Kano Chief Iman Commends CITAD On Gender Violence Campaign, Extols The Position of Women in Islam

By Rabiu Musa

HOTPEN – The Chief Imam of Kano Central Mosque, Professor Muhammad Sani Zaharaddeen said the position of women in Islam is very noble, packed with honor, gentleness, and all attributes of dignities.

Professor Zaharaddeen made this known when he received the project team on gender-based violence from the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), in his office in Kano.

The Chief Imam said Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W), stressed that women should be treated well, saying: “So act kindly towards women.”

The Imam also added that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was most emphatic in enjoining Muslims to be kind to their women when he delivered his famous khutba on the Mount of Mercy at Arafat in the presence of his Companions who had gathered there for the Hajj al-Wada (Farewell Pilgrimage).

Professor Zaharaddeen said whenever he honor the Qur’anic graduation invitation he preached to the Muslim Ummah to treat women with respect and kindness.

While responding, the Centre Gender Officer, Zainab Aminu revealed that CITAD is worried at the rate of cases concerning sexual violence is rising which is why the center started campaigning against this menace with support from Ford Foundation.

She charged Chief Imam to use his vintage position to continue preaching against the menace of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly against women and girls.

Miss Aminu also said gender-based violence was more of culture, tradition, and attitude rather than religion, declaring that Islam had stipulated the rights of women.

According to her, “if a woman is not well educated, actually she will not be able to contribute to the decision that is taken as enshrined in the Qur’an.

“We want to see our women well educated and the involvement of more in decision making in different spheres of human lives”.

“We are encouraging the Imams and Ulamas to use their sermons to preach against SGBV in the mosques because it is a serious issue, a menace that is affecting the entire society,”

Professor Zaharaddeen commended CITAD on their effort toward enlightening the public on gender-based violence.