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The Weight of Silence

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We live in a world we can leave at any time— with a whisper, a twist in the road, a silent call from the unseen. And yet, we measure every word as if it were currency in a marketplace that won’t exist tomorrow. Why do we cower from truth? Why do we let it sit in our throats, unsaid— like guests uninvited to the dinner table of ambition? Is it fear? Fear that a moment of honesty might strip us of applause, or close a door we never truly wanted to walk through? We swallow our souls to secure positions in futures that may never come. And call it wisdom. Call it strategy. Call it networking. But it’s fear— dressed in expensive language. How strange: To fear the loss of imagined power more than the erosion of our real selves. We act like this world is permanent. As if each breath is under our control. As if we are the masters of time— not its brief passengers. Tell me, what does it profit a person to gain the whole world but silence their truth into extinction? Speak, even if your voice sha...
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From Campfires to Kindles: The Journey of Storytelling and Publishing

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I vividly remember the first time I finished a storybook — it was a recommended text back in nursery school. Then came the structured readings of primary and secondary school, and later, literature recommended for major exams like JAMB. (The Last Days at Forcados High School, anyone?) Whether or not you consider yourself a book lover, chances are you’ve read a novel or storybook at some point. And if you’re like me — someone who reads for pleasure — you’ve probably gone through dozens, if not hundreds, of them. But here’s a question we rarely ask: How do these stories actually get to us? We know them as books, but behind every story that reaches readers lies a process — publishing. What Is Publishing, Really? At its core, publishing is the process of making content — written, visual, or audio — accessible to the public. It spans writing, editing, design, printing, marketing, and distribution. Traditionally, publishing meant printed materials like books and newspapers. But in today’s di...
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Fit for Faith: Islam's Guidance Towards Physical Fitness

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What if every workout could be an act of worship? In today’s world—where fitness is often tied to appearance, social pressure, or fleeting trends—Islam offers a deeper, more meaningful perspective. It teaches us that movement, strength, and caring for our bodies are not just worldly pursuits but spiritual responsibilities. The life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is rich with lessons about balance—not just between worship and rest, but also in physical vitality. He was active and strong, and he encouraged his companions to maintain their fitness. In Islam, fitness is not for vanity, but for purpose. Balancing Faith, Study, and Strength As Muslim students, juggling academics, responsibilities, and spiritual growth can be demanding. It’s easy to sideline our physical health. But in Islam, keeping fit is not a luxury—it’s part of our religious duty. It’s about discipline, readiness, and gratitude for the body Allah has entrusted to us. The Prophet (ﷺ) as a Model of Physical Strength The Proph...
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THE VIRTUES OF THE MONTH OF MUHARRAM AND FASTING ON ‘ASHURA

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  The wheels of time turn without ceasing. A new moon rises over us — Muharram is here. Despite the overwhelming prevalence of the Gregorian calendar, we, as Muslims, must keep in mind that our calendar is the Hijri calendar, which began with the Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) migration from Makkah to Madinah. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are Sacred (i.e., the 1st, the 7th, the 11th, and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein.” (Surat at-Tawbah 9:36) The first month—the month of Allah, Al-Muharram —is one of the four sacred months, during which we must strive to increase our good deeds and avoid sin. Commenting on the verse above, Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, concerning the words of Allah, “so wrong...
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Stomach Ulcer Among Medical Students: A Growing Concern

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Earlier this year, during my clinical posting at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital in Ibadan, I encountered a surprising finding. A large group of medical students underwent screening for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the bacterium commonly linked to stomach ulcers. To my amazement, over 90% of these students tested positive for H. pylori, indicating that the majority either suffer from or are at high risk of developing stomach ulcers. Knowing that many of my friends also struggle with this condition, I began to wonder: Is the intense academic pressure contributing to the high prevalence of stomach ulcers among medical students?   Why Are Medical Students More Vulnerable? Recent studies suggest that medical students face a higher risk of developing stomach ulcers, with prevalence rates reaching up to 40%. This increased risk is believed to stem from a combination of chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits, and insufficient sleep.   But What Makes...
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Sheikh Shrieked Shirk: A Timeless Reminder

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Among the greatest responsibilities as Muslims is the recognition of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah) and the avoidance of Shirk (associating partners with Him). It is a matter that defines salvation and destruction in the Hereafter. Allah reminds us through the words of the wise Luqman, when he advised his son with powerful and enduring words: يَٰبُنَيَّ لَا تُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِۖ إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمࣱ “O my son, do not associate anything with Allah. Indeed, association [with Him] is great injustice.” ( Surah Luqman 31:13) Shirk is the gravest injustice because it places created beings at the level of the Creator, and it undermines the very essence of Eemaan (belief). Allah says: إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ أَن يُشۡرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَ...
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MSSN UCH Completes Handing Over Ceremony, Welcomes New Leadership

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The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University College Hospital (UCH) branch, has successfully completed its handing over ceremony, marking the transition to a new administrative tenure for the 1446 AH Islamic calendar year. The transition process commenced with the Joint Transition Conference, held on Wednesday, 11th of June 2025, effectively closing the chapter on the 1445/46 AH tenure, which ran from January 2024 to June 2025. The outgoing administration, led by Ameer Ajibade Abulqudus, presented a detailed report of its stewardship. Reports included administrative updates, financial accountability, and summaries from various sub-units such as Al-Ansar. Notable officers who gave presentations included the General Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Chairmen of the respective arms of the society. The official Handing Over (Inauguration and Orientation) Ceremony took place on Saturday, 14th of June 2025. The theme of the event was drawn from a profound Qur’anic verse—Surah...
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