By DAYO ADESULU
Why Thousands of Islamic Scholars Are Gathering in Nigeria
Nigeria has once again taken center stage in global religious discourse as over 20,000 Islamic scholars from Saudi Arabia, the United States, Malaysia and several other countries converged in Lagos for a major international conference aimed at strengthening moral values and social stability through sound Islamic teachings.
The gathering, which has drawn global attention, is part of the 17th International Conference of the Daaru Na’im Academy for Shariah Sciences, holding in Lagos from January 1 to January 4, 2026. Scholars, clerics, academics, traditional rulers and government representatives from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America are participating, both physically and virtually.
At the heart of the conference is a renewed call to address contemporary social challenges facing Muslim societies by returning to what organizers describe as authentic and sound Islamic creed.
Lagos Hosts One of the Largest Islamic Conferences in Recent Years
The opening session took place at the Daaru Na’im Eid Praying Ground, located beside Alimosho General Hospital in Igando, Lagos. According to organizers, more than 20,000 participants attended physically, while thousands more joined online from different parts of the world.
Observers say the scale of participation makes the event one of the largest Islamic scholarly gatherings hosted in Nigeria in recent years, reinforcing Lagos’ growing role as a hub for international religious dialogue.
Languages used during the opening ceremony included Arabic, English, French, Hausa and Yoruba, reflecting the multicultural and international nature of the conference.
Theme Focuses on Belief, Morality and Social Stability
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director-General and Chief Imam of Daaru Na’im, As-Shaykh Dr. Imran AbdulMajeed Eleha, explained that the conference was convened to confront pressing challenges affecting Muslim communities globally.
The four-day event is themed:
“The Jurisprudence of the Sound Creed (Fiqh al-‘Aqīdah) and Contemporary Challenges.”
According to Eleha, the theme emphasizes the role of correct belief in shaping disciplined individuals and building stable societies. He noted that many moral, social and ideological crises confronting Muslim communities today stem from deviations from authentic Islamic teachings.
Addressing the Root Causes of Moral and Social Crisis
Dr. Eleha warned that esoteric and deviant groups, some of which falsely claim Islamic identity, have worsened confusion and instability within Muslim societies. He stressed that such distortions of belief undermine social cohesion and ethical conduct.
“These challenges require a united scholarly response grounded in authentic Islamic teachings and guided by knowledge, wisdom and moderation,” he said.
He added that the conference seeks to offer scholarly clarity, practical guidance and collective solutions to ideological confusion, extremism and moral decline.
Scholars From Saudi Arabia, US, Malaysia and Beyond in Attendance
The conference features high-profile scholars and dignitaries from several countries, including:
Saudi Arabia
United States
Malaysia
Benin Republic
Ivory Coast
Algeria
The Gambia
Togo
Among the participants are representatives of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, scholars from leading Islamic institutions in North America and Asia, as well as officials from Islamic councils and universities across Africa.
Their presence, analysts say, highlights Nigeria’s strategic importance in global Islamic scholarship and intercontinental religious engagement.
Why the Conference Matters Beyond Religion
While the event is primarily religious, experts note that its implications go beyond theology. Discussions at the conference touch on social harmony, moral responsibility, youth education, community leadership and peaceful coexistence, issues that resonate strongly within Nigeria’s diverse and multi-faith society.
Participants argue that strengthening moral values through credible religious education can contribute to national stability, reduce extremism and promote responsible citizenship.
Nigeria’s Growing Profile in Global Religious Dialogue
The massive turnout has further boosted Nigeria’s profile as a destination for international religious conferences. With participants from four continents, the Lagos gathering reflects a growing trend of Nigeria hosting events that shape global conversations on faith, ethics and social order.
Observers say such platforms also offer opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and scholarly collaboration across borders.
Related Development: Bauchi Declares Public Holiday for Late Islamic Cleric
In a related religious development, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed recently declared Friday, November 28, 2025, a work-free day in honour of the late Islamic scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.
According to a statement by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, the holiday was declared to allow residents to pay their last respects to the revered cleric, whose burial followed Islamic rites.
Focus Key Phrase
Islamic scholars in Nigeria
Conclusion
As over 20,000 Islamic scholars in Nigeria engage in deep reflection and dialogue at the Lagos conference, the gathering underscores a broader effort to confront modern challenges through faith-based scholarship. Organizers believe the outcomes will resonate far beyond Nigeria, shaping conversations on belief, morality and social stability across the Muslim world.
The coming days are expected to feature intensive sessions, scholarly debates and resolutions aimed at strengthening unity and promoting balanced religious understanding in an increasingly complex global environment.
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