At Ramadan Lecture, FOMWAN Kaduna Promotes Reconciliation as Path to Lasting Relationships and Peace

Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna Northwest Nigeria

The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Kaduna State chapter, has emphasized that effective conflict resolution remains a vital pillar for building healthy, productive, and enduring relationships across all spheres of life.

This message took center stage at the closing ceremony of FOMWAN’s 31st Annual Ramadan Lecture in Kaduna, where participants were urged to adopt reconciliation as a guiding principle in marriage, business, and social interactions.

Delivering a lecture titled “The Importance of Reconciliation in Marriage, Business and Family,” the Director of the Centre for Qur’anic and Arabic Studies at Kaduna State University, Dr. Yaya Abdullahi, stressed that while conflicts are inevitable, their management determines the strength and longevity of relationships. He noted that shifting from a win-lose mindset to a collaborative, problem-solving approach fosters harmony and mutual understanding.

Dr. Abdullahi highlighted that true conflict resolution requires patience, emotional discipline, and active listening, with emphasis placed on addressing behaviors rather than attacking personalities. Drawing from Qur’anic teachings and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he urged Muslims to embrace reconciliation as a noble act that is highly rewarded by Allah.

He further called on both government and religious institutions to work collectively in promoting reconciliation, suggesting the establishment of a standing committee on dispute resolution in Kaduna State. According to him, such an initiative would significantly reduce conflicts and ease the burden on the judicial system.

The scholar expressed concern over the growing trend of unresolved disputes, even among family members, lamenting how minor disagreements often escalate into long-standing divisions. He maintained that applying the principles of reconciliation in daily life would help prevent such situations and strengthen communal bonds.

In her remarks, the Amirah of FOMWAN Kaduna State, Hajiya Nafisat Musa Isah, explained that the annual Ramadan lecture has, for over three decades, served as a platform to address pressing societal issues. She noted that this year’s theme was carefully selected in response to the rising cases of conflicts within families, marriages, and business relationships.

According to her, the inability to resolve disputes has contributed significantly to increasing cases of divorce, strained family ties, and business disagreements. She stressed that fostering a culture of dialogue and understanding is essential for restoring peace and stability in society.

Hajiya Nafisat also spoke on the need for greater collaboration among FOMWAN’s affiliate groups to strengthen the impact of such initiatives. She revealed plans to establish a befitting secretariat that would serve as a unifying hub for all affiliated women’s organizations.

Encouraging women to remain committed to maintaining peaceful homes, she noted that attending educational and spiritual lectures equips them with the knowledge needed to navigate challenges effectively. She also urged men, as heads of families, to exercise patience and restraint, emphasizing their critical role in managing conflicts constructively.

She added that FOMWAN has instituted marriage counselling programmes for intending and newly married couples, aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills to understand their roles and manage disagreements responsibly.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, underscored the importance of involving men and youth in programmes that address family and societal issues.

He commended FOMWAN for its unwavering efforts in promoting peace and empowering women, urging the association to sustain its impactful initiatives.

In her closing remarks, immediate past Amirah, FOMWAN Kaduna, Pharm. Aisha Isiyaku Tukur expressed appreciation to dignitaries and participants for their support. She encouraged attendees to internalize the lessons from the lecture, particularly the virtues of forgiveness and peaceful coexistence.

The event also featured goodwill messages and witnessed the presence of past FOMWAN leaders, patrons, women’s Islamic groups, amongst was Nastrul – Lahi – L- Fatih Society NASFAT, and members of the physically challenged community, all united in the shared goal of fostering harmony and societal development.