The Education of Lantana

 

The Education of Lantana

"The Education of Lantana" is about a bright Muslim girl who boldly refused child marriage in northern Nigeria and appealed to go to school. She won her appeal by saying that Shehu Usman dan Fodio (15 December 1754 – 20 April 1817) , the Fulani scholar, Islamic religious teacher, poet, revolutionary and a philosopher who founded the Sokoto Caliphate and ruled as its first caliph supported the education of his beloved daughter, Princess Nana Asmaʼu. And how she started her teachers (Jajis) who travelled throughout the Caliphate educating women in the students' homes. In turn, each of these Jajis used Nana Asma’u's and other Sufi scholars writings, usually through recited mnemonics and poetry, to train crops of learned women, called the ’Yan-taru', or those who congregate together, the sisterhood.

Lantana said that Islam emphasized that the education of girls is a fundamental duty and an equal right for both males and females. A mandatory duty, because seeking knowledge is a sacred obligation for every Muslim, regardless of gender, as taught by Prophet Muhammad, under the protection of human intellect (al-Aql), enabling both men and women to make sound moral choices and understand their faith: that educated girls grow into knowledgeable mothers and community pillars who guide future generations.

"We are the mothers of nations."

Prophet Muhammad actively encouraged the education of women, setting aside dedicated days to teach them religious commandments and Aisha, the Prophet's youngest wife was among the major authorities in Islamic jurisprudence, narrating thousands of hadiths and teaching prominent male companions. 

The Imam of the mosque; the Alaramma of the madrasa and Shu'aban Makaranta of their Islamiyya school who were impressed by Lantana's Qur'anic memorization (Hifz) of the Surah Al-Baqarah, the second and longest chapter of the Quran, containing 286 verses supported her appeal and allowed her to return to school and not to be forced to marry.

The world premiere is for the celebration of the United Nations' International Day for the Girl Child on October 11, 2026 for the promotion of the campaign for the education of the millions of underprivileged girls out of school in northern Nigeria.

The Education of Lantana Film

 

I am using generative AI for the film production of "The Education of Lantana" about a bright Muslim girl who boldly refused child marriage in northern Nigeria and appealed to go to school. She won her appeal by saying that Shehu Usman dan Fodio (Arabic: عثمان بن فودي, romanized: ʿUthmān ibn Fūdī; 15 December 1754 – 20 April 1817) , the Fulani scholar, Islamic religious teacher, poet, revolutionary and a philosopher who founded the Sokoto Caliphate and ruled as its first caliph supported the education of his beloved daughter, Princess Nana Asmaʼu. And how she started her teachers (Jajis) who travelled throughout the Caliphate educating women in the students' homes. In turn, each of these Jajis used Nana Asma’u's and other Sufi scholars writings, usually through recited mnemonics and poetry, to train crops of learned women, called the ’Yan-taru', or those who congregate together, the sisterhood.

Lantana said that Islam emphasized that the education of girls is a fundamental duty and an equal right for both males and females. A mandatory duty, because seeking knowledge is a sacred obligation for every Muslim, regardless of gender, as taught by Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) under the protection of human intellect (al-Aql), enabling both men and women to make sound moral choices and understand their faith: that educated girls grow into knowledgeable mothers and community pillars who guide future generations.

"We are the mothers of nations."

Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) actively encouraged the education of women, setting aside dedicated days to teach them religious commandments and Aisha, the Prophet's youngest wife was among the major authorities in Islamic jurisprudence, narrating thousands of hadiths and teaching prominent male companions. 

The Imam of the mosque; the Alaramma of the madrasa and Shu'aban Makaranta of their Islamiyya school who were impressed by Lantana's Qur'anic memorization (Hifz) of the Surah Al-Baqarah, the second and longest chapter of the Quran, containing 286 verses supported her appeal and allowed her to return to school and not to be forced to marry.

• ​Dramatic Intent: Shows quiet determination, reverence for her faith, and an unstoppable desire to learn.

• ​"I do not wish to step away from our ways, Mother. Every word of the Koran I hold in my heart, just as Father taught me. But when I look at these letters on my slate, I see a doorway. A way to help our village, to read the papers the doctors bring, to write our own stories instead of letting others speak for us. I am not turning my back on who we are—I only want to see how far our light can reach."

  ​Aminu (Father)

  • ​Context: Aminu addresses a council of village elders who are questioning why he permits his daughter to spend so much time studying formal schoolbooks.
  • ​Dramatic Intent: Displays dignity, paternal pride, deep traditional roots, and a changing perspective.

  • ​"You ask me why I let a girl spend her hours with books instead of preparing only for a husband's hearth. I am a man of tradition, as my father was before me. I bow to God, and I honor the dust of this compound. But look at her. She holds the Holy Book in one hand and the future in the other, without letting either fall. If our daughters remain in the dark, our whole village stumbles. I will not be the father who dimmed his own child’s lantern."

    ​Zainab (Mother)

    • ​Context: Zainab speaks privately with Aminu inside their mud home at dusk, trying to gently sway his heart to support Lantana's path.
    • ​Dramatic Intent: Emotional depth, maternal warmth, strategic persuasion, and quiet strength.

    • ​"Look at her out there in the yard, Aminu. She has your quiet eye, your steady heart. I walked the path given to me without complaint, and it has been a good life beside you. But the world outside our walls is moving faster now. Lantana has a fire in her head that water cannot quench. If we try to trap that fire, it will burn us all. But if we guide it... imagine what she could build for us."

Happy Eid-ul- Mawlid To All Muslims

Monday, September 16, 2024 is  Public Holiday in Nigeria to mark the celebration of the Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Enjoy "The Message"

This epic historical drama chronicles the life and times of Prophet Muhammad and serves as an introduction to early Islamic history. This epic historical drama chronicles the life and times of Prophet Muhammad and serves as an introduction to early Islamic history.

The Making of The Message
https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2016/08/07/485234999/40-years-on-a-controversial-film-on-islams-origins-is-now-a-classic

About Islamic Cinema in Nigeria

ISLAMIC CINEMA in Nigeria (ICN) is an initiative of the duly Incorporated International Digital Post Network Limited for the production, distribution and promotion of Islamic films for screenings at cinemas for the following purpose:

* The Promotion of the true Tenets of Islam as the religion of love, peace and unity for the benefit of humanity.

* Public enlightenment and entertainment for Muslims and non-Muslims with pure and true Islamic films.

* Correction of the misinformation on Islam as the religion of terrorism and Muslims as intolerant people who breed terrorists.

For Partnership and Sponsorship of the production, distribution, exhibition and promotion of Islamic films in Nigeria, contact:
International Digital Post Network Limited
Tel: +234 706 637 9246

September 11: No True Christian Will Join Rev. Terry Jones To Burn The Qur'an

"In the future everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes.".
~ Andy Warhol

Rev. Terry Jones got his Andy Warhol’s moment as his preposterous threat to burn copies of the Qur'an on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, which he called "International Burn a Koran Day” shook the whole world within minutes and made him and his http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dove_World_Outreach_Center Dove World Outreach Center of only 50 members famous beyond their little corner of the earth in Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A.

Rev. Terry Jones, the firebrand pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center.


Muslims worldwide were enraged and protests broke out in Afghanistan and other Islamic cities with three people reported dead. President Barack Obama and other world leaders including notable Christian leaders have condemned his senseless plan. He received an invitation to fly to New York to meet with Feisal Abdul Rauf, the imam of Park51, and he has decided to suspend his plan, but he would not cancel it.

GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 10: Conor Munro (R) joins a protest across the street from Dove World Outreach Center where Pastor Terry Jones had scheduled a Koran burning for tomorrow on September 10, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. Jones has said that he would cancel the planned burning of Korans on Saturday if he was able to meet with the organizers building the Park51 mosque near Ground Zero. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle) Courtesty of the Washington Post.


No right thinking person would have joined Rev. Terry Jones to burn the Qur’an. But there have been confirmed reports of Muslims destroying the Holy Bible. The reports said copies of the Holy Bible are “confiscated -- and sometimes shredded -- by Saudi customs officials at ports of entry.”

Let the Muslims destroy copies of the Holy Bible, but would they be able to stop the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ never supported violence and was a peacemaker and commanded his believers to live in peace with all and not to force others to believe in him. He never waged war against anyone like Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Jesus Christ never beheaded anyone or abducted any woman and he was not a terrorist. The difference between Christianity and Islam is as clear as blood and water. Therefore, true Christians must practice what Jesus Christ preached and follow his holy footsteps.

Jesus Christ would not support any Christian to burn any Holy Book, including the Qur’an.




The best way to mark September 11 is to remember the beloved ones we lost and light a candle for everyone of them. Join in the Day of Remembrance Memorial Service.

"How blessed are those who make peace, because it is they who will be called God's children!
~ Matthew 5:9