THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MRS OLANIYAN RAHFAT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAM IN EJIGBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OSUN STATE

ABSTRACT

Women in the pre-Islamic period had no defined status nor did they have rights to live or to possess or inherit property. Islam, right from its inception freed woman from socio-political and economic bondage of the period and accorded them the same basic rights as those of their male counterparts. Islam made them an important living entity; it gives them rights to life, rights to possess wealth, inherit property and among others, though this is regulated by the Shariah. Muslim woman is guaranteed the reward for her good deeds like her male counterpart. Thus, it motivates Mrs OlaniyanRahfat (a.ka. Iya ewe) to struggle in the cause of Allah by making immense, invaluable and unforgettable contributions to the development of Islam in Ejigbo Local Government Osun State. In line with the above submissions, this paper intends to expose a comprehensive data, account and information of the life experience of Mrs OlaniyanRahfat, her Dawah activities as well as the impact of her Da’wah activities on the Ejigbo Muslims. The method of research used in this work is historical method. This is achieved by conducting physical interview. Our findings reveal and unveil the problems and challenges faced by this famous woman and how she conquered them all. Hence, we advise other Muslim women to seek both the western and Islamic education so that they can make meaningful impact on the development of Islam in their various domine.