By Abdul-Ganiyy Raji
NASFAT is an acronym for Nasru-l-Lāhi-l-Fātih Society, a leading Islamic Society that has its headquarters in Lagos and has several branches in Nigeria, Canada, the US, the UK, Ghana, Garbon, Seria Leone, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin Republic, Egypt, etc.
NASFAT recently clocked 30 years. The anniversary lecture is billed to be delivered on 3rd of May, 2025 by the Former Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN.
30 years can be a long or short period. It depends on achievements and accomplishments recorded within those years. When 30 is discussed in relation to NASFAT, it can be considered a short period of time given the remarkable achievements that NASFAT recorded within such a short period of time.
NASFAT came at a time when the Ummah needed a forward-looking, creative, modern and progressive Islamic Society that could bring the laity and the clergy together under a single umbrella for the single purpose of serving Allah. The intention of the founding members was, “Let’s set up an Islamic Society that keeps Muslims, particularly elite Muslims, busy on Sundays, improves their spirituality and prevents them from the temptation of joining other religions in their worship on Sundays”.
There is no denying that a few Islamic Societies had been in existence before NASFAT and such Societies had made (some are still making) their marks in the field of promoting Islam with varying degrees of success. May Allah reward both the late and living members of such Islamic Societies.
However, NASFAT came like a bolt out of the blue. When it came, its impact within its first few years of existence was unprecedented and verifiable. Within a short period, NASFAT became an Islamic Society of note. The name “NASFAT” became a household term, spreading like a bushfire. A Society established by a few individuals in the room of one of them in the city of Lagos speedily spread to different parts of Nigeria, the UK, the US, Canada, and different parts of the world. No one will ever forget the drink “Nasmalt”, which was the choice drink of many households for years. The impact of NASFAT was quick and invasive.
Only one thing can account for the rapid success recorded by NASFAT. It is the unalloyed sincerity of the founding members. It cannot be disputed that the founders of this Society were genuinely passionate about creating an Islamic Society that serves Islam and brings Muslims from all walks of life together in worship. I am aware that the popular statement in NASFAT is that NASFAT was established by Allah. I believe that this statement is being made out of humility and as an expression of gratitude and submission to Allah. There is no doubt that every building must have a builder. NASFAT, as a Society, also has builders. We need to thank those builders for their vision and resilience that birthed this great Islamic Society. May Allah accept their efforts.
As NASFAT clocks 30, the exceptional roles played by successive leaders of the Society are remembered with relish and appreciated. If, after clocking 30, NASFAT is adjudged an impactful Society that continues to serve Allah and unite Muslims around the world, we have past and current leaders of the Society to thank.
Some people have never held any leadership position in the Society, but the success story of the Society cannot be written without a mention of their names. May Allah reward such people.
As a Society, we are not unaware that we are sometimes criticized for some of our programmes. We appreciate our genuine critics for telling us areas where we can further serve Allah and help His servants. We take every constructive criticism in good faith.
However, we will always ignore criticisms or online attacks that are borne out of malice, ignorance or envy. NASFAT is a focused society. We have told our members to also remain focused. NASFAT has a mission to bridge the observed gaps within the Ummah. Such gaps are being bridged in areas such as uniting the Ummah, empowering women, the youths and the less privileged, championing Da’wah activities that address emerging needs of the modern time, promoting balanced education, awakening a sense of leadership among Muslims, among other areas.
A Society that is committed to achieving lofty goals such as the ones mentioned above will not allow itself to be daunted or distracted by insincere criticisms. The tasks before NASFAT are enormous and focus is needed to accomplish them.
As NASFAT clocks 30, leaders and members of NASFAT heartily thank Allah for granting us 30 years of visible achievements. Our 30 years gave birth to Fountain University (one of the best faith-based Islamic universities in Africa) TASFAN Tours and Travels Ltd (a leading Hajj and Umrah operator in Africa), NASFAT Zakat and Sadaqat Agency (One of the most trusted and most impactful Zakāt and Sadaqat collectors and administrators in Africa), TAFSAN Investments Ltd (NASFAT’s business arm), Lasilkiin Communications Ltd (NASFAT’s communication arm) and several other thriving agencies. NASFAT primary and secondary schools are also adding value to the Ummah in the various zones of the Society.
Looking back after 30 years, NASFAT leaders and members can give thanks to Allah for the journey so far. The world has seen through our Society what focus, resilience, sincerity and unity of purpose can do for Islam and humanity.
Let’s remain steadfast and keep serving Allah with sincerity through NASFAT.
May Allah forgive the departed members of the Society, reward them for their efforts, bless the living members and accept their sacrifices and services for the sake of His religion.
Abdul-Ganiyy Raji
NASFAT National Da’wah Officer/National Mission Board Secretary