Habibiyyah Chief Imam faults school closures for Ramadan, says it’s unIslamic

The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, has criticized the decision by some northern state governments — including Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi — to shut down schools for five weeks during the Ramadan fast.

Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme on Channels Television, Adeyemi expressed concern that the closures misrepresent the teachings of Islam, emphasizing that Ramadan is a period of devotion and diligence, not a time to halt learning.

He stated, “To me, I see it as political. If you know the history of fast in Islam, they might say there is heat but the heat here cannot be as hot as Saudi Arabia. During a fast, there are lots of things that are done that change the way things are being done.”

Adeyemi referenced historical events to highlight the resilience expected during Ramadan. “For example, when Muslims moved from Mecca to Medina, there was a war that the Arabs waged against the Muslims; they said they wanted to exterminate Islam completely. There was a big war. The Arabs brought about 1,000 armed soldiers but the Muslims were about 213 in number and they didn’t have military arms. It was during a fast. They fought and they won – the 213 people won the 1,000 side,” he said.

“The point I am trying to raise is that: Ramadan is a time that you are serious with your God. It’s not a thing of entertainment but a serious period in the life of a Muslim,” Adeyemi continued.

He shared personal experiences to illustrate the focus Ramadan brings. “I remember when we were in secondary school, up to my university level, any exam I have in Ramadan, no matter how unserious I have been, I will come out excellently because of focus. Ramadan gives you focus in everything you do.”

Adeyemi firmly rejected the idea of school closures during the fasting period. “So, this idea of closing schools, to me, I’m not part of it, I don’t believe in it, it doesn’t speak well of Islam. This is the first time I hear a holiday in Ramadan. For Allah’s sake! For what purpose? You need to work. Even on a Friday, Islam does not ask you to lock your shops; it says go and work and when it’s time for prayers, lock your shops and when you finish praying, go back to your shops. Islam is a religion that has rules, you can’t just come one day and introduce a new system.”

The decision to close schools has sparked widespread debate, especially in states where poverty and low literacy rates are significant concerns. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) criticized the move, calling it discriminatory and harmful to students’ rights. CAN argued that extended school closures during Ramadan could exacerbate the region’s educational challenges, citing UNICEF data that showed 18.3 million out-of-school children in Nigeria as of 2024.

The controversy continues, with religious leaders and education advocates urging policymakers to reconsider the impact of prolonged school breaks on students’ futures.