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Why I sponsored posthumous Hajj for Hausa musician Narambada – Sheikh Khalil
Maude Rabiu Gwadabe
Renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil says he sponsored a posthumous Hajj for Hausa singer Ibrahim Narambada to express his deep love for the late musician.
Mr Khalil disclosed this in an exclusive interview with KANO FOCUS on the sidelines of a conference organized by Bayero University Kano to commemorate Narambada’s legacy.
“In Alhaji Dandurgu’s song, Narambada said he didn’t want money but to be sponsored to perform the Hajj.
“When I learned that his wish was not fulfilled, I sponsored a pious man to perform the Hajj about 20 years ago with the hope that Allah records the reward in Narambada’s account.” Mr Khalil said.
The Islamic scholar explained that he loves Narambada for his outstanding qualities such as his deep knowledge, brilliance, good conduct, respect for his teachers, devotion to his mother and insistence that even his troupe members must be of good conduct.
“For example, in Sarkin Gobir’s song, Narambada said he has stopped lying even in his songs as he has passed 60 and was hoping to reach 70.” Mr. Khalil said.
Singing and Music in Islam
The Islamic scholar said there is nothing wrong in listening to music as singing is not a sin in Islam.
“Singing is like speaking. What you say determines whether it is sinful or not.” He explained.
He however said that music is contentious among Islamic scholars.
“Some scholars permit music without any reservations while some consider it absolutely sinful.
“However the most authentic position is that music is permissible but the context of its performance may be sinful.
“It is therefore sinful to perform music at a casino or brothel for example.” He said.
Mr. Khalil added that people who do not listen to music are losing out on the wisdom that is inherent in songs.
“Those that listen to music and songs will be wiser than those that do not.
“And those that do not listen to music have lost 50% of what they need to calm their minds and shape their lives.”
Who was Narambada?
Ibrahim Narambada was a Hausa traditional musician who was born in 1890 and died in 1963.
His father Mai Dangwale was from Filinge area of Niger Republic but settled at Tubali village in modern day Zamfara state where Narambada was born.
Narambada dominated the Hausa music scene during his life and left about 50 documented songs after his death.
His most famous songs include Dokin Iska Danhilinge, Madogara na Malam Iro, and Gwarzon Shamaki.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
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Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
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