Mrs. Amanatu Ajibola Thomas was born in Freetown to Mrs Safura K. Thomas and Alhaji Bunani M. Thomas. She hails from the Aku Muhammadan Tribe commonly known as the Muslim Creoles, who were originally yourubas from Nigeria who were enslaved in UK and Later resettled in Foullah Town, Freetown.
She attended the Tower hill Municipal Primary School and then went to the Methodist Girls High School.
She is a counsellor and a passionate author who has written many articles on Islam, women and contemporary issues.
OCCUPATIONS AND SKILLS:
She Previously worked as the Financial Secretary of Royal Academy International High School.
She is the Manager for Jalika’s Drug Store.
She has founded Islamic organizations Like Islamic Da’wah Sisters where she is the National President and also the Muslim Women Advocacy Network-Sierra Leone where she is currently serving as the Executive Director.
NUMBER OF YEARS IN THE FIELD OF DAWAH:
Sis Amana Ajibola has been in the field of Dawah for 14 years now (Since 2005) and has made remarkable contributions especially in changing the lives of young girls in Sierra Leone.
BIGGEST OBSTACLE IN LIFE:
Despite her biggest obstacle in life which has been discrimination against her hijab to pursue Nursing and become a professional Nurse, she has been steadfast and focus in uplifting her Deen.
According to her, her upbringing is what has shaped her to who she is today. She was taught to practice Islam with utmost love and sincerity and to care for others more than herself.
HER PHILOSOPHY/S IN LIFE:
The saying that “There is nothing like impossibility when it comes to doing what is right.” is her philosophy in life.
HER GREATEST INFLUENCE DURING CHILDHOOD:
When asked about her greatest influence in life, she happily stated that her greatest influence is her Parents who did the best they can to raise her to who she is today.
HER VISION FOR ISLAM IN SIERRA LEONE IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS:
Sis Amana is optimistic that with unity among Muslims and effective Dawa with wisdom, Islam will be in every corner in Sierra Leone In Shaa Allah. This is what her vision for Islam is.
Describing her motivation to do what she is doing and known for, she narrates that A trip she undertook to Kamayimbo Village in Kabala district motivated her a lot to do what she is doing now in promoting Islam in her capacity. She witnessed first-hand how people were greatly suffering. In general, she always love to see people happy. This motivated her greatly.
HER TURNING POINT IN LIFE:
Her turning point in life came in time of Allah’s guidance after making duah and wearing the Hijab!
HER ADVISE TO EVERYONE FROM HER PERSONAL LIFE:
“No matter the situation or company you find yourself in, always please Allah first.”
“Never stop challenging the obstacles in life for a failing experience properly utilised is a motivational tool for greater achievement.”
HER PRIDE:
Her continuity in protecting her faith and modesty, and her determination to ensure there is an upgrade and sustainability in the status, rights and freedom of Muslim women through advocacy has been what she holds as a pride.
HOW WOULD SHE LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED:
Sis. Amanatu Thomas would like to be remembered as a person who gives her all
to ensure others become better in the path of Allah and in achieving their
dreams. A fighter against the injustices, discriminations and domestic abuse
faced by women and someone who can put a smile in the heart and on the face of
anyone that crossed her path.
PROJECTS/ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN:
She has pioneered and undertaken series of activities towards Islamic and National Development. Events like the Hijab Advocacy March (2019), Weekly food preparation for the less privileged, Donations to the disabled, deaf and dumb, yearly provincial tour with donations, Masjid renovations and fundraising, yearly hospital tour with donations, Visitations to the Female Correctional Centre, Visitation to the house of the aged, Ramadan cooking items and clothing distribution, Iftaar, Ramadan donations to the orphans and widows, Rotational Friday Dawah, Weekly Islamic Classes for adults, Daily Islamic Classes for Children and Construction of boreholes.
HER FAVOURITE BOOKS:
Her favourite book is the Quran, which she believes is the constitution of her life, the guiding principle of her day-to-day running.
HER HOBBY:
Her hobby is to write. Writing is genetic from her family! She is just like her Journalistic Father and it helps her to express the feelings, pains and thoughts about the voiceless and to address the issues that have been left unsolved. No wonder she has written series of articles.
THE TEACHER THAT HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON HER:
She said it is Sheikh Muhammad Marrah (May Allah have mercy upon him) who have had the greatest impact on her.
Sis Amanatu Thomas is Happily married to Dr. Sulaiman Jalloh.