ALMIJIRAH’S PROCESS OF COMBINING ISLAMIC KNOWLEDGE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS FOR SELF-RELIENCE IN NIGERIA

: Islam emphasises educating both men and women alike. Muslim women from the first generation of Islam have shown deep interest in studying the Hadith of the Prophet (SAW)


A. Introduction
Islam attaches great importance to the quest for knowledge as can be seen from the precepts of the Qur'an and Ahadith of the Prophet (SAW). From the birth of Islam to the completion of revelation the Muslim Ummah has been urged to seek for knowledge as well as to seek for a lawful means of livelihood. In like manner all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah had one trade/profession or the other. Nuhu (AS) was a carpenter, Dawud (AS) was a black smith, and Muhammad (SAW) was a trader and a shepherd of which most of the messengers were said to be shepherds. Islam emphasises educating both men and women alike. generation, as they are the prime educators of their children. However, attempts must be made to ensure that the educational system is based upon Islamic principles. On this ground the Muslim female Almajira is seen as one amongst equals in terms of acquiring both religious knowledge and entrepreneurship skills in order to make her fit into the modern society, where she can contribute to the development of Islam and be economically stable to meet up with the challenges of time. This could be in terms of taking care of her family and the proper upbringing of her children. As the first teacher to the child she needs both the knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to make her life easier and better. The wisdom behind combining Islamic knowledge and entrepreneurship skills can be seen when one looks at it from the angles of: human nature, because man is created as a seeker of the bounties of his creator it is human nature in having lust for ownership and possession of worldly good/material things and wealth in all its forms. Allah (SWT) says in the Glorious Qur'an: "And you love wealth with inordinate love!" 1 Islam emphasizes morality and consciousness of Allah (SWT) not only as a means of improving healthy environment that has a positive impact on the economy but also serving as a means of cleansing the society from destructive practices that lead to total moral decadence.
In order to strike a balance man has certain needs which are described in terms of economic and human development in Islam thus; all the parts of man are created by Allah and human beings have two basic needs. These needs are spiritual needs which are fulfilled through belief in Allah, and physical needs which are met by making the best use of all resources created by Allah for man 2 . Since every Prophet sent by Allah had one form of trade or vocation, then it becomes imperative for every student of learning to acquire a skill and learn a trade with which he/she will depend. It is important to add that learning a trade/entrepreneurial skill alongside acquiring the religious knowledge will keep the Almajira busy at the same time focused on her studies. That means she will "use one stone to kill two birds", she is acquiring the knowledge of Allah towards achieving felicity in the Hereafter and also a trade to keep her above board by being financially independent.

B. Methods
The approach used in writing this paper is a literature study approach. Basically the literature study is the same as research in general, but the research data obtained is secondary data using the literature study method. The three steps that the researcher will take in preparing this article include: first, finding and collecting reference sources that are relevant to the theme of this research. Second, several scientific papers that have been collected are then processed and elaborated, in order to comprehensively explain the inter-sections of this article. Third, as the last step, the researcher concludes specifically referring to the title raised in this study, namely process of the Almajirah combining Islamic knowledge and entrepreneurship skills.

The Wisdom for Entrepreneurship from the Qur'an and Sunnah
The Qur'an mentions many industries, trade and commerce, terming them as Allah's favours and bounties to mankind. As it is in the manner of the Qur'an Allah ( …And We made a font of molten brass to flow for him; and there were jinns that worked in front of him by the leave of his Lord. And, if any of them turned aside from Our command, We made him taste of the chastisement of the blazing fire. They worked for him as desired, (making) Arches, Images, basons as large as wells and (cooking) Cauldrons fixed (in their places); "Exercise thanks, sons of Dawud, but few of My servants are grateful." 5 And, He (SWT) says about Dhul-Qarnayn and his building of the high dam: He said, "(the power) in which my Lord has established me is better (than tribute). Help me therefore with strength (and labour): I will erect a strong barrier between you and them. "Bring me blocks of iron". At length, when he had filled up the space between the two steep mountain-sides, he said, 'Blow (with your billows).' Then when he had made it (red) as fire, he said, 'Bring me that I may pour over it, molten lead. 'Thus, were they made powerless to scale it, or to dig through it. ' 6 In the Qur'an Allah (SWT) mentions the value of iron in an emphatic manner as well as the construction of the ark of Nuhu (AS) and great ships in the sizes of mountains that sail the seas bringing goods from far across nations for the benefit of mankind. It also mentions other skills such as fishing, hunting and diving in deep sea for pearls, corals and valuable stones found under it; as well as rearing animals (animal husbandry). The Prophet (SAW) was reported as saying: Allah did not send a Prophet without his having tended sheep." The listeners asked, "You too, oh Messenger of Allah?" He replied, "Yes, I tended sheep for wages for the people of Makkah 7 Any work or profession that provides the needs of man is encouraged in Islam in as much as it is done within the parameters of the Shari'ah. Even professions that are considered lowly and degrading are looked upon with esteem and honour; such as digging wells, cutting 4 Qur'an 21: 80 5 Qur'an 34: 12-13 6  and selling firewood, excavation of latrines, pasturing etc. it however discourages begging in all its ramifications. As it is reported that the beggar will be raised in the day of judgement with a bear face (skinless face).
In another tradition the Prophet (SAW) Said: "No one earns his food better than the one who works with his hands, and the Prophet of Allah, Dawud, earned his food by working with his hands." 8 The general rule in regard to earning a leaving is that Islam does not permit Muslims to earn money in any way they like, rather it differentiates between lawful and unlawful methods based on the criterion of the overall well-being of the society. This differentiation is based on the general principle that any transaction in which one person gains results in another's loss is unlawful, while any transaction which is fair and beneficial to all the parties concerned and which is transacted by mutual consent is lawful. Allah (SWT) says: O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities, but let there be trade amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will, nor kill (or destroy) yourselves; for verily, Allah hath been to you Most Merciful! If any do that in rancour and injustice, -soon shall We cast him into the fire; and easy it is for Allah. 9

The Almajirah/Khadimah (Hadimah 10 )
The Almajirah (female resident learner) is referred to with different name at the various Madaris/ Zawaya in the state depending on the nature of her enrolment at the institution for easy identification.
In Suleja area they are referred to as "Yaran Goyo" 11 meaning foster children who are handed over to the head of the Madarasa/Zawiyyah by their parents. In some Zawaya at Minna and Wushishi they are of two categories; the Hadimai 12 (servant) and the Almajirai.
The Hadimai (singular Hadima) is brought to the Mu'allim to serve him in the process of which she is expected to gain intellectual,spiritual and moral training from the Mu'allim and his family. She is particularly seen as an adopted daughter of the Mu'allim, she is therefore treated as a part of the immediate family member of the Mu'allim. In most cases the Hadima lives under the Mu'allim and he is responsible for choosing her a life partner and will eventually take responsibility of her marriage after graduation. She is taught how to combine the quest for knowledge and entrepreneurial skill; as they are meant to learn one handicraft, vocational skill or business/trade in order to be self-reliant in future 13 . In this case the parents of the girl do not bring anything to the Mu'allim as she has a different position compared to the Almajirah.
The Almajirah is brought mainly for the purpose of acquiring the religious knowledge and moral training. Here the parent /guardian of the Almajirah have to agree with the terms and conditions of her acceptance as a resident learner 14 . This means that failure to comply with the laid down terms and conditions may lead to rejection of the intending resident learner. The choice of spouse is based on the interest of the parent so also is the issue of her furtherance of studies and the choice of a vocational skill she is to acquire.
The difference between the two is that the Hadima has become a member of the family of the Mu'allim 15 as explained by Malam Farouk that they become like the Mu'allims' children and are assigned specific duties in the house while the Almajirah is just like any other learner whether resident or not. However the purpose of both is the acquisition of the religious knowledge especially learning the Qur'an, moral/spiritual development and skills acquisition in order to be self-reliant.

The Learning Pattern and Acceptance of learners
In Niger State the Madaris/Zawaya has the following settings of learning sessions which cuts across all of the Zawaya/Madaris visited. 20-40 (Mudu) measures of rice, 50 measures to one bag of sorghum/millet/maize, five 13 Some of the Hadimai learn a skill from within the Zawiyya while some of them are enrolled or attached to a female neighbor from whom she learns. 14 As gathered from all of the Madaris/Zawaya visited, those whose parent/guardian are unable to meet up with the conditions stipulated are returned home so that they will not be a burden on them. 15 Malam Farouk (34 years) who studied at Wushishi under Sheikh Habibu in an interview at Paiko on 6/03/2018 liters of palm oil, two packets of seasoning cubes and the sum of #5000-#10,000 naira.
These items and sums accepted vary among the Madaris; the items are brought only annually. In terms of health challenges cases are taken care of by the Malam, however if the ailment persists the attention of the parents is called so that they can take full responsibility of their ward. In addition to this the learners are expected to come along with sleeping mat, Hijab, feeding utensils and some toiletries in other to maintain personal hygiene. 16 Those whose parents wish that they attend conventional schools buy the school uniform for their wards as well as payment of the school fees. This depends on what school the child is enrolled in as some parents do prefer private schools to public ones as noted at Lapai; where a substantial number of the girls are enrolled into private conventional schools.
Here the learner may leave after graduation and Walimatul Qur'an. Whether the learner leaves or stays after the graduation Walima is dependent on the agreement reached between the Malam and the parents/guardian of the learner. However at some instances the interest of the Almajirah is considered; whether she wants to go into Tahfiz (memorization) class or not. On the other hand the financial capacity of the parents matters most, that is if they will be able to take financial responsibility of the Tahfiz section as it is a little above the usual resident type of learning in most of the

Acquisition of Entrepreneurship Skills
In terms of learning the entrepreneurship skills the learners are usually taught house chores first by the Malams' wife/wives. The girls first learn the type of trade or business which the Malams' wife is engaged in especially those that are brought between the ages of 6-7years.
By eight years of age the girls' interest and inclination suggests the type of entrepreneurship skills she is willing to learn. At this stage the attention of the parent is needed especially if she is to be registered under a trainer so that they bear the financial responsibility of the training.Usually Thursdays and Fridays are the days set aside for training in any form of entrepreneurship skill. There are those who do on daily basis in between the breaks before the next learning session of the day as presented in table 1 below. The data for the information was collected using a semi-structured interview schedule.

Criteria for Accepting an Almajira as an EntrepreneurApprentice
Every entrepreneur has criteria for the acceptance of apprentice who learn the skills under her training. The conditions for acceptance for each of the identified skills on the table above will be explained as follows: a. Tailoring and knitting: The sum of #1,500 -#3,000 is paid as tuition fees, and then a pair of scissors, a tape, white chalk and brown paper (10 sheets e. Weaving and ornamental design: The apprentice pays #1,000-#1,500 naira as tuition fee. She then brings along a carving knife which is usually a small sized one or one that is designed for the purpose of carving from the black smith. Then she gets a protective hand gloves.
f. Local drinks, snacks and sweets: No amount is charged. All that is needed is the full attention and regular participation of the apprentice when these items are produced.
g. Sales girls in shops and pharmacies: Here no tuition fee is paid, they only need a guarantor for the apprentice.(the guarantor is to vouch for the Almajira's integrity and her punctuality) h. Making of spices and soup condiments: No amount is charged as the apprentice is made to take active role in terms of selection of the spices, measurement in quantity, process of making the soup condiment/sauce like locust bean (Daddawa) preparation etc.
Apart from the requirements mentioned the apprentice are usually fed lunch by their trainers and the sum of #100-#200 naira is given to the apprentice weekly depending on the type of entrepreneurship skill she is learning.This is more practiced by those who charge a tuition fee even though they return to the Zawiyyah for lunch 27 .

The Procedure for Learning the Entrepreneurship Skills (Apprenticeship)
a. In all of the entrepreneurial skills the apprentice starts with observation for a period of about two weeks before she starts participating in simple skills of the particular skill she is being trained. If she becomes proficient in a skill she is upgraded to the more advanced aspect of the art until she learns all of the technicalities involved in the particular vocation she is learning. On acquiring the needed skills she is now tasked with the duty of teaching new apprentices how to acquire same skills. By the time she perfects her skills she is trusted for example, to handle production of the materials in knitting, carving, tailoring etc. At the end of the training a freedom Walimah (ceremony) is organized, even though it might not be an elaborate one it is meant to thank Allah (SWT) for His blessings and to give the trainee the go ahead to practice on her own. No certificate is given to the graduate as they underwent the training under women who mostly are house wives that conduct their trades from the home.
b. Those who learn how to make local drinks, sweets and snacks often start from their first day of training as these ones do not require the acquisition of any complex skills. All they need to do is to concentrate in order to note the measurement of the ingredients.
The same applies to those who learn how to make soaps and room fresheners. No The relationship with graduates is not severed in any way as the trainers are women and with the current wave of easy communication through the use of mobile phones, they always keep in touch. Sometime the trainees who happen to live in bigger cities after marriage do interact with their trainers through the social media.They send pictures of new styles in the fashion world to one anotherwhich is different from what are available in the locality 30 . Hajiya Gaji 31 remarked that some of them will send money for us to produce the locust bean (Daddawa) we will pound it and send it to them in the city or their various villages while they do the packaging.
I am thrilled that some of them have made our products to be found even in supermarkets and big shops in some cities.
Goggo relates that these girls are very creative and industrious even as apprentice and that is why they became more innovative than us because they now use the resources available to them in their localities to produce new things apart from what they have learnt here with us.
Some of them introduced the making of incense burner to our trade and it is now selling like there's no other product on ground 32 .
The relationship is built on respect and obedience which is the beauty of the behavior of the Almajirah when compared to other apprentices who are not from the Zawayya. The Almajira is submissive, she does not argue with you nor does she refuse to adhere to your rules and regulations. They are always willing to assist you even in aspects of your house hold chores and care of your children 33 . "The Almajira is hard working. I have trained more than twenty girls (Almajirai) and I can say that they are trustworthy and reliable. I have never come across any one that is stubborn" 34  The procedure for the skill acquisition is a stress free one for the Almajira as can be seen from the foregoing explanations.The study period does not interfere with the skill acquisition as each activity is assigned a due time frame.

D. Conclusion
The Almajirah is a hard-working female learner who is sent to live under the custody of a Sheikh at a Zawiyyah away from home in order to learn the religious knowledge that will enable her to live a prosperous life in this world and the hereafter. Bearing that in mind she strives to strike a balance between here and the hereafter by acquiring a skill that will help her fend for herself and to safe guard her integrity as a woman. Thus, this paper takes a look at the various efforts made by these young female learners in terms of combining both Islamic religious knowledge and the acquisition of the entrepreneurship skills. The process of acquiring the entrepreneurship skills was identified including the schedule for apprenticeship. It is discovered that with the efforts made by the Almajirah with the understanding and help of her Malam; she is able to achieve both and make good use of both in her life as she progresses in her life after marriage. It is concluded that the Muslim female Almajira, if given the right training and conducive environment will be able to contribute positively in all spheres of life endeavour; and especially in terms of the spread of Islamic knowledge, moral training and selfreliance through acquisition of religious knowledge and a viable trade that can sustain her to enable her fend for her needs. 35 Inna Wodu (52 years) is a neighbor to Malam Baba Doko Lapai who have been training the female Almajirai in her business of making local drinks and snacks interviewed on 11/02/2020 at Niger Low Cost, Lapai.