Maximising Opportunities in Ansar-Ud-Deen Society: As a Youth – Yusuf Adebayo

Being a Key Note address presented by:  Alhaji Yusuf Adebayo, P.h.D, the Deputy, National President, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, on the occasion of a virtual Congress of Ansar-Ud-Deen, Youth Association of Nigeria (ADYAN) Northern States Council  (NSC) Saturday 27TH December 2025 (7th Rajab 1447 AH )

 In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All praises are for Allah. I seek Guidance and forgiveness from Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful. I also seek refuge in Him from the evils of man and jinn. I bear witness; Allah is the only one worthy of worship, and testifies that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad, son of Abdullah is Allah’s messenger and the seal of the Prophets. May His blessings continue to be upon him, his households, Companions and  all of us. Amin.

I recognize wholeheartedly, the world wide President of our dynamic Islamic Society, Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem, SAN FCArib. And my other co-members of the National executive Council, present and in absentia, I salute the National Missioner, Sheikh AbdurRahman Olarewaju Ahmad and by extension, members of the National Mission Board, The Chairman Northern State Council, Alh. Dr Najimdeen Usman Yasin, My Imam, Professor Musa Olaofe, the Missioner of Abuja Branch,

Imam Ilyas Adedamola Abdul Rahman, ADS Missioner in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Alh. Ogunlola Abdul Rafiu, the National Chairman of ADYAN and our dear sister Shakirat  Abdullahi the National Ameerah of ADYAN, Dr Aliyu Ozovehe Ilias the Chairman and by extension all the Executive members of ADYAN Northern States Council, Distinguished invited Guests, Entire members of of Ansar-Ud-Deen, Youth Association of Nigeria (ADYAN) Northern States Council (NSC), Gentlemen of the Press, My brothers and Sisters.

AS-SALAAMU ALAIKUM WARAHMATULLAHI WABARAKATU

It is with all sense of humility, and appreciation to the entire members of Ansar-Ud-Deen, Youth Association of Nigeria (ADYAN) Northern States Council (NSC), who find me worthy to deliver this keynote address today, that I present this address. May Allah swt forgive my non– intended errorstherein and may, He count this for us in this world and Hereafter. Amin

I must confess the choice of the theme for this congress is apt, and contemporary in nature, especially in today’s Nigeria, where the search for peace is becoming elusive and erroneously believed by a section of people that Muslims are anti peace and belligerent.

Therefore, building a Peaceful and Productive Ummah: The Role of Nigerian Youth, is coming at the right time for discussion among the ummah and to shape the future of our good youth of ADS. However the topic for me is Maximizing the Opportunity in Ansar-ud-Deen Society as a Youth.

Abstract:

“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones” (Quran 66:6).

Cursory looks at youths of today in all corners of the world, and in particular the Muslim youths of Nigeria suggests and paint a moral Decadence in our youths. The levels of moral decadence in many Muslim homes have made minor the moral decadence during the lifetime of Prophet Lut and Prophet Nuh combined. The most annoying development, is that Imams, Islamic clerics, Students of Arabic and Quranic Schools and Muslim parents watch as everything linked to morality has gone insane. Now Muslim girls are into prostitution, mostly losing their virginity at teen ages. Muslim boys and girls are into fraudulent activities of untold magnitude like 419 vices and the notorious Yahoo-yahoo madness. Our youths are into drugs of all kinds, unbridled sex, killing for rituals-yahoo yahoo plus, Kidnapping, and alcoholism. Some are into examination malpractice, hooliganism, Thugery, gambling and banditry. Today, many now pay lip service to Islamic dictates and practice. Mosques are no longer attractive for Muslim youths, and fasting during Ramadan is becoming nonessential. Despair is a permanent song in the majority of Muslim homes. Subuahanallah. Something has happened to us.

The youths of Nigeria, including the youth members of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society are super crucial for Nigeria’s future, because over 70% of the population are under age 30.  

Why You Matter:

1 You are the driving force behind the country’s economic growth, innovation, and social progress.

2 Economic Powerhouse: 64% of Nigerians are of working age (15-64), contributing significantly to the economy.

3 Innovation Hub: Young Nigerians are leading tech innovations, start ups, and entrepreneurship.

4 Future Leaders: Tomorrow’s leaders, policymakers, and influencers are being shaped today.

5 Social Change Agents: Youths are where the bulk of electoral votes come from during elections.

Maximizing the Opportunity in Ansar-ud-Deen Society as a Youth

“And Let there be among you a people (ummatun) inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. These are the successful ones.” Q3.104

As a Youth in ADS your behavior, ethics, and adherence to Islamic principles serve as a powerful model for people around you and help the society to grow and prosper. The foundingfathers of ADS, have laid the foundation for you to maximise your membership of ADYAN. ADS,as you all know is a foremost Nigerian Islamic Society founded over a century year ago and paramount to her formation was to give rooms and platforms, for Muslims young and old to come together and worship Allah, associate and support each other. Your memberships of the ADYAN, is a call to service to continue living the ideals of our forefathers.

 ADYAN is a broad platform and to harness her potentials at this point in our history, demands one imbibes the teachings of Islam, follow the rules of Allah as contained in the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet. An example of such admonition is in the popular hadith of the prophet that says: Take advantage of 5 before 5″, advising people to use their current blessings—youth, health, wealth, free time and life—before they are gone. The hadith, in essence, is about appreciating and utilizing God’s blessings during ones youthful moments to prepare for future challenges and the ultimate end.

The five Things to Use (Before)
Youth before Old Age.
Health before Sickness. Wealth/Riches before Poverty.
Free Time before Being Busy/Preoccupied.
Life before Death

How to Take Advantage of these Five:

Youth & Health: Engage in productive activities,Acquire Education and professional skills, Learn the Quran and Hadith, computer skills  and build good habits, and worship God while strong.

Wealth: Create business opportunities, invest in cottage businesses, Give charity, help others, and use resources for good, remembering that even basic needs are wealth for many.

Free Time: Avoid fruitless activities; rather fill it with beneficial deeds, as time is fleeting and say no to drugs and illicit activities.

Life: Recognize life’s transience and focus on actions that lead to success in the afterlife.  

A path to Building a Peaceful and Productive Ummah:

A- Quality Education:

The Quran, strongly emphasizes education as a fundamental duty for all Muslims men and women, starting with the very first revealed word IQRA (Read).  And in modern world, education is crucial for empowerment, progress and personalgrowth, serving as powerful tool to change theworld, unlock potentials and build a better future.Education fosters critical thinking and enabling lifelong learning, moving individuals from ignorance to enlightenment and gives opportunity.

Let us ponder about the importance of education from these famous people:

Education is the most powerful weapon which one can use to change the world. Nelson Mandela

Education is passport to future for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. Malcom X

The education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Dr Martin Luther King .Jr

If you think education is expensive, try ignorance-Andy McIntyre

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruits aresweet – Aristotle

Elevating the learned to higher ranks and moving from ignorance to light- Anonymous

Education opportunities are now availablethrough acceptable means. Primary school education, Secondary schools, Vocational Institutes, Colleges of Education, Polytechnics,private, states and Federal Government Universities. There are also schools of distant learning and open Universities.

Alhamdullilah, ADS has opportunities for ADYAN members  in some significant areas of these platforms, Primary, secondary, College of Education and the SUMMIT University. I am aware SUMMIT University gives various scholarships, which some of your members can enjoy.  

B – Youth engagement and participation in Dawah:

A productive mind will  always engage in peaceful activities, therefore in addition to having sound education, engaging in dawah activities and vocational training are two avenues your membership of ADYAN, SHOULD provide. A mind that constantly thinks of the wonders of Allah is peaceful and will never engages in evil.  An hadith confirms “There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good reformed the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is heart  fills of Allah’s”“Allah Almighty says: I am as My servants expects of Me. If he thinks good of Me, he will have it. If he thinks evil of Me, he will have it.” (Sahih Ibn Ḥibban, 639)

C the future of the world is vocational training, Small Scale Halal Business with sound education. 

Imagine bringing delicious halal cuisine right to the streets. Picture a bakery filled with the scent of freshly baked halal-certified pastries and bread.  Offer a halal meal prep service that delivers healthy meals to people’s doorsteps? Halal Bakery freshly baked halal-certified pastries and bread. Partner with local cafes to distribute your goods and attract a broader customer base. Open a gallery showcasing Muslim artists. Display pieces that highlight Islamic culture, calligraphy, and heritage. Hosting art exhibitions can bring the community together and provide a platform for local talent.

1.Small Scale Halal Business for start-ups.
These Business areas are among many opportunities, Islam offers the youth to explore:

2. Halal Meal Prep Service.

3. Halal Bakery freshly baked halal-certified pastries and bread. You could make everything from traditional sweets to gluten-free or vegan treats.

4. Halal Organic farms.

5 Halal Event planning.

6. Halal Butcher Shop.

7. halal restaurant can bring people together.

8. Halal Ice Cream Parlor.

9. Halal Food Subscription Box.

10. Halal Beverages.

11. Modest Fashion Boutique.

12. Halal Cosmetics Line.

13. Islamic Jewelry.

14. Online Hijab Store.

15. Sustainable Halal Clothing

16. Halal Fitness Center

17. Halal Vitamins and Supplements

18. Islamic Counseling Services

19. Halal Skincare Products

20. Halal Spa and Wellness Center

Education and Training

21. Online Quran Teaching

22. Islamic Finance Courses

23. Halal Cooking Classes

24. Arabic Language School

25. Islamic Art and Calligraphy Workshops

Technology and Digital Services

26. Halal E-commerce Platform

27. Islamic App Development

28. Halal Cryptocurrency Consulting

29. Digital Marketing for Halal Businesses

30. Halal Content Creation

31. Halal Travel Agency

Plan trips that cater to halal dietary needs and prayer times. Offer packages for families, honeymooners, or solo travellers. Partner with halal-friendly hotels to create a seamless experience.

32. Umrah and Hajj Services

33. Halal Bed and Breakfast

34. Halal Cruise Organizer

35. Islamic Heritage Tours

36. Islamic Finance Consulting

37. Halal Crowdfunding Platform

38. Zakat Calculation Services

39. Halal Insurance Agency

40. Islamic Microfinance

Halal Home Cleaning Products

42. Islamic Home Decor

43. Halal Pet Food

44. Halal Event Planning

45. Halal Organic Gardening Services

46. Islamic Publishing House

47. Halal Film Production

48. Islamic Music Production

49. Halal Comedy Shows

50. Islamic Art Gallery.

Can one imagine the patronage any member of ADYAN who is well equipped with anyone of the above small scales business can get from ADYAN members and other Muslims?

Nigerian population Statistics suggest, there are 230 million Nigerians and half of the population are Muslims, which then give hope that now and in the future, there will always be markets for any or a combination of the above small scale businesses, thus we are guarantee a Peaceful and Productive Ummah.

ADYAN youths should apply Islamic principles in their businesses to keep the country’s economy active. By implementing these principles, commodity prices will be reduced, corporate syndicates will be diminished, and customers’ purchasing competence will develop. These principles are:

1. Be Objective with Positive Intentions

According to this principle, always keep your intentions right. According to Shariah, people’s actions are bestowing to their intentions, and they would get what they intend.

2. Make Wealth to Seek Allah’s Blessing

Wealth is a gift from Allah SWT. Whenever Allah endows you with wealth do not be extravagant and try to seek Allah’s blessing and end up in Jannah. Also, do not be miserliness that leads to punishment and ends up in hell.

3. Wealth is Satisfaction within the Heart

Wealth is not only the abundance of money and other possessions. According to Islamic principles, true wealth is satisfaction and happiness within the heart. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) explained that whoever is prosperous in his heart will not be hurt no matter what he has in this world, and whoever is poor in his heart will not be pleased although he has everything in this world.

However, let me sound a warning there are businesses you should not do. Islam has not permitted producing, selling and purchasing of goods, which are prohibited in Islamic law. Alcohol, Drugs. The Prophet of Islam has said: “When God prohibits a thing He prohibits (Giving and receiving) the price of it as well”

Islam has also prohibited any kind of transaction involving uncertainty, as this could lead to quarrel or litigation.  The prophet of Islam has prohibited transactions involving unspecified quantity, acceptance of money for fish in the river and bird in the air as there is element of uncertainty. Similarly the prophet of Islam has prohibited sales of fruits till they are ripened. However; if the element of uncertainty is very small, the transaction are permissible. Islam condemns hoarding to make high profit at the cost of public interest (when it is needed or so it will become needed). Islam however; allows normal trade – buying and selling if goods again and again at a reasonable profit.

Islam prohibits fraud in business dealings. The prophet has said: “sell the good and bad ones separately. He who deceives is not of us” The sin of fraud is greater if the seller supports it by swearing falsely. The prophet has said: “swearing produces ready sales but blots out blessing”. Islam prohibits buying and selling what’s legal if we know that it will be used for illegal use: weapons, abortion drugs, drugs for meth making, etc.

Interest: Muslims are not allowed to pay or receive interest this is a shared value in all religions. The Quran is explicit about it and says, “God – has permitted for you trade and prohibited interest” (2:275). The Bible says: “and lend, never despairing; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be sons of the most high” Luke 6:35.

While no youth is perfect, many harmful habits can be unlearned through sincere reflection, education, and consistent effort. Our faith , Education, Dawah,  Vocational trainings and teachings from the Qur’an and Sunnah can guide us towards healthier, more compassionate relationships with everyone around us to ensure peaceful co existence

Youths of ADYAN, should emulate the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and must be focus on Allah’s attributes of mercy and love, so they develop a healthy relationship with Allah and expect the best from Him always.

To harness the potentials of being Youths of ADS, they should acquire sound education, vocational training and small scales business skills.

ADYAN youths of today are to train the next generation of youths , therefore, in order to maximize  the opportunity  in  Ansar-ud-Deen  as  a youth,  they must be prepared for the future. And the future is now and not tomorrow.  

 May this address benefit my listeners and the Ummah.  

 AS-SALAAMU ALAIKUM WARAHMATULLAHI WABARAKATU