AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm

@unilorin.edu.ng

Senior Lecturer and Religions/Arts

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Arts and Humanities, Religious studies
27

Scopus Publications

1739

Scholar Citations

11

Scholar h-index

16

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Islamic ethical spirituality and psychosocial well-being: integrating Islamic thought in multicultural counselling and interfaith dialogue
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Mental Health Religion and Culture, 2026
    Islamic ethical spirituality plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ psychosocial well-being, particularly in multicultural counselling and interfaith dialogue contexts. This qualitative study (n = 25) explores the integration of Islamic thought within these frameworks to enhance emotional and psychological health. The research, grounded in Islamic ethical principles, investigates how spiritual practices and ethical values influence coping mechanisms, emotional resilience, and interpersonal relationships. The study focuses on understanding the lived experiences of individuals who apply Islamic ethical spirituality daily and its impact on their overall psychosocial well-being. The findings suggest that Islamic spirituality fosters emotional balance, ethical behaviour, and constructive dialogue across diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. These insights have practical implications for counsellors and practitioners, providing them with a valuable resource for enhancing individual and collective well-being in multicultural and interfaith settings.
  • How Islamic Thought Shapes Socio-Political Dynamics: Navigating Ethical Leadership, Community Development, and Contemporary Challenges in Northern Nigeria
    Abdulgafar Olawale Fahm, Murjanatu Ibrahim
    Africa Spectrum, 2026
    This article examines how Islamic ethical thought shapes socio-political life in Northern Nigeria. It argues that crises of governance, insecurity, inequality, and mistrust cannot be explained through institutional or economic factors alone, but must also be understood through the moral vocabularies communities use to judge leadership and imagine social repair. Based on fieldwork in Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Borno between July 2023 and February 2024, the study draws on 50 semi-structured interviews and five focus group discussions with religious scholars, community leaders, youth activists, women's cooperative members, and other stakeholders. The findings show that Islamic ethical leadership operates not only through doctrines such as maqāṣid al-sharīʿa, zakāt, and waqf, but also through lived values of trust, truthfulness, restraint, and service. The article argues that īmān and ʿilm together can support community resilience, although their impact is often constrained by insecurity, politicisation, weak institutions, and unequal access to knowledge.
  • Gender, Marginalization, and Digital Technology in Islamic Learning: A Nigerian Perspective
    Journal of International Women S Studies, 2025
  • Time-Related Rulings in Fiqh Munakahat: A Contemporary Integration of Astronomical and Jurisprudential Analysis
    Badrun Taman, Fatimah, Friska Linia Sari, Abdul Gafar Olawale Fahm
    Milrev Metro Islamic Law Review, 2025
    This study examines time-related rulings in Fiqh Munakahat (Islamic family law), focusing on key provisions such as iddah (waiting period after divorce or death), baligh (age of maturity), hadlanah (child custody), and radla’ah (breastfeeding period). Although these rulings are normatively based on the lunar (qamariyah) calendar, their implementation in Indonesia often relies on Gregorian approximations, leading to inconsistencies in legal outcomes—particularly in matters of remarriage, inheritance, and personal status. Using a qualitative library-based approach, this study integrates classical fiqh sources with astronomical computation (Ilmu Falak) and judicial case analysis from Indonesian Religious Courts. The integration is conducted by converting Gregorian-based legal timeframes into hilal-based lunar calculations and comparing the outcomes with statutory norms such as the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI). This method highlights practical and doctrinal mismatches not addressed in prior studies, especially regarding standardizing iddah durations. The findings demonstrate that Gregorian approximations often arbitrarily extend or shorten legal periods, undermining legal certainty and compliance with Islamic jurisprudence. By contrast, lunar-based reckoning offers higher precision and is more faithful to scriptural mandates. The study recommends revising national legal instruments and court practices to adopt hilal-based time calculations in marital rulings, thus enhancing consistency, legitimacy, and contextual relevance in contemporary Islamic legal systems.
  • EXPLORING THE ETHICAL GOVERNANCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FROM AN ISLAMIC ETHICAL PERSPECTIVE
    Uthman Mohammed Mustapha Kannike, AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Jurnal Fiqh, 2025
    This study aims to examine the intersection of contemporary artificial intelligence (AI) with Islamic ethics, specifically exploring how foundational Islamic ethical principles can guide the integration and governance of AI technologies. Employing a theoretical and conceptual analysis method, the research investigates epistemological and theological considerations related to the application of machine learning algorithms in interpreting sacred Islamic texts. The core theoretical underpinnings guiding this analysis include Tawḥīd (the Oneness of God), which emphasizes harmony and ethical coherence; Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah (Objectives of Islamic Law), focusing on safeguarding fundamental human interests such as faith, life, intellect, progeny, and wealth; Ihsan (Excellence and Benevolence), advocating for moral excellence in technological applications; and ʿAdl (Justice), which demands equity and fairness in technological advancements. The findings indicate that while AI holds significant promise for enhancing societal welfare, education, healthcare, and economic justice within Muslim communities, it presents profound ethical challenges, including algorithmic bias, privacy infringement, human autonomy erosion, and accountability concerns. The study highlights the necessity of rigorous ethical oversight grounded in Islamic ethics to navigate these challenges, proposing that AI applications adhere to principles of justice, transparency, and the preservation of human dignity and autonomy. The implications of this research extend beyond theoretical considerations, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between Islamic scholars, ethicists, policymakers, and technologists. Islamic ethical guidelines can enrich global conversations on AI ethics, ensuring technological innovations align with universally recognized moral standards while promoting social justice and human flourishing.
  • Ethical foundations and guidelines in Islamic psychology
    AbdulGafar O. Fahm
    Ethical Foundations and Guidelines in Islamic Psychology, 2025
    This book provides theoretical foundations and practical guidelines for an ethically competent integration of Islam and mental health practice. The book starts with a foundational introduction to the interface between Islam as a religion and mental health practice. It provides a summary of the ethical challenges and concerns raised in mainstream psychological literature along with a set of Islamically informed ethical guidelines for the integration of Islam and mental health practice. Taking into account the richness of the Islāmic  tradition and the nuances of the Islāmic and Muslim cultures, these guidelines will include both general principles and specific considerations. The book concludes by exploring Islāmic ethics outside of the therapy room in relation to research and social justice. Filling a critical void in both Islāmic mental health literature and ethics literatures, this text provides mental health practitioners, instructors and researchers, and students worldwide with the tools for an ethical integration of Islam within mental health practices.
  • Breaking Barriers Muslim Women’s Scholarship and Engagement in Higher Education Leadership in Nigeria
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Journal of Education in Muslim Societies, 2025
    Abstract: Despite the global drive for gender equality and inclusive leadership, Muslim women remain significantly underrepresented in positions of higher education leadership in Nigeria. This gap not only reflects broader issues of gender and religious disparity, but also hampers the full potential of educational institutions to benefit from diverse leadership perspectives. This study explores Muslim women’s engagement in higher education leadership in Nigeria. By scrutinizing global trends and specific challenges that Muslim women face, it identifies barriers obstructing their rise into educational leadership roles, and underscores the imperative of overcoming these obstacles for societal and academic progress. Employing a qualitative approach, the research illuminates the experiences of Muslim women, and considers the intersectional nature of gender and religion in educational leadership contexts. Using survey data, it discerns prevalent barriers, ranging from cultural expectations to institutional hurdles. It also elucidates coping strategies and narratives of resilience. The study’s findings underscore the necessity of policy interventions and inclusive practices to foster diversity and empower Muslim women in leadership roles. The study recommends that higher education institutions implement targeted mentorship programs, gender-sensitive leadership training, and institutional reforms to create pathways that support Muslim women’s leadership journeys. This study contributes to existing knowledge by shedding light on an overlooked demographic and advocates for concerted efforts to dismantle barriers hindering their participation in higher education leadership, thus fostering more inclusive and equitable environments.
  • REFLECTIONS ON RUMI’S MATHNAWI AND ECOLOGICAL SPIRITUALITY: INTRODUCING AN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Afkar, 2024
    Abstract The Mathnawi, a thirteenth-century mystical poem by Jalal al-Din Rumi, is traditionally associated with Islamic spirituality, characterized by its rich imagery, metaphors, stories, and analogies. Despite its primary mystical and didactic nature, discernible elements reflecting a nature-centric worldview are evident within its verses. This article explores the extent to which ecological spirituality themes are present in the Mathnawi. Employing a qualitative analysis approach, it investigates how Rumi and his work are integrated into contemporary conversations surrounding ecological concerns, with a specific lens on Nigeria. Drawing from practical examples, the study explores the portrayal and utilization of Rumi’s insights within the context of Nigeria’s ecological landscape. Furthermore, it incorporates reflections on insights gleaned from indigenous Nigerian philosophical and cultural traditions, enriching the discourse on ecological spirituality. The inquiry contemplates the potential for incorporating perspectives from other African cultures and Islamic scholars into this dialogue. Ultimately, the analysis suggests that embracing an African perspective can deepen and broaden Rumi’s ecological conceptualizations of the universe, offering new insights and avenues for understanding and addressing contemporary ecological challenges.
  • Examining the contributions of muslim women in achieving sustainable development goals in Nigeria
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm, Suliat Yetunde Memud
    Discover Global Society, 2024
    The study aims to investigate the often underestimated role of Muslim women in the context of Nigeria in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The methodology employed in this research involves qualitative methods, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted contributions of Muslim women in areas such as education, healthcare, gender equality, poverty reduction, and community development. Data for this study was obtained through interviews and surveys involving Muslim women from various regions in Nigeria, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of their roles, challenges, and strategies. The data was meticulously analyzed to identify the challenges faced by these women, the innovative strategies they employ to overcome these challenges, and the tangible impact of their efforts on the progression of SDGs in Nigeria. The findings of this research highlight the pivotal role of Muslim women in sustainable development and emphasize the need for recognizing and empowering them as catalysts for positive change. This recognition, in turn, is seen as a catalyst for broader inclusivity and gender equity initiatives, both within Nigeria and beyond, with the ultimate goal of achieving SDGs in a more comprehensive and inclusive manner.
  • Revisiting Socioeconomic Development Hypothesis: Does Zakat Matter for OIC Member Countries?
    Aroua Robbana, Abdessamad Raghibi, AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2024
  • Sacredness and Religious Fanaticism
    AbdulGafar O. Fahm, Aisha U. Muhammad
    Journal of Religion in Africa, 2024
  • Interreligious Interaction in the Ilorin Metropolis
    Lydia Bosede Akande, Olatunde Oyewole Ogunbiyi, AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Journal of Religion in Africa, 2024
  • “I WILL MAKE THEE AN IMAM TO THE NATIONS”: LESSONS FOR NIGERIAN PUBLIC LEADERS IN THE STORY OF PROPHET IBRAHIM
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Australian Journal of Islamic Studies, 2023
  • ICT enabled Almajiri education in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm, Adesina Lukuman Azeez, Yusuf Olayinka Imam-Fulani, Omenogo Veronica Mejabi, Nasir Faruk, Musbau Dogo Abdulrahaman, Lukman Abiodun Olawoyin, Abdulkarim Ayopo Oloyede, Nazmat Toyin Surajudeen-Bakinde
    Education and Information Technologies, 2022
  • Religious Encounters in Osogbo, Nigeria: A Muslim Perspective
    Mumini O. Rauf, AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Millah Journal of Religious Studies, 2022
  • Investment and Wealth Management in Contemporary Times: Zakat as a Viable Approach
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Wealth Management and Investment in Islamic Settings Opportunities and Challenges, 2022
  • Muslim women and the Nigerian party politics
    Politics and Religion Journal, 2021
  • Internal mechanisms as tools for conflict resolution: A case study on Share-Tsaragi, Nigeria
    Oyeronke Olademo, R.W. Omotoye, S.O. Ikibe, L.O. Ibraheem, Y.O. Tijani, S.O. Abubakre, A.A. Adebisi, A.J. Aboyeji, A.O. Fahm, R.A. Adimula
    Heliyon, 2021
  • Multimedia tools in the teaching and learning processes: A systematic review
    M.D. Abdulrahaman, N. Faruk, A.A. Oloyede, N.T. Surajudeen-Bakinde, L.A. Olawoyin, O.V. Mejabi, Y.O. Imam-Fulani, A.O. Fahm, A.L. Azeez
    Heliyon, 2020
  • The policy of whistleblowing in Nigeria: An Islamic perspective
    Abdulwahab Qudus, AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Research Anthology on Religious Impacts on Society, 2020
  • Education leaders' utilization of information and communication technology for development in Nigeria
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm, Kazeem Kayode Bakare, Kamaldeen Korede Oladosu
    Handbook of Research on Modern Educational Technologies Applications and Management 2 Vol, 2020
  • Remaking society from within: An investigation into contemporary Islamic activism in Nigeria
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Heliyon, 2020
  • DISGUISED COMMENTARY ON THE QUR’ĀN: THE QUESTION OF FORM AND CONTENT IN RŪMĪ’S MATHNAWĪ
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Australian Journal of Islamic Studies, 2020
  • “Everything Has Beauty but Not Everyone Sees It”: An Islamic Alternative to Assessing Beauty
    Abdulgafar Olawale Fahm
    Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 2020
  • Islam, sustainable consumption, and consumers' motivations in Nigeria
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Global Food Politics and Approaches to Sustainable Consumption Emerging Research and Opportunities, 2019
  • Islam and disaster management in contemporary times: a psycho-socio-spiritual response
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work, 2019
  • Ijebu ode’s ojude oba festival: Cultural and spiritual significance
    AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm
    Sage Open, 2015

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • How Islamic Thought Shapes Socio-Political Dynamics: Navigating Ethical Leadership, Community Development, and Contemporary Challenges in Northern Nigeria
    AO Fahm, M Ibrahim
    Africa Spectrum , 2026
    2026
  • Islamic Ethical Spirituality and Psychosocial Well-being: Integrating Islamic Thought in Multicultural Counselling and Interfaith Dialogue
    AGO Fahm
    Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 1-13 , 2026
    2026
  • Cross-examining the Role of the Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Nigerian Army in Eradicating Terrorism in the Northeast through the Counter-Narrative Programme
    UO Sidiq, AGO Fahm, MB Ahmad, MA Bello
    Journal of Islamic History 6 (1), 22-47 , 2026
    2026
  • Islamic Thought, Arabic Literature, and Civic Imagination in Nigeria: A Rhetorical and Pedagogical Analysis
    UI Kankawi, AGO Fahm, U Abdussalam, A Zubair
    Millah: Journal of Religious Studies , 2026
    2026
  • The Intersection of Religion and Political Development in Nigeria: An Islamic Perspective
    AGO Fahm, UA Adefabi
    Journal of Islam in Nigeria 4 (1), 82-96 , 2025
    2025
  • Beyond the Madrasah: Digital Pedagogies and Nigerian Yoruba Muslim Women's Engagement with Islamic Knowledge
    AGO Fahm
    Comparative Woman 4 (1) , 2025
    2025
  • Platformisation, Religious Authority, and the Digital Economy in Nigeria’s Muslim Socio-Religious Landscape
    AGO Fahm
    Abraka Journal of Religion and Philosophy 5 (2), 140-153 , 2025
    2025
  • The Converging Discourses: Rhetorical Interplay between Islamic Thought and Arabic Literature in Nigeria
    UI Kankawi, AGO Fahm, UA Salam, A Zubair
    Al-Qanṭara , 2025
    2025
  • The Contribution of Bay-Salam to Agricultural Development in Oke-Aje Market, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State
    JO Awesu, AO Fahm
    Journal of Islamic Social Finance 3 (1) , 2025
    2025
  • Gender, Marginalization, and Digital Technology in Islamic Learning: A Nigerian Perspective
    AGO Fahm
    Journal of International Women's Studies 27 (3), 1-13 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 4
  • Time-Related Rulings in Fiqh Munakahat: A Contemporary Integration of Astronomical and Jurisprudential Analysis
    B Taman, Fatimah, FL Sari, AGO Fahm
    MILRev: Metro Islamic Law Review 4 (2), 797-821 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 4
  • The Interpretation of Hamka and Muhammad Quraish Shihab on Illustration of Heaven
    W Parwanto, AGO Fahm, GH Rassool, MN Khaliq
    SUHUF 18 (1), 203-217 , 2025
    2025
  • Exploring the ethical governance of artificial intelligence from an Islamic ethical perspective
    UMM Kannike, AGO Fahm
    Jurnal Fiqh 22 (1), 134-161 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 41
  • Ethical Foundations and Guidelines in Islāmic Psychology
    AGO Fahm
    Taylor & Francis , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 3
  • Bridging divides: The role of digital technology in democratising Islamic education in Nigeria
    AGO Fahm
    Asian Journal of African Studies, 31-54 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 2
  • Digital Realities and Islamic Epistemology: Navigating Ethical Challenges in Modern Education
    AGO Fahm
    Modern Trends in Arabic and Islamic Studies: A Book in Memory of Professor … , 2025
    2025
  • Faith in an Academy: Contributions of the Department of Religions to Unilorin's Legacy
    AG Alamu, AO Fahm
    University of Ilorin at 50: Celebrating Excellence, Sustaining Greatness … , 2025
    2025
  • Navigating digital frontiers: Preliminary ethical reflections on Islamic learning in contemporary Nigerian Muslim societies
    AGO Fahm
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Breaking Barriers: Muslim Women’s Scholarship and Engagement in Higher Education Leadership in Nigeria
    AGO Fahm
    Journal of Education in Muslim Societies 6 (2), 14–26 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 3
  • Reflections on Rumi’s Mathnawi and ecological spirituality: Introducing an African perspective
    AGO Fahm
    Afkar: Jurnal Akidah dan Pemikiran Islam 26 (2), 295-336 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 3

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Multimedia tools in the teaching and learning processes: A systematic review
    MD Abdulrahaman, N Faruk, AA Oloyede, NT Surajudeen-Bakinde, ...
    Heliyon 6 (11) , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 1297
  • ICT enabled Almajiri education in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects
    AGO Fahm, AL Azeez, YO Imam‑Fulani, OV Mejabi, N Faruk, ...
    Education and Information Technologies 27 (3), 3135 – 3169 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 46
  • Exploring the ethical governance of artificial intelligence from an Islamic ethical perspective
    UMM Kannike, AGO Fahm
    Jurnal Fiqh 22 (1), 134-161 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 41
  • Islam and disaster management in contemporary times: a psycho-socio-spiritual response
    AGO Fahm
    Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought 38 (3 … , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 35
  • The Policy of Whistleblowing in Nigeria: An Islamic Perspective
    Q Abdulwahab, AGO Fahm
    International Journal of Civic Engagement and Social Change (IJCESC) 5 (3 … , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 32
  • Ijebu ode’s ojude oba festival: Cultural and spiritual significance
    AGO Fahm
    Sage Open 5 (1), 2158244015574640 , 2015
    2015
    Citations: 28
  • Internal mechanisms as tools for conflict resolution: A case study on Share-Tsaragi, Nigeria
    O Olademo, RW Omotoye, SO Ikibe, LO Ibraheem, YO Tijani, ...
    Heliyon 7 (1), 1-7 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 18
  • Muslim Women and Social Responsibility in Nigeria: Contributions of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN)
    AGO Fahm
    Alternation Special Edition 19, 175-191 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 18
  • Remaking society from within: An investigation into contemporary Islamic activism in Nigeria
    AGO Fahm
    Heliyon 6 (7), 1-8 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 15
  • Revisiting Socioeconomic Development Hypothesis: Does Zakat Matter for OIC Member Countries?
    A Robbana, A Raghibi, AGO Fahm
    Journal of the Knowledge Economy , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 14
  • A Brief Analysis of the Meditation on Death in Sufism: With Reference to Al-Ghazālī and Rūmī
    AGO Fahm
    The International Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Society 4 (3), 7-14 , 2014
    2014
    Citations: 12
  • The Role of QawÄ'id Fiqhiyyah in Strengthening Waqf Law: A Review of Challenges and Solutions in Indonesia
    I Jalili, M Firdaus, AGO Fahm
    Al-Qadha: Jurnal Hukum Islam dan Perundang-Undangan 11 (2), 226-250 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 11
  • The Method of Interpretation on Qs. Al-Fatihah in Tarjuman Al-Mustafid By Abdul Rauf As-Singkili
    W Parwanto, T Akbar, AGO Fahm
    QiST: Journal of Quran and Tafseer Studies 1 (3), 264-276 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 10
  • Teachers strategies in strengthening character education based on islamic values in online learning during the covid-19 pandemic
    I Mawardi, AB Raharjo, AGO Fahm
    Jurnal Tarbiyatuna 12 (2), 87-97 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 10
  • An Assessment of the Islamization of Knowledge Process in Nigeria
    FAG Olawale
    World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization 4 (4), 119-124 , 2014
    2014
    Citations: 10
  • Islamic ethics and stem cell research
    FAG Olawale
    Islam and Civilisational Renewal 4 (1), 103-116 , 2013
    2013
    Citations: 10
  • Islam and Human Rights with Special Reference to the Universal Human Rights and the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights
    AH MWAMBURI, AGO FAHM
    Jurnal Syariah (Shariah Journal) 26 (1), 123-140 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 9
  • The Intellectual and Spiritual Contribution of Nuruddin Ar-Raniri to Islamic Education in Indonesia
    MA Hamisi, AGO Fahm
    Jurnal Pendidikan Islam (Journal of Islamic Education) 3 (2), 169-178 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 9
  • “Everything Has Beauty but Not Everyone Sees It”: An Islamic Alternative to Assessing Beauty
    AO Fahm
    Journal of Intercultural Communication Research 49 (3), 211-226 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 8
  • Qur'anic Model for Parenting in the 21st Century
    DG Yusuph, AGO Fahm
    Jurnal Adabiyah 23 (2), 263-285 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 6