Volume 7, Issue No. 1 – January 2024

The International Journal of Umranic Studies (IJUS) proudly presents its first issue of 2024, featuring a diverse and interdisciplinary collection of scholarly works that explore critical contemporary issues in religion, culture, education, law, and digital security across Muslim societies and beyond. This issue brings together perspectives from Nigeria, Brunei Darussalam, and the broader Muslim world, reflecting the journal’s commitment to fostering nuanced academic dialogue rooted in Islamic intellectual traditions and societal transformation.

In this issue, Sherifat Hussain-Abubakar investigates Modern Trends in Muslim Marriage Reception in Nigeria, highlighting how elements of modernity have redefined the reception segment of Muslim weddings. Her study critically assesses how these evolving practices challenge the ethical simplicity of Islamic nikāḥ and calls for a return to Islamic models of matrimonial celebration.

In the field of interreligious engagement, Clifford Meesua Sibani and Baribia Joseph Nyama offer an insightful examination of The Impact of Christianity on African Tradition and Culture, unveiling both the constructive contributions and the cultural conflicts that have emerged from this intersection. Their analysis underscores the urgency of preserving African cultural identity amid growing religious influences.

Muhammad Aliyu Gambari and Abdul Hameed Badmas Yusuf contribute a timely and important study on Religious Crisis in Ilorin Emirate, examining the causes and consequences of tensions between Muslim and Christian communities in Kwara State, Nigeria. Focusing particularly on the hijab controversy in former missionary schools, their work advocates for greater interfaith understanding and the role of institutions in promoting religious tolerance.

Turning to the digital domain, Muhammad Haziq bin Haji Shahjahan, Adam bin Haji Jait, Anis Malik Thoha, and Nurefnazahani binti Haji Durani explore the Cybersecurity Awareness and Attitudes among University Students in Brunei Darussalam. Their empirical findings reveal a knowledge-attitude gap that calls for increased educational efforts to bolster students’ preparedness in facing cyber threats, particularly regarding application software.

In the area of Islamic legal practice in pluralistic settings, Jamiu Muhammad Busari delves into Inheritance Adjudications in Non-Sharī‘ah Territories, assessing the ijtihād of Independent Sharī‘ah Panels in Lagos and Oyo States. His study highlights how Muslim communities in Southwest Nigeria navigate legal pluralism through arbitration mechanisms that align with Islamic law, while advocating for greater legal recognition.

Lastly, the issue concludes with an Arabic-language contribution by Muhammad Hamad Kanan Maiga on Developing Higher Education at Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University. Focusing on the Sharia program as a model, the study identifies challenges to curriculum relevance and practical engagement, and proposes integrated strategies such as experiential learning and institutional partnerships to enhance higher education quality.

Together, the articles in this volume offer fresh insights and critical reflections on religious practice, cultural identity, educational reform, legal pluralism, and digital ethics in contemporary Muslim contexts. IJUS continues to serve as a platform for scholarly voices committed to the advancement of knowledge and the holistic development of Umranic societies.