Children’s Mosque Signals the Arrival of Ramadan in Ilorin

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo, anipr

The arrival of Ramadan in Ilorin is peculiarly preceded by a number of spiritually-laced activities, all of which are a signal to the coming of the holy month. This culture is not unconnected to the fact that, among other famous Islamic cities around the world, Ilorin is central to Islamic Knowledge, Scholarship, Spirituality and Civilization. One of these activities is the recitation of the holy Qur’an from Rajab to Sha’aban. It is usually organized by the Palace of Emir of Ilorin and coordinated by the Chief of Imam of Ilorin, and other prominent Imams.

The specific practice of building mosques by children in Ilorin has been quite fascinating and significant over the years. In fact, we grew up in the 80s to become conscious of a tradition which usually signalled that Ramadan was fast approaching. During our time one could hardly see a street where such structures were not erected by children of the community.

We used clay soil to build it. Every child would participate effectively and efficiently to ensure that the mosque was erected. The imam would be chosen among us without quarrelling.

At the end of the prayers in the night, we would embark on praying for Emir of Ilorin, our parents and the community at large. Before you knew it those passing would start giving us money. The money was usually kept with the Imam, Ladan or any other person chosen among us. There would never be any case where such money would be stolen, because accountability, Integrity, piety and commitment were our watchwords. The love that existed among us was beyond description as no one would fight another.

Children Mosque composition has nothing to do with seniority, because everyone would be involved in the activities of the mosque and absolute support would be provided for the Imam by all.

The Significance of Children’s mosque*

i. It signals the commencement of Ramadan

ii. It brings unity among the children

iii. It solidifies the culture of Islam among children .

iv. Parents love seeing their children doing it, because they felt the children were identifying with Islam at an early age.

v. It was a thing of joy amongst Muslim children.

vi. It was also a centre of attraction and spiritual upliftment

Why Children Mosques may be going to extinction

Most of the spaces we used during our time has been taken over by development of infrastructure. Houses, shops and others have been built in such areas. A brother told me recently when we were discussing children’s mosques. He said he only saw one between Omoda and Oloje. Though he was driving, maybe if he had trekked to the interlands, he would have seen more.

Sourcing for clay soil within the town is no longer possible in some areas. Sophistication of the society may be responsible.

The philosophy of some parents today may be responsible. Even if there are spaces for it, some parents would be discouraged, because they feel this is 21st Century. Besides, some parents may not be comfortable, because their argument is that the society was safe than the current situation. As for me, if my children participate in it I had no issue with that, provided it is within my community, just as it were in the past

I know that children mosques are going into extinction but the essence of this piece is to reflect on the past so that the coming generations would have a mental picture of what had happened in the past. It is imperative to say that the children’s mosque represents parts of our culture as a Muslim community and only children within the ancient town of Ilorin usually participate, those in Government Reserve Areas hardly did.

As we prepare for the 2025 Ramadan, may Allah enable us to witness it, and accept it as an act of Ibadah.