alfa abu
2024
Prayer is more than just a daily ritual
the story
In the quiet embrace of the local mosque, a man kneels on a neatly woven prayer mat, his forehead pressed gently to the ground in deep devotion. The bright glow from the window bounces against the textured walls, casting long, soft shadows that dance in harmony with the rhythmic recitation of prayers.
Dressed in a simple, flowing garment, he moves with practiced grace. Outside, the call to prayer has long faded into the evening sky. In this sacred space, humility and faith intertwine, and for a fleeting moment, the world outside fades, leaving only the serenity of prayer and the quiet communion between man and his Creator.
alfa abu
For Alfa Abu, prayer is more than just a daily ritual—it is a profound expression of his unwavering love and reverence for his Creator. Through each act of devotion, he upholds his faith, embodying the principles and convictions that shape his life. His prayers are not merely words but a reflection of his commitment to righteousness, guiding his actions and decisions.
Beyond his personal devotion, Alfa Abu finds joy in sharing his faith, nurturing both children and adults in their spiritual journeys. He delights in basking in the divine presence, drawing strength from his connection with God. His life serves as a testament to steadfast faith, inspiring those around him through his righteous living and unwavering dedication to his beliefs.
the mosque
The local mosque, also known as ile kewu (Madrasa), serves as a religious learning center where children and teenagers gather to study the Holy Qur’an. While its primary purpose is spiritual and educational, ile kewu carries a reputation that sends a shiver down the spine of many young learners.
The fear isn’t just about forgetting a verse—it’s about the ever-present disciplinary measures that come with incomplete assignments. The Alfa, with his unwavering dedication to excellence, assigns Qur’anic verses for recitation, and woe betide any student who stumbles or forgets. Assignments are tackled with the intensity of a life-or-death mission, and group recitations often feel like courtroom hearings—where the verdict is either praise or a swift disciplinary action.
At the mosque, spirituality and practicality go hand in hand. The moment electricity returns, a quiet but determined migration begins—not towards the prayer mats, but straight to the nearest power outlets. Phones, tablets, and even rechargeable lanterns appear out of nowhere. Others lean casually against the walls, nodding along as if in quiet reflection—though the only thing they’re meditating on is their battery percentage. But despite the occasional “corrective measures,” ile kewu remains a cherished part of childhood, where lifelong friendships are formed, Qur’anic knowledge is gained, and every student quickly learns the golden rule: Thou shalt not forget thy recitation
exploration
team
director
aisha musa
concept art
seth nonike
modeling + lookdev
boluwatife abatan
animation
olamide masha
lighting
emmanuella edeh
tooling
aderemi adesada ● fausan hassan
sound design
saye bawa
