Introduction

It was Ramadan 1413 AH corresponding to March 1993, a group of young and educated Muslim professionals who live in Port Harcourt came together under the aegis of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) to organise enlightenment programmes to satisfy their yearning for Islamic knowledge and understanding. They were truly youth who believe in their Lord and willing to fill a gap noticed in Islamic propagation in their new found home, Port Harcourt Rivers state.

Soon afterward, it became a weekly study circle where Islam was being taught, a medium to help members grow spiritually and build professional work ethics. By Muharram 1415 (June 12, 1994), AL-USRAH was formally inaugurated at the Mile 1 central mosque, Port Harcourt. This marks the beginning of the journey. A journey to instituting what is today the centre-point of Islamic Dawah and civilization in Port Harcourt and environs. A journey to success.

The inauguration witnessed about fifty (50) foundation members among them, distinguished academics, other professionals and business men. From fifty foundation members, AL-USRAH has grown in leaps and penetrates the nooks of Rivers state with membership strength put at over two thousand (2000). Islam as a way of life emphasizes the importance of collective work (the jamaah); in fact the beloved prophet of Islam ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) was reported to have said:

“You should be with the jamaah of Muslims and their imam (leader).”

Perhaps the reason why the founding fathers of AL-USRAH built its foundation on following this golden advice of the Prophet in order to promote good and eradicate evils; to also create an enabling environment for Muslims in the region to appropriately practice the deen especially in the face of the challenges and negative effects of the un-Islamic environment.

“And thus we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.”

In its twenty-three years (23) years of existence, AL-USRAH has contributed immensely to the growth of members, Muslims and even non-Muslims in the state especially in the area of education and Value creation.

It has, as a responsible religious body, catered for the particular needs of members and support national causes i.e. educational services and welfare issues. This publication, AL-USRAH INCORPORATED: THE BEGINNING OF A JOURNEY traces the history of AL-USRAH from inception till present. It details the growth of the organisation from the end of a millennium through the beginning of another millennium.

The publication which is about the history of AL-USRAH, its people, projects and processes is divided into seven (7) chapters. It has an appendix that shows the various projects of AL-USRAH in pictorials and individuals that has contributed to the growth of this noble organisation.

Our prayer is that Allah accepts this effort as act of goodness in this world and the hereafter and makes it Sadaqatu Jariyah for the founders and those that come behind them.

“Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire.”

(Suratul Baqarah Qur’an 2:201)