The Coordinator of the Pure Hearts Islamic Foundation of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, AbdulRaheem Owodunni, has redefined Islamic masculinity as a moral responsibility anchored on accountability to Allah, not dominance or oppression. He made this statement at the maiden edition of the Conference of Muslim Brothers organised by the Foundation in Oyo State. The conference, themed “Envisioned Islamic Masculinity”, was held at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan.
Owodunni emphasized that the gathering aimed to have an important conversation about who Muslim men are, what Allah expects from them, and the kind of men they ought to become. He noted that the meaning of masculinity is increasingly contested in today’s society, with different and sometimes conflicting definitions presented. According to him, Islam offers a more profound vision of masculinity, teaching men how to be righteous, not just how to look like men.
Citing Qur’an 4:34, “Men are caretakers of women,” Owodunni explained that the responsibility given to men is an amanah — a trust that demands accountability before Allah, not a licence for arrogance or oppression. He described a Muslim man’s strength as shown by his ability to control himself, his courage by his ability to confront his own desires, and his leadership by how many people are safe and uplifted through him.
Owodunni cited Prophet Muhammad as the perfect model of Islamic masculinity, noting that he was strong, courageous, and decisive, yet merciful, humble, and service-oriented. He referenced the hadith, “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both,” saying Islam does not condemn strength but teaches how to cultivate and direct it towards good.
The Coordinator expressed concern that many young men are exposed to countless voices on social media and popular culture proposing different definitions of manhood. He warned that if sound Islamic models are not provided, other voices will fill the gap. Owodunni urged participants to come with open hearts, listen, learn, ask questions, and commit to change.
Guest speaker Dr Za’faran Adeniyi listed five pillars Muslim men should build on, including responsible brotherhood, economic and intellectual power, moral resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. Adeniyi emphasized that Islam builds brothers, not loners, and that a real brother does not mock, expose, or drag others to sin but pulls them up.
Adeniyi charged Muslim brothers to be strong, read, learn a halal skill, be firm when haram looks normal, lower their gaze, guard their time, heart, and tongue, and serve their parents. He encouraged them to embody the envisioned Islamic masculinity, which is not toxic dominance but a return to prophetic character shaped by Iman, Taqwa, responsibility, courage, mercy, discipline, knowledge, and service.
Key points
- The Pure Hearts Islamic Foundation of Nigeria emphasizes that Islamic masculinity is a moral responsibility, not dominance or oppression.
- The foundation's conference aimed to discuss the role of Muslim men and provide a sound Islamic model of masculinity.
- The envisioned Islamic masculinity is shaped by Iman, Taqwa, responsibility, courage, mercy, discipline, knowledge, and service.
