https://www.facebook.com/1397893703793595/

MAVIN.Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria., Abuja (2026)

01/02/2026

PRESS RELEASE

WORLD HIJAB DAY: MAVIN COMMENDS GROWING ACCEPTANCE, CALLS FOR FULL RESPECT OF THE RIGHT TO HIJAB

The Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria, MAVIN, joins Muslims across the world to commemorate this year’s World Hijab Day, a day dedicated to promoting understanding, inclusion, and respect for the rights and dignity of Muslim women and girls.

Over the years, World Hijab Day has gained increasing significance due to the importance of the hijab to Muslim women. For a Muslim woman, the hijab is not merely a piece of clothing; it is an expression of faith, identity, dignity, and personal conviction. A Muslim woman without the hijab is like an egg without its shell. The right to wear the hijab is therefore a fundamental and inalienable right of every Muslim woman.

MAVIN is pleased and indeed elated to observe that in modern times, particularly within our immediate environment and society, the hijab is becoming more widely accepted. Encouragingly, it is increasingly embraced with confidence by Muslim women and girls. The hijab is also gaining wider acceptance in public spaces, educational institutions, and places of work, and has become a source of pride and identity for many Muslim women. This growing confidence reflects positive progress toward tolerance and inclusion.

However, despite these gains, there are still pockets of resistance and negative reactions to the use of the hijab in some quarters. MAVIN finds this development troubling. Such resistance, especially when directed at Muslim girls in schools or Muslim women in workplaces, undermines the principles of fairness, freedom, and peaceful coexistence.

We therefore implore all concerned parties, including government officials, educational authorities, regulatory bodies, and individuals in positions of authority, to exercise understanding and allow peace to reign. The hijab is harmless. It is simply a piece of cloth. It does not harm anyone, diminish identity, or take anything away from society. It does not affect intelligence, productivity, professional competence, or rational thinking. On the contrary, it often enhances confidence, focus, and self-respect.

MAVIN also offers words of encouragement to all Muslim women and girls stepping out daily for work, study, and service. Your dressing is your dignity. You should not feel intimidated by social pressure or peer resistance. The purpose of observing the hijab is not to please people, but to protect your religion, obey your Lord, and uphold your personal dignity and honour. You are not dressing for anyone’s personal interest, but for your spiritual growth, self-respect, and obedience to Allah. Remain focused, stand firm, and do not look back. Your reward is not in human approval, but with Allah, who rewards abundantly and never withholds the reward of those who are steadfast. Hijab is your pride. Hijab is your dignity. Cherish it.

Dressing should remain a matter of personal choice. Individuals who choose to cover up should not be harassed, victimized, or viewed in a negative light. Respecting the right of Muslim women and girls, including Muslim schoolchildren, to wear the hijab freely is essential to building a truly tolerant, accommodating, and inclusive social and political society.

As we mark World Hijab Day, MAVIN reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the rights, dignity, and full inclusion of Muslim women, especially those living with visual impairment.

We wish all Muslim women and the entire Muslim community a meaningful and reflective World Hijab Day celebration.

Signed
Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria, MAVIN

31/01/2026

ZAKAT, SADAQAH, AND THE EDUCATION OF POOR BLIND STUDENTS A SCHOLARLY, ETHICAL, AND CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC ARGUMENT.

The debate surrounding the eligibility of poor blind students for Zakat has exposed a deeper problem within some Muslim charitable institutions: a restrictive mindset that separates Islamic texts from Islamic objectives.

Recently, a Zakat-focused organization argued that supporting the education of a blind, indigent student does not qualify under Zakat and should instead fall under Sadaqah. This position raises several serious questions, both legally and ethically.

THE SADAQAH ARGUMENT AND ITS INTERNAL CONTRADICTION.

Even if, for the sake of argument, one accepts the claim that funding the education of a blind student should come from Sadaqah rather than Zakat, the question remains: why is this still being used as a justification for refusal?

Most Zakat foundations today do not collect Zakat alone. They also collect Sadaqah, donations, endowments, and general charitable funds. If such organizations are genuinely uncertain or divided on whether education qualifies under Zakat, Islamic ethics demand that they resort to the Sadaqah funds they already possess.

Islam does not permit institutions to hide behind technical disagreements while leaving a vulnerable human being unattended. If Sadaqah is available, and need is acknowledged, then refusal becomes a choice, not a jurisprudential necessity.

This reveals that the issue is not truly about Zakat versus Sadaqah, but about an unwillingness to prioritize empowerment of the disabled and the poor.

NEED IS ACKNOWLEDGED, BUT HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IS DENIED.

Perhaps the most troubling argument is the claim that while a blind person is indeed in need, that need does not extend to education.

This reasoning exposes a deeply flawed understanding of human welfare. What, then, is the blind person entitled to? Food alone? Occasional handouts? Lifelong dependency?

Islam never envisioned a society where the poor are merely fed to survive without being empowered to live with dignity.

There is a well-known wisdom that says: do not give me fish, teach me how to fish. Feeding someone without empowering them only preserves poverty; education breaks it.

If a blind person is educated, trained, and empowered, they can become self-sustaining, productive, and independent. They can support themselves, contribute to society, and even become future Zakat givers rather than perpetual recipients.

To insist on feeding without educating is to institutionalize dependency. It is to reduce human beings to objects of pity rather than agents of purpose.

ISLAMIC LAW SEEKS EMPOWERMENT, NOT PERPETUAL BEGGING.

Islamic jurisprudence does not promote the distribution of what may be described as “peanuts” to keep people alive while denying them the means to rise.

Classical scholars allowed Zakat to be given in amounts sufficient to remove a person from need, not merely to delay hunger. Imam Abu Hanifah and scholars of his school held that a poor person may be given enough Zakat to become self-sufficient.

Education today is one of the most effective tools for self-sufficiency, especially for persons with disabilities. Denying education while offering food is neither rational nor Islamic.

The modern world has moved beyond glorifying begging. In fact, many who beg today do so as a business. What is being discussed here is entirely different: genuine individuals who do not want to beg, who seek dignity through learning, and who happen to be blind.

To deny such people educational support is to push them toward the very dependency Islam sought to eliminate.

SCHOLARLY BASIS FOR EDUCATION AS A VALID USE OF ZAKAT.

Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi states in his work on Zakat that fi sabilillah includes all forms of struggle and effort that uplift the Ummah, including education, da’wah, and human development, especially where poverty and vulnerability are involved.

Ibn Taymiyyah similarly broadened the understanding of fi sabilillah beyond narrow interpretations, emphasizing benefit to the religion and community.

A poor blind student therefore qualifies under multiple categories simultaneously: as poor, as needy, and under fi sabilillah.

THE PROPHETIC MODEL AND DISABILITY.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, did not marginalize people with disabilities. Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum, a blind companion, was appointed as the Mu’adhdhin and entrusted with leadership responsibilities. This alone dismantles the notion that blindness limits entitlement or potential.

If Islam entrusted leadership to the blind, how can modern institutions deny them education?

COMMENDING THOSE WHO HAVE CHOSEN A BETTER PATH.

It is important to acknowledge and commend Muslim organizations and individuals who have chosen empowerment over rigidity. Those who support the education of blind and indigent students are not violating Islam; they are fulfilling its higher objectives.

They are building human capacity, protecting dignity, and preventing alienation from the faith.

CONCLUSION.

Whether through Zakat or Sadaqah, there is no Islamic justification for denying educational support to a poor blind student while admitting their need.

Feeding without educating is short-sighted. Empowerment through education is Islamic, rational, and humane.

Zakat was not revealed to preserve poverty, but to eliminate it. Any understanding that contradicts this goal must be re-examined.h

26/01/2026

🌙 Assalamu Alaikum,

As the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, hearts stir and souls yearn for nourishment. It is a sacred time for reflection, devotion, and spiritual growth.

The Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria, National Headquarters, heartily presents its Annual Virtual Ramadan Lecture Series. This series is designed to strengthen your faith, enlighten your heart, and guide you in preparation for Ramadan ✨

Here is the schedule of lectures:

1.
The Ultimate Ramadan Guide: How to Earn Full Rewards 🌙 Lecturer: Associate Professor Sunusi Iguda Bayero University, Kano | Chief Imam, Zamzam Jumaat Mosque Date: 15th February, 2026

2.
The Sanctity of Life and the Islamic Response to Injustice and Violence in Nigeria ⚖️ Lecturer: Ustaz Misbahudeen Kehinde Kewuyemi Federal University Oye Ekiti Date: 1st March, 2026

3.
Path to Spiritual Growth: Lessons From the Prophet 🌿 Lecturer: Professor Rasheed Abdulgani Gombe State University Date: 8th March, 2026

Time: 9:00am ⏰ Venue: Via Google Meet 💻

Join us to prepare your soul for Ramadan and gain priceless spiritual nourishment.

18/01/2026

Making Our Mosques Accessible to Persons with Visual Impairment An Islamic and Ethical Call to Action

As the Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria marks twenty years of service, this milestone calls us not only to celebrate, but also to reflect and act. One important issue that deserves serious attention within our Muslim communities is how accessible and welcoming our mosques are to persons with visual impairment.

The mosque is the heart of Muslim life. It should be a place of ease and spiritual comfort for every believer. Yet, for many Muslims with visual impairment, attending the mosque can be difficult. Navigating entrances, prayer halls, ablution areas, and restrooms is often challenging due to poor layout, obstacles, slippery floors, and lack of clear orientation.

Ablution areas in particular can be unsafe and confusing. Locating taps, or exits is not always easy. Finding the direction of the qiblah and aligning properly in the rows can also be difficult without consistent reference points. Restrooms may be poorly marked or lack safety features, making them uncomfortable to use.

These challenges are not caused by disability alone. They are largely the result of how mosque environments are designed and managed. With awareness and modest adjustments, many of these barriers can be removed.

Islam is a religion of mercy, ease, and human dignity. The Prophet ﷺ consistently emphasized removing hardship and honoring every believer.
Making mosques accessible is not charity. It is an ethical and communal responsibility. Clear walkways, predictable layouts, non slip floors, safe ablution areas, and respectful assistance from fellow worshippers can make a meaningful difference.Where possible, simple tactile indicators can help users identify key points.
This advocacy is not about special treatment. It is about ensuring that every believer can worship with safety, and confidence.

Inclusion also requires attitude. Mosque leaders, committees, and volunteers should be mindful of the needs of persons with disabilities and involve them in planning and decision making.
"And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam.”* (Qur’an 17:70)

A welcoming mosque environment strengthens the entire community and reflects true Islamic values.
A mosque that unintentionally excludes persons with disabilities does not fully reflect the inclusive spirit of Islam. Making mosques accessible is a form of worship and a practical expression of faith.

As part of its advocacy vision toward its twentieth anniversary, the Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria calls on mosque committees and Islamic organisations to commit to making mosque environments more accessible and inclusive.

An accessible mosque is not a special mosque. It is a proper mosque.

May our mosques that reflect the values of compassion, dignity, and justice that Islam teaches.

About MAVIN:
The Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria is a faith based organisation dedicated to advocacy, empowerment, and inclusion of persons with visual impairment within the Muslim community.

The Association commits to:

- Engaging mosque leadership nationwide

- Partnering with Islamic bodies on accessibility advocacy

- Amplifying the voices of visually impaired Muslims

12/01/2026

📣 MAVIN at 20! Join Us in Jigawa!

The Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria (MAVIN) invites you to its:

🌟 10th National Conference & 20th Anniversary 📍 Jigawa State 📅 April 2nd–5th, 2026

This historic event will bring together MAVIN members, leaders, and stakeholders from across Nigeria to celebrate 20 years of impact, inclusion, and service.

🕌 What to Expect:

- Qur’an Recitation Competition

- Inspiring Islamic Lectures

- Arabic Braille Classes

- Skills & Capacity Development Workshops

- Networking, Unity, and Empowerment

🙏 Support This Noble Cause Kindly donate to: Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria (MAVIN) First Bank – 2024535894

Your support means a lot. This is more than a conference — it is a celebration of vision, purpose, dignity, and strength.

✨ MAVIN: 20 Years of Service, Empowerment, and Faith

11/01/2026

ABOUT MAVIN:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

May the peace and blessings of Allah (SWT) be upon the noblest of mankind, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his household, his companions, and all sincere believers until the Last Day. Ameen.

The Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria (MAVIN) is a nationally incorporated body of blind and visually impaired Muslims committed to the defense of dignity, inclusion, and empowerment of its members. MAVIN exists to ensure that visual impairment is never a basis for exclusion, neglect, or loss of faith, but rather a condition that calls for collective responsibility, compassion, and justice within the Muslim Ummah and the wider society.

MAVIN was founded on the conviction that access to Islamic knowledge, moral development, and community participation is a right, not a privilege. For too long, physically challenged Muslims—particularly the blind—have been marginalized, denied safe spaces to learn and practice their religion, and forced to navigate social and religious environments that do not accommodate their realities. MAVIN was created to change this narrative by providing a welcoming platform where visually impaired Muslims can learn, worship, socialize, and grow without discrimination.

We are deeply concerned by the widespread normalization of begging among persons with disabilities, a practice driven not by choice but by systemic neglect, poverty, and lack of empowerment. Of particular concern is the disproportionate number of Muslims in this category. This reality is not a failure of the individuals involved, but a collective failure of society—and especially of the Muslim community—to provide sustainable support, education, and economic opportunities.

Equally troubling is the persistent apathy of society toward persons living with disabilities. Discrimination in housing, education, employment, and public life continues to deny visually impaired persons their basic rights and human dignity. Many of our members remain invisible in policy discussions, excluded from development planning, and overlooked in empowerment initiatives.

Most alarming, however, is the inadequate response from Muslim institutions, organizations, and individuals. Welfare for the disabled is too often reduced to casual charity—coins dropped at mosque entrances—rather than embraced as a religious obligation rooted in justice, compassion, and accountability. While such gestures may ease immediate hardship, they do nothing to restore dignity or create lasting change.

In contrast, other faith-based and secular organizations have adopted long-term rehabilitation and empowerment approaches, providing education, vocational training, and economic independence. This disparity has contributed significantly to the painful reality of some blind Muslims drifting away from Islam—not due to false promises of miraculous healing, which they clearly recognize as deceit—but because they encounter genuine care, inclusion, and support elsewhere. What draws them is not illusion, but love expressed through action.

These realities compelled the establishment of MAVIN as an advocacy-driven organization committed to systemic change.

Our Advocacy Mission and Objectives:

MAVIN advocates for a shift from charity to rights-based empowerment, guided by Islamic principles of justice (adl), compassion (rahmah), and collective responsibility (amanah). Our objectives include:

Advocating for the spiritual, moral, and social inclusion of visually impaired Muslims by creating accessible platforms for Islamic education, religious practice, leadership development, and brotherhood that reflect their unique needs.

Serving as a unified and credible voice for visually impaired Muslims, engaging Muslim leaders, policymakers, institutions, and the general public on issues affecting their rights, welfare, and dignity.

Challenging harmful stereotypes and public misconceptions by highlighting the skills, talents, and contributions of persons with disabilities, and advocating for inclusive employment, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Combating the culture of dependency and begging through empowerment, self-reliance, and structured support systems that enable visually impaired Muslims to live dignified and productive lives.

Collaborating with government agencies, civil society, faith-based bodies, and development partners to advance disability inclusion, accessibility, and social justice across Nigeria.

MAVIN’s membership spans all sectors of society, including education, public service, trades, religious leadership, and entrepreneurship. Our members are found in universities, schools for special education, rehabilitation centres, and communities across both Northern and Southern Nigeria. With active chapters in most state of the federation and branches in relevant institutions and training centres, MAVIN remains a truly national movement.

MAVIN calls upon the Muslim Ummah, policymakers, development partners, and the Nigerian public to move beyond sympathy and token charity toward intentional inclusion, sustainable empowerment, and institutional responsibility. The dignity of the visually impaired is not negotiable—it is a trust from Allah and a test of our collective conscience.

11/01/2026

The Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria (MAVIN) is a national advocacy organization established to protect the dignity, rights, and inclusion of blind and visually impaired Muslims across Nigeria. MAVIN was formed in response to long-standing neglect, exclusion, and the overreliance on token charity in place of meaningful empowerment. Our work is rooted in Islamic values and focused on action—promoting access to education, faith, opportunity, and social justice for persons with visual impairments.

04/01/2026

MAVIN PARTICIPATES IN HISTORIC QURANIC COMPETITION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

The Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria, MAVIN, proudly participated in the first ever Quranic competition organized exclusively for visually impaired Muslims in Nigeria. The historic event, which held on 31 December 2025 at the Fountain University, Osun State, brought together participants from across the South West region.

The competition attracted members of the wider Muslim communities like Islamic banking and finance communities, Islamic academics communities, Muslim women associations, Islamic Charity Organizations etc beyond only MAVIN; a demonstration of unity and strong support for inclusive Islamic learning. MAVIN extends sincere appreciation to the organizers, Madzus Orphanage Foundation in collaboration with Allahmakous Foundation, for this inspiring and impactful initiative.

Each MAVIN state chapter presented contestants for the Quranic recitation competition. The participants were as follows:

Lagos State Chapter:

Bunyamin Olamilekan

Maruf Isa

Ogun State Chapter:

Abdul Mujeeb Munirudeen

Abdul Qadir Ogunsola

Oyo State Chapter:

Nurudeen Jumah

Abbas Adeshina

Osun State Chapter:

Ahmad Adebiyi

Abdulbasit Sharafdeen

Ondo State Chapter:

Abdul Qadir Yunus

After a keenly contested competition, Osun State emerged in first position, Lagos State came second, while Oyo State finished third. All participating states received cash prizes, gifts, and materials as consolation awards.

The event was highly cherished by the community of blind Muslims, particularly members of the Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria, as it represents a positive challenge that inspires participants to strive harder and excel in Quranic memorization and recitation.

MAVIN calls on the general Muslim community, corporate Islamic organizations and institutions, and relevant stakeholders to support the efforts of the organizers by sponsoring and staging similar initiatives in the future. Such programs play a vital role in promoting inclusion, empowerment, and a sense of belonging for Muslims with disabilities across the country.

May Allah reward all those involved and continue to uplift the Ummah.

Signed:
Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria (MAVIN)

07/12/2025

Flag off jumat service for the much anticipated MAVIN week celebration at badagry central mosque

MAVIN.Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria.

01/02/2026

31/01/2026

26/01/2026

18/01/2026

12/01/2026

11/01/2026

11/01/2026

04/01/2026

07/12/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category