By Waheedah Kosefobamu

The atmosphere at the NFLT, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, on Saturday, 23rd May 2026, was one filled with warmth, elegance, reflection and sisterhood as Muslim sisters from different institutions and secondary schools gathered for the 1447/1448 A.H MSSN Akinyele Area Council Sisters’ Seminar themed “Lux Intus” – The Light Within.

From the very beginning of the programme, it was clear that the seminar would not be an ordinary gathering. The hall came alive as guests and dignitaries were ushered to the high table while sisters settled in with excitement and anticipation written all over their faces.

The opening session commenced with the Director of Programme, Sister Maryam Sanni, the council’s treasurer, opening the floor, followed by the opening prayer rendered by Sister Yaseerah Sodamade. The recitation of the Noble Qur’an by Sister Khadeejah Ayandeji further beautified the atmosphere and set a spiritually uplifting tone for the day. Afterwards, the Ameerah MSSN AAC, Hajia Lateefah Ismail, addressed the audience, warmly welcoming everyone to the seminar.

One striking moment during the introduction was when the host asked participants why they attended the seminar. The responses from the audience reflected sincerity, eagerness for spiritual growth and a desire for self-development.

The keynote lecture, delivered by Professor Habeebah Oladosu of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, revolved around the seminar’s theme, “Lux Intus” – The Light Within. She described the light within as a metaphor for the unseen strength, spirituality, and moral consciousness that exists in every believer.

Drawing references from Surah An-Nur and Surah An’am, the professor explained that humanity is nothing without the light of Allah. According to her, the “light within” represents moral rectitude, spiritual awakening, and hope for the future. She stressed that righteous deeds must first be internalised before they can manifest outwardly.

Professor Oladosu also highlighted several threats to this inner light. Among them were the destructive influence of social media on spirituality, forgetfulness of Allah and the soul, loss of morality, the whispers of Shaytan, and abandonment of virtuous deeds. She repeatedly emphasised the importance of sound Tawhid, stating that it serves as the foundation that guides every aspect of a Muslim’s life.

She concluded by reminding participants that righteousness is what radiates the light within a believer, ending her lecture with reflections from Surah An-Nur. The session transitioned into an engaging question-and-answer segment where participants sought clarity on different spiritual concerns, and the speaker responded thoughtfully.

Another remarkable aspect of the seminar was the health session delivered by Dr. (Mrs) Tawakalt Olawepo, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist. Her discussion centred on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which she described as one of the most common causes of irregular menstruation among women.

The medical expert explained the symptoms, causes and preventive measures associated with the condition, highlighting weight management, healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices as important preventive measures. She advised participants to reduce excessive intake of sugary drinks, pastries, soft drinks and processed foods while embracing balanced diets and vegetables.

Beyond the spiritual and health discussions, the seminar also explored financial independence and entrepreneurship through a business session handled by Sister Maryam Oyebamiji, CEO of Dazzling Features. Speaking on modesty and visibility, she addressed the challenges Muslim women face in balancing business growth with Islamic principles.

Using the story of Abd Rahman ibn Awf as an example of financial independence, she encouraged Muslim sisters to build businesses that solve real problems without compromising modesty for visibility. She further advised attendees to identify their niche, position their businesses properly and use social media responsibly while staying true to Islamic values.

The seminar also featured a heartfelt relationship talk by Mrs Haleemah Alli Bankole on “Love, Limits and Lies.” During the session, she clarified the distinction between love, infatuation and lust, stressing that true love thrives within the boundaries established by Allah.

She warned against consuming inappropriate romantic content and strongly cautioned against pornography, describing it as harmful to one’s spiritual and emotional well-being. Participants were also advised not to rush into marriage without proper readiness and understanding.

Adding colour to the programme was an interactive game session that brought laughter and excitement into the hall. Participants from different rows competed enthusiastically, with Sister Muritala Hikmah eventually emerging as the winner.

As the seminar gradually drew to a close, the panel session offered participants another opportunity to reflect deeply on their spiritual lives. Ustaadhah Rizqiyyah Afolarin, Ustaadhah Haseebah Kamorudeen and Ustaadhah Haleemah Tiamiyy addressed pressing questions about spirituality, social media, Khushu’ in Salah, love for the Prophet (SAW) and balancing dunya with the Akhirah.

One particularly memorable response came when the panelists addressed social media usage. They advised participants not to post unverified religious information online and stressed the importance of purifying one’s intention before sharing Islamic content.

The programme eventually came to an end with prayers for Allah’s light, guidance and steadfastness upon everyone present.

Indeed, Lux Intus was more than just a seminar. It was a gathering that reminded Muslim sisters of the importance of nurturing the soul, preserving modesty, seeking beneficial knowledge and remaining firmly connected to Allah amidst the distractions of modern life.

For many attendees, the seminar was not only enlightening but also a much-needed reminder that the brightest light a believer can possess is the one nurtured within by faith, righteousness and sincerity.