AL - 'ILAAJ EDITORIAL BOARD, MSSN UCH, IBADAN

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...

  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...

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...

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...

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...