Jamat-at-ul Islamiyya is an Islamic society founded by L.B. Agusto in 1924. Agusto had started this organization, now one of the most influential in southwest Nigeria, upon his realization that the Islam he belonged to held contrary believes to what he deemed as an important tenet of Ahmadiyya movement. Jamat-at-ul Islamiyya, simply called Islamic Society of Nigeria till September 1964, was established to teach Islam as contained in the Holy Quran and the authentic Haadith. Production of Islamic literatures and organization of public lectures were also cardinal in the society’s objectives. Jamat-at-ul emphasizes that prophet Mohammed is the seal of all prophets. The society’s insistence on the use of local language as the essential means of communication during Khutbah, sermon before Jumat prayer won a larger audience for them. With the demise of the founder, Agusto, in 1971, H.A. Subair, a pioneer Nigerian banker became leader of the group.
Jamat-at-ul Islamiyya’s innovations and reforms as a Muslim organization include the inclusion of women in prayers and funeral activities. Muslims were also buried with bodies inside the coffin for hygiene reasons. Suits were allowed during prayers.
