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).
By Abdulaziz Abdulaziz
On Wednesday, October 2, the Daily Trust newspaper came out with the long overdue public apology to the Federal Government over its erroneous reporting of July 4, 2024, on the Samoa Agreement. It was a needful closure to a touchy controversy. It is a commendable gesture on part of the Media Trust management. It is not everyone that has the humility to admit wrongdoing. This has now settled the matter and brought to rubbles the scornful allegations contained in the story under reference.
The watery lead story of July 4, 2024 alleged that the Samoa Agreement, signed by the Federal Government (among other nations that constitute the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, also known as OACPS) with the European Union (EU) contained clauses that promote LGBTQ rights. To make it more salacious the story linked it to an imaginary $150 billion in benefits. Astonishingly, there is nowhere in the story evidence was provided to support both claims. There couldn’t have been as neither LGBTQ (or anything close to it) nor $150 billion was mentioned anywhere in the bulky multilateral document.
In its apology, Daily Trust said it agreed wholly with the verdict passed by the independent panel constituted by the Nigerian Media Complaint Commission (NMCC). The panel’s report released on September 23, 2024, following interrogation of the Federal Government’s complaint, was unequivocal. “The NMCC finds that the 403-page Samoa Agreement does not contain any clause that compels underdeveloped and developing nations to support the agitations by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community for recognition as a condition for getting financial and other supports from advanced nations. Indeed, there is no reference whatsoever in the agreement to the issue of LGBTQ.”
I was appalled by the story first as a professional, before anything else. My social media post on the day it was published harped on its lack of the rudimentary journalistic requirement, viz. evidence. It was a comment I could have made even if I were not in government. Frankly, it is still a wonder how that story passed the crucible of the Trust newsroom, where I had worked and knew the editorial rigour.
Expectedly, the story whipped up tempers. Tongues were set wagging, mostly in one direction and, because the story came from a medium trusted for its journalism, everyone –except for discerning professionals–took it to be the gospel truth. Fortunately, or not, the story came out on Thursday. For its socio-religious sensitivity, it instantly became the main topic of discussion everywhere, especially in the Muslim North. Our dear imams were enraged. I don’t blame them because, again, the story came from Trust!
As if the anger wasn’t enough, some opposition figures followed the fire with more tinder. They went about mobilizing some religious leaders overnight to come out hard on the government. The next day most of the imams went to the minbar writhing with anger armed only with the wrong information. They poured out invectives at a government they supported but which was now “courting calamity greater than the economic hardship” on its people, as one of them put it. President Tinubu, the administration and all of us working with it were anathematised for “selling out the country to promoters of LGBTQ”. There was nothing the government couldn’t do for money, it was said. The congregants left the mosques angrier.
In the ensuing days, professionals and media organisations, some of them known to be very critical of the current administration, came out to fault the reporting as lacking in merit. Those who gave outright verdicts against the Daily Trust story either through fact-checks or analyses include the BBC, PREMIUM TIMES, The Punch, Prof Farooq Kperogi, a Daily Trust columnist – Dr Suleiman A. Suleiman, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), among others. The expectation was for a clear and immediate retraction, as it was clear that the paper got it wrong. Bouyed by the emotional sermons and partisan support from some quarters, the paper held on despite acknowledging “lapses in our reporting”.
In the wake of the controversy, we went through great pains trying to explain why there was no wolf around the Samoa Agreement as the drafters of the Daily Trust story wanted Nigerians to believe. I asked: In what ways had the agreement altered provisions of the Nigerian laws on LGBTQ? What are the practical implications that indicate support? I got accursed, rather than answers. It was painful to see almost everyone, especially up North turn their back against reason choosing to go with the contorted story that failed to quote even a line from the agreement to support its claims.
Exasperating as it was, I don’t blame the clergy and the larger public for the harsh judgement. The blame lies squarely on the doorstep of Trust. And this is the purpose of this post-mortem piece. Journalistic powers are akin to those of a soldier with a gun. Releasing the trigger in the wrong direction could kill or maim the innocent, and no amount of apology or even reprimand of the culprit could cure the loss suffered by the innocent. This is why the old principle that says “if you’re in doubt, leave it out” is evergreen for journalism practice. As professionals, we know pretty well that rebuttal or retraction can never attain the mileage of the original. There are still multitudes out there that will not change opinions formed from the first story.
It is for this reason that responsible journalism is non-negotiable because as the great old Philip L. Graham, publisher of The Washington Post once said, “Journalism is the first rough draft of history.” That rough draft often has a way of sticking even if subsequent events invalidate its premise.
Yes, accountability journalism is a sine qua non for healthy democracy. However, as the legal maxim goes, he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. Accountability journalism is not a byword for stone-throwing because when all you do is throw stones you end up causing more harm than good. We must, at all times, ensure the sanctity of truth, fairness, and public good. As the celebrated American war reporter, Edward R. Murrow said, “[T]o be credible we must be truthful.”
As close with the bon mot from the grand Sardauna, Sir Ahmadu Bello, while admonishing the founding team of the New Nigerian Newspapers; “Tell the truth about us, tell us the truth about others”. We ask for no more.
Abdulaziz is Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Print Media.
Opinion
No Smoke Without Fire: Urgent Action Needed to Address FIRS’ Reckless Disruption of Healthcare in Kano
An open letter to the presidency
“There’s no smoke without fire” …Prompt action must be taken hook, line and sinker immediately.
Assalamu Alaikum, Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon you.
To President Tinubu, Hon. Minister of Health, Stakeholders and all Health Practitioners of Nigeria.
I am bitterly compelled to write to you today regarding a disturbing incident that transpired at Best Choice Specialist Hospital in Kano city.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) actions at this private hospital have demonstrated a blatant disregard for human life.
Patients and parents have reported to Alfijir Newspaper that operatives of FIRS with officials, armed with guns, stormed the hospital, threatening and forcing them to vacate the premises.
The general plebeians already vulnerable due to illness, were left to wander the streets of Kano in search of alternative healthcare, only to find that many medical facilities were unavailable due to an ongoing doctors’ strike.
It is unacceptable that the FIRS dispute with the hospital should infringe upon citizens’ right to healthcare.
This conflict affects not only the hospital but the people who seek medical attention.
Best Choice Specialist Hospital is renowned for its philanthropic efforts and commitment to providing quality healthcare to the most vulnerable members of our society.
The hospital’s management has consistently demonstrated compassion and empathy, offering free medical services to those who cannot afford them.
Their selflessness has saved countless lives and alleviated suffering.
The hospital’s community outreach programs have provided vital healthcare services to rural areas, addressing pressing health concerns such as maternal and child mortality.
Their collaboration with local organizations has facilitated health education, disease prevention, and awareness campaigns.
Moreover, Best Choice Specialist Hospital has been at the forefront of disaster response, providing emergency medical care during times of crisis.
Their staff’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental in saving lives and mitigating the impact of devastating events.
We urge the leaders of our great nation and the Human Rights Commission to take immediate action against this abuse of power.
Furthermore, We also implore the FIRS to reconsider their approach, recognizing that their rights do not supersede those of others.
“If your own children were in need of medical care, would you not prioritize their well-being above all else?”
Solemnly we request all the stakeholders to intervene to prevent future incidents and ensure the hospital can continue its lifesaving work.
We await your prompt response and resolution on to this critical matter.
Sincerely,
Editor-in-Chief, Alfijir Online Newspaper.
Yusha’u Hamza Kafinchiri Anipr
Air Peace, once renowned for its efficient service, has seemingly lost its footing in the Nigeria aviation industry. My recent ordeal on Flight P47425 from Kano to Abuja was a true picture that shows this decline.
Initially scheduled to depart at 9:55 pm on Monday, September 23, 2024, my flight was cancelled twice. The first notification read:
“Dear passenger, your Flight P47425 from Kano to Abuja…has been moved and will now depart at 14:40 on 23/09/2024 due to operational reasons.”
Upon arriving at the airport at 2:00 pm, I received another message.
Your flight is now rescheduled for 10:35pm due to same operational reasons.
Later at 10:00 pm, I collected my boarding pass and waited in the departure lounge, only to be informed of another delay.
At midnight, Air Peace Abuja-bound passengers protested the boarding of Lagos-bound passengers, demanding two aircraft be made available. After a tense standoff, aviation security personnel intervened, and both flights eventually departed around 1:16am.
My flight, which lasted a mere 34 minutes, landed peacefully at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 2:16 am. However, the journey was far from peaceful.
Air Peace’s struggles with operational efficiency have compromised passenger experience. Air travelers expect better communication, timely departures, and hassle-free flights. Air Peace must address these issues to regain passenger trust.
The airline must Improve communication regarding flight changes and delays and respect rescheadule timings.
They should enhance operational efficiency to minimize delays.
The management of air peace must provide adequate aircraft, staffing and resources to manage passenger flow or better still fold up and get out of business to save the country’s reputation in the eyes of other countries nationals traveling out domestic routes inland.
While my flight landed safely, the experience was marred by delays, chaos, and poor communication. Air Peace must prioritize passenger satisfaction to reclaim its reputation as a reliable carrier.
Yusha’u Hamza Kafinchiri Anipr,
Writes from Kadinchiri, Garko LGA,
Kano State.
KSCHMA coverage increased by 37% in 15 months – E.S
EU partners UNICEF to enhance school safety, quality education in Kano
Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers to Leverage Financial Expertise for Economic Growth
Dangote says Nigeria Can Become a Refining Hub
Bridge Connect Africa launches Women Against Violence project
Kano State Reforms: Sa’adatu Rimi University Reverts to College of Education Status
My turbulent experience with Air Peace flight P47425: A Night of delays and chaos
Kano College of Health Sciences gets new Provost
Asiwaju Tinubu: The demystifier of entrenched lazy rants and entitlements
