Islam is established solely through legal marriage. He even cited English law, referencing the case of Oxford vs. Oxford, to underscore the gravity of using reproductive organs outside the confines of marriage, equating it to adultery.

The Chief Imam of Lekki, Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, described the conference as a train-the-trainers programme, stressing the need for Imams to update their knowledge and preaching methods to remain relevant in a dynamic world. “The Imams need to change their methods – not into haram – but into methods that reflect the current realities, so the youths can be carried along,” he stated, emphasizing that ineffective communication of Islamic teachings could have negative societal impacts.

Lecturer, Lagos State University, Professor AbdulKareem Olatoye, in his goodwill message, commended LEMU’s efforts in fostering dialogue between religious leaders and young Muslims.

He drew parallels with the Quranic verse in Suratul Maidah, which encourages cooperation in righteousness, good deeds, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Professor Olatoye also urged Muslims to embrace the challenges inherent in religious reform and growth, stating, “We should know that as Muslims, if we are not willing to go through pains, there is no way we can achieve what we want to achieve in our deen.”