Opinion
Friday sermon: Allah will never forsake, disgrace or abandone you
Imam Murtadha Gusau
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
All praise is to Allah, the Lord of the universe, and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad, the seal of Prophets, and upon his household, companions, and all those who follow their example until the end of time.
“Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you; You keep good relations with your Kith and kin, you tell the truth, you help the poor and the destitute, you serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones.” [Sahihul Bukhari]
Respected brothers and sisters! By these great words, the Mother of Faithful Believers, Khadijah (RA), strengthened the heart of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), when he talked to her about the Angel that descended to him in the cave of Hirah. Expressing his fear, he (Peace be upon him) said to her:
“I fear that something may happen to me.”
The role of the righteous woman and wife was to relieve the severity of the hardship that affected the Prophet of mercy (Peace be upon him), following this hard difficult meeting with Angel Jibril; and to ensure him about Allah’s Care for him, proving that by referring to the virtuous morals that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to practice in his community. She is clarifying for him that Allah, Glory be to Him, will never disgrace him for one collective reason: he is preserving a group of social worships, so Allah, Glory be to Him, will never disgrace a person, who keeps good relations with kith and kin, who tells the truth, who helps the poor and the destitute, who serves his guests generously and who assists the deserving calamity-afflicted ones.
She is speaking to her husband as if she was a psychologist, a philosopher and a scholar, who is knowledgeable about Allah’s Divine rules in his creatures… By such words, she anticipated what the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon Him), said:
“Good deeds protect against bad ends, epidemic and ruin…” [Imam Al-Hakim]
Dear brothers and sisters! Wallahi, Allah will never disgrace this great heart that carries all this goodness for people. Sadness will never touch this heart.
Fear from people will never reach his soul. Happiness rather will fill his life, tranquility will fill his soul, bliss will overwhelm his life and the dust of misery will be shaken off his head.
Never… Your heart will not become sad as long as it carries goodness for people… Have glad tidings… The wound will be healed, all the pain will vanish away, and you will move forward in the way of life with this righteous heart, out of which light is overflowing to humans, to light up covered hearts, blind eyes and deaf ears.
By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you… You’re not that kind of people that Allah would disgrace; you’re not that servant that his Lord would abandon him, because you’re a servant, who does good deeds to the servants of Allah. You fed them when they were hungry, you clothed them when they were naked, and sympathised with the orphan. Thus, you acted as a father. You forgave those who did wrong to you. Thus, your forgiveness was like that of a mother towards her children. You have mercy like that of a father or a mother. These are the two merciful ones in this life. Allah did not disgrace you and will never disgrace you.
Enjoy your life! You keep good relations with kith and kin. You keep good relations even with those who abandoned you. You enrich the poor kin, and strengthen the weak kin. You are support for your people and a stake for your relatives. They did not hear but good words from you. They did not touch but good deeds from you. You are a son for their old, a father for their young and a brother for their fellows. You tell the truth. You never tell lies. You never cheat, you never commit perjury, or conceal the truth. You have never been charged of even one lie in your life. You have never been stained by the claws of lying even for a single moment.
You help the destitute. The destitute is that one, who can not afford his own needs. You do not only help him, but you support him! You even carry his stuff on your shoulders! No one seeks your help without having his need fulfilled, his weakness comforted and his heart pleased.
You serve your guests generously. What an honoured guest that you host! What a great guest that you serve! You prepared the kettles, provided the pillows and fulfilled the needs. Guests spend their nights at your home in safety and hospitality, and they leave it honoured and pleased.
You assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones. Life calamities are countless, and reality misfortunes are enormous. However, you help those afflicted till they overcome their calamities, and you help those agonised till they get over their agony. You are the aid of the miserable, treating their wounds and looking after their orphans.
His (Peace be upon him) friend is no Exception! Abu Bakr, his great student, his great companion, follows his steps and practices his morals. When he was tried, he emigrated towards the Land of Habasha, till he reached (Bark Al-Ghamad), where he met Ibn Ad-Dughunnah, the master of the (Peninsula). He asked, “Where are you going Abu Bakr?” Abu Bakr said, “My people ousted me, so I like to travel in the land, in order to worship my Lord.” Ibn Ad-Dughunnah said, “A person like you, Abu Bakr, should not be ousted. You keep good relations with your Kith and kin, you tell the truth, you help the poor and the destitute, you serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones. I’m your protector. Go back and worship your Lord in your land.”
Wallahi, Allah will never disgrace the doers of these good deeds. He will never abandon them in the face of a far disbeliever or a near oppressor. Those people are the most worthy of having the power in the land. They are the most deserving ones to have pleasure in this life and in the Hereafter. It was incumbent upon Allah to employ persons such as Ibn Ad-Dughunnah to love, assist and support them, so that good doers enjoy under the protection of Allah, Glory be to Him. Hence, you should do good deed so your heart is pleased and Allah will never disgrace you.
Our great religion (Islam), is not just to pray, to fast and to go to Hajj or Umrah many times, but also give to people their due rights. We need to pay attention to the people around us as well–our parents, our family, our neighbours, our guests, the poor and the destitute, people afflicted with calamities.
During the Prophet’s spiritual retreat in a cave of Hirah, outside Makkah, he encountered Angel Jibril (AS) and was given the first Message. Profoundly perplexed and heavy hearted, the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, rushed home and said to his wife, Khadijah Bint Khuwailid, Allah be pleased with her, “Cover me! Cover me! O Khadijah, what has happened to me? I fear for myself!”
How did his wife responded and comforted him? She said:
Never! I swear by Allah! He will never forsake you…you keep good relations with your kith and kin, you help the poor and the destitute, you serve your guests generously, you assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones.
She didn’t say, “Never! I swear by Allah, He will never forsake you..you pray, you fast, you spent a lot of time thinking about Allah…” because our relationship with Allah appears in our treatment of others, and she saw only the best of her husband by his excellent treatment of others.
This is the message from the tongue of the best woman of Paradise (Khadijah). It should remind us about the importance of choosing a righteous spouse (and to teach our children that) as well as keep family ties, help the poor and the destitute, serve the guests generously (don’t be stingy) and help those who are afflicted with calamities.
Our great religion (Islam) is a social religion and by you serving His creation well for His sake, you are serving Allah. One certainly cannot claim to be religious or righteous if one is not good and merciful to others.
So evaluate yourselves! How is your relationship with your parents, your children, your spouse, your family? How do you treat those under your charge, your neighbours, your teachers/students, your elders? What are you doing to help the poor, the needy and those afflicted with calamities? If you are oblivious of these things and lacking, change. They have certain rights in Islam and you have to give them their due rights and treat them in the best possible manner and Allah will not forsake you In Shaa Allah.
Dear servants of Allah! Allah will never leave you. No matter how difficult a situation, no matter how long you’ve been there, Allah is by your side.
“Allah will never forsake you, for you maintain the ties of kinship, you are true to your word, you bear the burdens of the weak, you give to people what no one else is able to give, you hospitably entertain your guests, and you help people who are afflicted with calamities.” [Sahihul-Bukhari]
And all praise is for Allah, Lord of all creation, who guided us to Islam and the Sunnah. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family, his Companions and his true and sincere followers.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.
This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Rajab 16, 1443 A.H. (February 18, 2022).
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Bismillah Rahmanir Raheem
On this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the good people of Kano State, particularly education stakeholders, parents, teachers, and students. May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and countless blessings to us all.
As we celebrate the completion of Ramadan, a month of sacrifice, reflection, and self-discipline, let us carry forward its invaluable lessons into our collective commitment to education. Just as Ramadan teaches us patience, perseverance, and generosity, we must apply these virtues in ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has access to quality education.
Education is the key to sustainable development, and our duty as a society is to nurture a system that is inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our children. The spirit of Ramadan encourages us to be more compassionate and proactive in addressing societal challenges. Let this spirit guide our continuous advocacy for improved educational policies, increased access to learning opportunities, and enhanced support for teachers and students.
As we mark this blessed day, I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, and development partners to renew their commitment to strengthening education in Kano State. Together, let us translate the lessons of sacrifice, discipline, and generosity into actionable steps toward building a future where every child has a fair chance to learn and thrive.
Eid Mubarak! May Allah (SWT) bless our efforts and grant us success in our quest for an enlightened and educated society.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu, is a Co-Chair (CSOs), Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE).
By Yushau Hamza
Politics, as a practice, should be driven by ideology, principles and commitment to a cause that aligns with the people’s needs and aspirations. The question of whether Nyesom Wike the minister of the FCT and former governor of rivers state is truly a politician or merely an opportunist manipulating political structures for personal gains has sparked debates within Nigeria’s political space. While he claims to be a staunch member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his recent political maneuvers suggest otherwise. Wike has for almost two years been seen actively working with the All Progressives Congress (APC), benefiting from its leadership while simultaneously being part of major internal turmoil within his own party, the people’s Democratic Party.
An ideological politician is someone who upholds a clear political philosophy and remains committed to their beliefs and party principles as such, regardless of personal interests or shifting political tides. Such a politician is guided by a vision for governance, policy-making, and national development, rather than self-serving ambitions.
Ideological politicians are often loyal to their party’s core values and are willing to defend them at all costs, even when faced with challenges.
Being a politician goes beyond holding a title or occupying a position in government. A true politician believes in and upholds a set of ideological principles and remains unshaken and even by his perceived self-interest, he chooses to Remains loyal to his party and its policies to Work for the collective goods rather than for his self-interest. Or better still he cross carpets
A true politician, Respects the democratic process and promotes political stability rather than discord. He engages in political participation that strengthens institutions rather than undermines them.
The Wike Dilemma of being a Politician or a Political Opportunist, raises serious concerns about his ideological stance. While he claims to be a PDP member, his actions align more with the interests of the APC. His role in engineering crises within the PDP, including an allegedly mastermind in the suspension of a democratically elected governor of rivers state, his overall grip on party leadership matters reveal a politician who is more interested in power dynamics than in ideological governance.
His involvement in another party’s administration without official defection, portrays him as a political opportunist rather than an ideological politician. He enjoys the benefits of APC leadership while refusing to fully commit to the party, leaving PDP in turmoil without a clear direction.
Wike has turned out to be a politician who straddles between two parties without clear allegiance, this action can be best described as a political mercenary ship, or an opportunistic power broker. Such individuals prioritize their personal ambitions over political consistency, switching alliances to secure their interests at the expense of democratic integrity.
Nyesom Wake’s political trajectory, challenges the notion of ideological consistency in Nigerian politics. His actions suggest that he is more of a strategic power player than a principled politician. If politics is to serve the people and democracy is to thrive, Nigeria needs leaders who embody ideological commitment rather than self-serving maneuvering. Wikes stances leaves all with a terrific question. Can politicians nowadays be trusted if their loyalty fluctuates between personal gains and party allegiance? Only time and the political practices in the Nigeria democratic terrain can live to tell.
Yushau Hamza writes from Kafinchiri town, Garko Local Government Area, Kano State.
By Abdulaziz Abdulaziz
As I readied myself to anchor a special Iftar dinner in honour of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu holding this evening thoughts about the man race in my mind: What is unique about the President? What do I admire about him? What are the memorable moments with him?
The story of the rise of Bola Tinubu from humble beginnings to the pinnacle is largely well known. There is no point regurgitating it. However, observing and working with man up close with bring to the fore many attributes that contribute in shaping his worldwide, his character, his leadership acumen and aided his rise to the top.
First, President Tinubu is very human and humane. He is human in the sense that he is humble, authentic and true to himself. No airs, no pride, no cosmetics. He relates well with his old friends, associates and staff in a convivial atmosphere devoid of haughtiness associated with people in power. He shares jokes less than he scorns. He could be stern and soft making sure that work atmosphere is not bereft of humanity or too jovial to be mistaken as laissez faire. He is generous with laughter when it is evoked but could be too sober in addressing serious issues that you’d wonder if he would breakdown. That’s the human part.
President Tinubu is also very humane. As a person, he is generous and compassionate to those he could reach with his hands. He never forgot friends or families of dead associates and colleagues. He kept to that even with his current tedious job. His good heart makes him the last person to hurt. Instead, he ignores. The President certainly bears no evil intentions against anyone or a collective. The story of his large-heartedness is well told that it warrants no repeating here. He accepts prodigal sons back with forgiving smile.
An important lesson from his life is steadfastness and perseverance. They brought him to where he is. President Tinubu, like the proverbial person who has been there for long, has surely seen a lot. He had seen changing times: real and fake smiles, shifting alliances, broken loyalties, back-stabbing, gang-ups, yet he remained focused and patien. Like the Rock of Gibraltar he remains unshaken and unperturbed. But God works in mysterious ways. For example, some of the arrowheads of Tinubu’s estrangement from a government he helped form in 2015 are today out in the cold. But while he took the unfortunate happenings of that period with steely resolve and perseverance, they are took weak to persevere being out of the table. While he was mature and statemanly, they crying hoarse like a kid deprived of precious doll.
As a leader, the President amazes me with his resolve to take bold even if costly decisions. He embodies the principle that leadership is not about taking popular decisions but about taking right decisions even if painful and inconveniencing. Like a physician on duty, President Tinubu’s administration of some painful reforms were not contemptuos of the feeling of the people, as some analysts alluded. They were, rather, out of courage to take necessary actions to stop the hemorrhage of our country. The hemorrhage may favour those of us now but if not stopped it would certainly prove fatal for our future.
The President was conscious that those actions were not popular. In fact, he was not unconscious that they could be costly politically like it was seen happen in many countries. But the statesman that he is he chose the country over himself. AlhamdulilLah! Mr the President is being proved right with the emerging light from the economic tunnel.
On the occasion of Mr President’s birthday I pray pervently for better health and greater wisdom as he steers the ship of the nation to the shore of progress, stability and development.
Happy birthday, Sir.
Abdulaziz is a Senior Special Assistant to the President and member of the Presidential Communication Team.
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