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Establishment of the Atta’awun Islamic Foundation

In line with the Prophetic tradition which states, "The most charitable of you is he who benefits the people", Dr. Ahmad Musa Abdullahi's commitment to humanitarian service led to the establishment of the Atta’awun Islamic Foundation in 1999. The foundation is headquartered at the Abubakar Sadiq Friday Mosque, located in Filin Samji area of Katsina, Katsina State.

The initiative emerged from a proposition by Alhaji Abdurrahman Abdullahi, an employee of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who emphasized the urgent need for an organization dedicated to assisting orphans and the underprivileged. He further pledged monthly financial support to sustain the envisioned center. Motivated by this noble suggestion, Dr. Ahmad mobilized support and initiated the foundation, collecting over ₦20,000 on the day of its establishment.

Founding Members and Organizational Structure

The foundation's mission was to support orphans in terms of education, healthcare, welfare, marriage and Da’wah (Islamic propagation), particularly in marginalized areas such as the predominantly non-Muslim in southern Katsina State.

In recognition of the religious and social significance of this initiative, His Royal Highness, the late Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Kabir Usman (may Allah have mercy on him), contributed to the cause by donating two classrooms and a motorcycle for a teaching staff. Additionally, the Emirate pledged a monthly contribution of ₦10,000 to the Foundation to support da’wah (Islamic propagation) in these areas.

The expanded executive committee of Atta’awun includes:

Core Activities of the Atta’awun Foundation

Supporting Orphans

Atta’awun’s foundational objective remains the care and support of orphans. According to Islamic jurisprudence, an orphan is a child who has lost their father before reaching maturity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized kindness towards orphans, warning against their mistreatment. The foundation assists orphans with:

• Access to education
• Basic health services
• Marriage expenses
• Personal development and counseling
• Islamic Propagation (Da’wah) in Predominantly Non-Muslim Regions

Atta’awun has conducted extensive da’wah campaigns targeting pagan and Christian communities, especially in southern Katsina. Some notable conversion efforts include:

• Ganzamawa (2003) – Conflict with a local priest was resolved; school and mosque built.
• Gidan Ajiya (2004) – Entire village embraced Islam; teachers assigned.
• Gidan ‘Dan’adama (2005) – Mosque and Islamic school established.
• Qwanqi (2006) – Large-scale conversion following social justice interventions.
• Tamarke (2007) – Islamic da’wah center established, involving prominent scholars.

Da’wah and Outreach Campaigns

The foundation also collaborates with the Muslim Propagation Group (MPD) to conduct outreach across multiple states:

• 2021 Campaign in Kebbi State: Da’wah teams visited Ribah and Sakaba LGAs. Thirty individuals embraced Islam in Sakaba, twenty in Zuru and 5 days’ workshop conducted for Islamiyyah schools teachers.
• 2022 Campaign: Over 1,000 people converted to Islam in Bauchi and Nasarawa States.
• 2023 Adamawa Outreach: 165 individuals converted in Mubi LGA.
• 2024 Kebbi Campaign: 107 new converts recorded. Intensive training and religious education provided to over 380 participants.

Key Areas of Focus in Outreach Camps:

• Basic Islamic teachings for new converts (Tauheed, Salah, purification)
• Instruction on Quranic recitation and Arabic literacy
• Specialized training for Islamic teachers and preachers
• Women’s education on issues such as menstruation, childbirth, and marital rights

Educational Support for New Converts

A notable 2021 program brought several converts from Kebbi State to Katsina for a month-long Islamic training. Subjects covered included:

• Tauheed: Taught by Malam Shamsu Ibrahim
• Fiqh (Ahalari): Dr. Adamu Mainasara
• Qa’ida Nuraniyya: Malam Hassan
• Qur’anic Recitation: Malam Hussaini
• Comparative Religion: Malam Muhammad Sani

Poverty Alleviation

The foundation intervenes in:

• Medical emergencies
• Marriage and social welfare
• Food support and relief aid
• Educational sponsorships

Establishment of Mosques and Islamic Schools

Numerous mosques and Islamiyya schools were built in Katsina Metropolis and some non-Muslim regions in southern Katsina state. Notably:

• The first Islamiyya was established in Filin Samji by Alhaji Haruna Mamman Tsoho.
• Other towns reached include ‘Dansarai, Tamarke, and Ganzamawa.
• Infrastructure and Development Projects
• In support of community development, Atta’awun Foundation has executed several projects including:
• Water supply systems
• Construction and renovation of mosques
• Provision of small-scale commercial outlets

Conclusion

Dr. Ahmad Musa Abdullahi’s establishment of the Atta’awun Islamic Foundation stands as a testament to faith-driven social service and community empowerment. Through structured charitable work, educational outreach, and religious propagation, the foundation has had a transformative impact on marginalized communities in Katsina state and beyond. The comprehensive efforts reflect the Hadith which emphasizes that “When a person dies, all his deeds come to an end except three: continuing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”