Abuja — The annual Islamic Da'wah vacation course for children between the ages of four years and above yesterday kicked off at the Arrahman International School, Asokoro, Abuja.

The course titled 'Endemic Degeneration: Islamic Solution,' is meant to run till January 1, 2008.

The chairman of the organising committee of the course, Alatise Ismail, said the theme of the course was arrived at after assessing the abnormal happenings in the society.

He said there was the need for self examination, adding that Islam has provided the avenue for such examination.

He assured the participants that their attitude towards life would improve tremendously for the better at the end of the course.

City News learnt that the Islamic vocational course has been in existence since 1996 and is aimed at bringing Muslim children together to enlighten them of the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed as well as the best way to utilize their time during the holiday period.

Delivering a paper titled 'Endemic Degeneration, Engr. Musa Aliyu, the Amir of the Abuja Muslims Forum, advised the participants to always associate with God.

He stressed on the need for Muslim to be acquainted with Islamic ethics in order to better mankind.

Engr. Aliyu also called on the Imams to always centre their sermons on current issues affecting the society.

"When we recognise evil actions, we should change it by providing positive solutions," he said.

The speaker advocated for a sound family structure for every Muslims and called for the setting-up of an Islamic Bank that would issue out micro-credits to those willing to go into business.

The registration officer of the course, Ustaz Yunusa Salahudeen told City News that over 300 children registered for the course this year.

He said the registration is free and has not closed.

Other programmes expected to take place during the camping period include guidance and counselling lectures, marriage seminar, quiz and Quranic competition, Tafsir, capacity building and sports.