Three Texts, One Page: The Konduga Qur'an!
Nigeria's Hidden Qur'an refers to the Konduga Qur'an (MS 380808), a 17th- or 18th-century manuscript from Konduga in Borno State. It is one of the most remarkable surviving examples of sub-Saharan Islamic scholarship, known for its unique three-tiered page layout.
Interestingly, each page contains three layers of text. These are:
1) Main Qur'anic Text: Written in the traditional Barnawi calligraphy style developed by Borno scholars.
2) Arabic Commentary: Placed above the lines, showing ongoing scholarly dialogue with centers in Cairo and Istanbul.
3) Old Kanembu Glosses: Written below the lines in Kanembu, one of the oldest written languages in the Lake Chad basin.
When the original Venetian paper wore out, a later owner hand-copied the entire book onto Italian paper to preserve it. The manuscript also features intricate, colorful geometric chapter headings and traditional protective ink invocations.
Today, the original Konduga Qur'an is housed in Special Collections at SOAS University of London. Since it has never been publicly exhibited, the best way to explore it is through digital showcases.
Historically, the Kanem-Bornu Empire holds a foundational legacy in West Africa for its exceptional contributions to the transcription and preservation of the Qur'an. Centered in the Lake Chad basin, the empire's scholarly elite developed a highly sought-after tradition of handwritten Qur'anic manuscripts.
A people without knowledge of their past history, legacy, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots. (Video attached)
Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
Pharmacy is probably wondering why I haven't left it after making me wait 8 years just to get admitted. ๐ญ
The other day it looked at me and said, "If you find an easier course, you can go."
Poor thing... what it doesn't know is I'm not going anywhere.
It thinks I only see the underpaid pharmacists, the 8amโ6pm lectures, the endless lab notes, the weekly tests for 6โ8 straight weeks, the sessional courses, the stress that makes me question my existence. ๐
Meanwhile, I'm looking ahead.
Everyone sees suffering; I see potential.
This degree is Bitcoin in 2010, and I'm very patient. ๐๐
Today, during the Khutbah sermon at the JIBWIS Islamic Center Mosque, Guzape, the Imam reminded us that Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam. It is a month of immense blessings and an opportunity to draw closer to Allah through acts of worship. We were also reminded that fasting in the month of Muharram is the most virtuous voluntary fasting after the fasting of the holy month of Ramadan
Therefore, we were urged to observe as many voluntary fasts as we can throughout this blessed month, seeking Allahโs mercy and reward.
May Allah grant us the strength and sincerity to fully benefit from the blessings of Muharram and to accept our acts of worship. Ameen!
The real question is, do you truly want to become a student of knowledge? Because if you do, then start properly and keep going. Because every scholar, every teacher, every serious student of knowledge once started with a single lesson.
Anywhere you see an elderly man or woman, greet him or her respectfully. Assist them with their load or in any way you can. You will never go wrong with that.
Today, we had physical engagements with the Project team for the proposed Dangote Industrial City and Olokola Deep Seaport Project. A major step forward in delivering one of Nigeriaโs most strategic infrastructure developments.
As Project Manager, I emphasized the importance of alignment, speed, and accountability, in line with the clear mandate of the Group President/CEO of Dangote Group Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
We had very productive engagements with all consultants and stakeholders, with a strong focus on execution plans, timelines, and deliverables required to bring this vision to reality in the shortest possible time.
This project will be transformative, driving industrialisation, boosting logistics capacity, and creating significant economic opportunities for Nigeria and beyond.
The work has begun, and we are fully committed to delivering.
Do not let forbidden desires keep you from honorable pursuits.
Sin is part of human nature, so if you stumble and fall into something forbidden, cleanse yourself with the water of repentance and resolve to seek what you desire of noble goals.
โ Sheikh Saleh al-Usaymi