Islamic Movement (Nigeria)

The Academic Forum is a branch of the Islamic movement that focuses on intellectual, cultural and civilizational advancement through intellectual revolution. Members include academic and non academic staff as well as students. Activities of this branch include the following events:[8]

• Annual Imam's week in commemoration of late Ayatollah Ruhullah Al-Musawi Al-Komeini,
• Annual national conference on islamic thought
• Joint Academic/Sisters Forum national conference
• Conduction of Islamic Vocation Course for secondary and tertiary students
• Weekly visitations of secondary schools
• Weekly conduction of Ta'alimat in various campuses within the country
• Weekly article release
• Organizing tutorials in campuses
• Organizing lessons for Secondary schools students.

This branch is made up of working class members who are in various sectors in the economy. Their main activity includes organizing lectures, seminars, and publications.[9]

Incorporated into the Islamic Movement in 2006, the mission of this branch is to produce Islamically oriented films that are aligned with Islamic beliefs, values, and cultures. The first production was a two part film title KARBALA and was based on the struggle of Imam Hussein. IM Production is currently making an appeal to create a film on the life of Shaikh Uthman Ibn Fodio to better represent him as a religious scholar and revolutionary. Shaikh Zakzaky called the making of a film on Shaikh Uthman a duty of the Islamic movement because the Nigerian government refused to accurately portray Shaikh Uthman.[10]

The Shuhada Foundation is a non governmental registered organization that organizes public lectures, seminars, and an annual Yaumu Shuhada celebration to commemorate the martyrdom of Shuhada the 116 other martyrs of the Islamic Movement. The creation of the foundation followed brutal attacks by the Military Dictatorship of Nigeria that resulted in the death of members and left one hundred and twenty eight children as orphans. The branch also provides both material and spiritual assistance to the orphans and most of their funding comes from donations.[11]

The Sisters Forum was created at the beginning of the Islamic Movement and has a large role within the movement. The founder Shaikh Zakzaky emphasized women having equal and full participation in the movement and provided resources for this branch to be self dependent in organizing activities. Women historically have not had a role in Islamic activities, but Zakzaky argued that women need to study Islam in order to answer to Allah on the day of resorection. The members of this branch have organized Tadribs, organizing conferences, lectures, production of films, visiting patients in hospitals, Majlis, and writing. These activities are educational and religiously based, and focused on women developing a strong link to their Creator through acts of worship.[12] The Sisters Forum has also staged protests calling for the release of Zakzaky and other members jailed by the Nigerian government and addressed the press, which traditionally not allowed for women.[13]

This branch is responsible for the publication of the newspaper the Poniter Express and the Almizan.[14]

A Madrassa is an institute of higher education that teaches Arabic grammar and literature, mathematics, logic, natural science, and Islamic theology and law.[15] The Islamic Movement of Nigeria created the Fudiyyah Islamic Center in 2002 along the Kaduna-Kano Express near Dan Magaji Wusasa Junction. The Fudiyya Islamic Center hosts seminars, meetings, and conferences by all the branches of the movement on a weekly, biweekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. The Islamic Movement has also acquired land a kilometer away from the Islamic Center to build a complete Madrasa through the donation of members from the Islamic Movement. The Islamic school has also created Fudiyyah Schools in nearly 200 towns, villages, and cities that provide both scientific and Islamic education.[16]

The AhlulBayt News Agency reported that Kaduna State government personnel demolished the Fuddiyya School in Zaria without issuing a warning. This is part of the Nigerian government clamping down on the members of the Islamic Movement.[17]

Poetry historically contributed to the teachings and advancement of Islam and the Islamic Movement has dedicated a branch responsible for creating poetry that enlightens the masses. Members songs are recorded in audio, video, and transcribed into books for circulation.[18]

The ISMA Medical Care Initiatives branch of the Islamic Movement has conducted seminars and provided medical services to members of the movement and the general public. This branch also seeks to promote the role of Islam in the medical field. The ISMA is also aiming to establish training schools, clinics, hospitals, research centers, and pharmacies and build a medical infrastructure.[19] One publication from the ISMA Medical Care Initiative included an article on proper care for the newborn.[20] Members of this branch include Nurses, Pharmacists, Doctors, Laboratory Scientists, Biomedical Engineers, Community Health Workers, and First Aid responders as well as others.[19]

The Guards mainly provide security during IMN events as well as making proper arrangements during events.[21]