As the debate and controversy over the closure of schools in some northern states of Nigeria continue, An Islamic Studies scholar, lecturer and the Chief Librarian of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Mufutahu Ashiru, Ph.D, provides deeper insight into the issue in this exclusive interview with Africa Health Report Southwest correspondent, Korede Abdullah.
Excerpts:
AHR: Some Islamic State Governors in Northern Nigeria have ordered schools to shut down during Ramadan fasting. Where did they get this injunction from?
Ans: Thank you for having me. To be clear, there is no explicit injunction in the Qur’an or Hadith mandating the closure of schools during Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions continued their daily activities, including teaching and governance, during Ramadan. Even in Saudi Arabia, where Islamic practices are deeply rooted, schools and universities remain open during fasting. The practice of shutting down schools in parts of Nigeria appears to be a local tradition rather than a religious obligation.
AHR: If it’s a command, why are Islamic schools in the South West still operating?
Ans: That is a crucial point. The fact that Islamic schools in the South West of Nigeria remain open suggests that this is not a universal Islamic practice but rather a regional or cultural decision. Education is highly valued in Islam, and different Muslim communities have chosen to interpret and apply Islamic teachings in ways that align with their social and historical contexts.
AHR: The Education Minister recently pointed out that even in Saudi Arabia, schools do not shut down during Ramadan. What do you say to those enforcing school closures in certain regions of Nigeria?
Ans: The Minister is correct. Saudi Arabia, which follows strict Islamic traditions, does not suspend schooling during Ramadan. If one of the most Islamic-centered nations in the world continues education during fasting, then shutting down schools in Nigeria under the pretext of Ramadan is difficult to justify.
This practice can be harmful to the future of children in these regions. Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge regardless of time or circumstance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim”. Disrupting education for a whole month every year puts students at a disadvantage and contradicts the Islamic emphasis on learning.
Shutting down schools during Ramadan can have long-term consequences on the education and future of our children. It’s essential that we prioritize education and ensure that our children receive quality education, regardless of the time of year. The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and education, and we should not compromise on this.
AHR: Some argue that fasting makes it difficult for students to concentrate. Does Islam support such an argument?
Ans: Fasting is meant to instil discipline, not hinder productivity. The Qur’an states, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (Qur’an 2:286). If students struggle, accommodations such as adjusting school hours can be made, but shutting down entirely is not necessary. Islam promotes balance, not unnecessary hardship.
AHR: What is your final message to Islamic leaders enforcing school closures during Ramadan?
Ans: My message is simple: Islam upholds education as a fundamental right and duty. Any practice that undermines learning, especially without clear religious backing, should be reconsidered. Our responsibility as leaders is to uplift the future of our youth, not hinder it. If Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt keep their schools open, there is no justification for disrupting education in Nigeria. I urge leaders to reflect on the long-term consequences of this practice and ensure that Islamic teachings are applied with wisdom and knowledge.
