The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria ( IMAN ) has been charged to redouble its efforts to liberate Muslims in particular and the Nigerian citizens in general from the shackles of ignorance.
The Kaduna based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Mahmud Gumi gave the charge at the 2024 annual general meeting and inauguration of newly constituted executives of the Kaduna state chapter of the professional association held recently.
According to Gumi, it is quite surprising if not disturbing that a group like IMAN has been on the ground for more than three decades, yet the country’s vast Muslim population is still battling with contemporary health issues such as permissibility or otherwise of oral polio vaccination, HPV vaccination, female circumcision among others.
The Islamic scholar averred that ignorance is not only endemic among the followers of Islam in certain parts of the world but more pathetic that some individuals are claiming authority on issues they know little or nothing about.
Gumi who drew analogy from the life and time of the holy Prophet Muhammad explained that if the best of mankind can reverse his stance on issues like the appropriateness of nursing mothers getting pregnant while their infants have not been weaned and the artificial pollination of date palms, then people ought to know that fatwas or religious injunctions are arrived at from a position of knowledge, empirical research as well as proven statistics and not mere speculation.
He therefore urged the newly constituted executives to see their appointments as a call to challenge in correcting erroneous notions about the Islamic faith which he insisted is never a dogmatic way of life.
The scholar noted that the essence of servant leadership is to lead by example equally tasked them to be transparent, considerate and accommodating in motivating others to achieve the much needed results saying a good leader must be a good listener who is quick with commendation but slow with condemnation
Kaduna state deputy governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe who spoke through Dr. Shehu Usman Muhammad Makarfi said the present administration in the state is ready to partner all well – meaning professionals with a view to promoting public health
For the commissioner for health, Hajiya Ummu Kaltume Ahmed who was represented by the director, pharmaceutical services , Kaduna state ministry of health, Abubakar Isa Balarabe, standardization of training institutions is pivotal in eliminating quacks in the health sector and authorities will always welcome the input of professionals in that regard
Earlier, a consultant on assisted reproduction therapy, Professor Hajaratu Umar Sulayman spoke on the essence and concept of Ibadah Friendly Hospital saying healthcare professionals owe it a duty to Allah that the spiritual sanctity of patients are not jeopardized at any point in time while undergoing treatment.
She equally encouraged healthcare workers and hospital management to be forthcoming in safeguarding spiritual wellness of patients under their care as the totality of a Muslim’s life is to glorify the Creator from the cradle to the grave
Highlights of the occasion include dissolution of former executives, inauguration of the newly constituted executive members as well as goodwill messages from dignitaries including the by IMAN national president, Professor Ibrahim Oreagba who was represented at the event by Mallam Hassan Sha’aba Lafiagi
The IMAN national president stressed the need for prompt payment of monthly dues by all registered members while enjoining all branches on solid capitation
The new IMAN chairman, Kaduna state chapter, Dr. Yaqub Mustapha emphasized the need for sincerity of purpose from all and sundry just as he tasked members on consistent financial commitment for effective implementation of targeted programmes.
