Opinion
[Friday sermon] International Women’s Day?
By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy
All praise is for Allah, we praise Him, we seek His help, we ask for His forgiveness, and we seek refuge with Allah from the evils of our own souls and the wickedness of our actions, whoever Allah guides, there is none that can lead him astray, and whoever Allah allows to go astray, there is none that can lead him to the right path.
I testify and bare witness that there is no deity worthy of worship in truth but Allah, alone, without any partners. And I testify and bare witness that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His Servant and Messenger. As for what’s after:
Dear brothers and sisters! The international day of women is a celebration which was invented to commemorate the movement of women’s rights. It was first celebrated on the 8th March 1910. Before that the European women where humiliated and disrespected when Islam came to uplift them and give them a high status more than 1400 years ago. Unfortunately, some of our dear sisters who perhaps do not know the importance Islam gave them are seduced by this celebration and take part in this. So what does Islam say about this festival?
Respected servants of Allah! To answer this question, I will use some speech and verdict of our late Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Salih Ibn Uthaimin (may Allah have mercy on him) about celebrating Mother’s Day. He says:
“All celebrations which differ from the Eids prescribed in Islam are innovated festivals which were not known at the time of the righteous predecessors (the Salaf). They may also have come from the non-Muslims, in which case as well as being an innovation (bid’ah) they are also an imitation of the nonbelievers. The festivals which are prescribed in Islam are well known to the Muslims: they are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and the weekly “Eid” of Jumu’ah. There is no other festival in Islam apart from these three. All the festivals that have been invented apart from these are to be rejected because they are innovations and are false according to the laws of Allah, because the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.”
Meaning: It will be thrown back at him and will not be accepted by Allah Almighty.
According to another version:
“Whoever does any deed that is not part of this matter of ours will have it rejected.”
Once this is clear, then it is not permissible to show any of the signs of festivity on the celebration mentioned, namely International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day. It is not permissible to show joy and happiness, or to offer gifts, and so on.
The Muslim should feel proud of his religion and adhere to the limits set by Allah and His Messenger (Peace be upon him) in this religion, which Allah has chosen for His servants, and he should not add anything or take anything away. What the Muslim should also do is not to follow every new idea that comes along, rather his character should be in accordance with the Shari’ah of Allah so that he will be a leader and example, not a follower, because the Shari’ah of Allah – praise be to Allah – is complete in all ways as Allah Almighty says:
“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”
A women’s or mother’s right wallahi is greater than having just one day in the year to be honoured, rather the mother’s right over her children is that they should take care of her and obey her, so long as it does not involve disobedience towards Allah, at all times and in all places.” [Majmu’ Fatawa of Shaykh Ibn Uthaimin, vol. 2, page 301]
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“The worst of matters are those which are newly-invented (in religion), and every innovation is a going-astray.” [Narrated by Muslim and al-Nasa’i]
Al-Nasa’i’s report adds the words:
“And every going astray will be in the Fire.”
Moreover, this innovation has come to us from societies in which bad and evil manners are shown to women. So they think that honouring their women folk for one day will erase their evil treatment towards her during the rest of the year. But we Muslims have been commanded to honour our mothers, sisters, wives and daughters. Honouring one’s mother or wife does not come to an end even when she dies, for she is honoured in life and in death. That is done by offering the funeral prayer for her, praying for forgiveness for her and honouring her family and friends. Let us adhere to this great religion and follow its etiquettes and rulings, for in it is sufficient guidance and mercy. Abdullah Ibn Umar said:
“The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” [Reported by Abu Dawud]
Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taimiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“This at the very least indicates that it is haram (prohibited) to imitate them, although the apparent meaning is that the one who imitates them is a kafir (nonbeliever).” [Iqtida Siratal-Mustaqim]
We are therefore forbidden to imitate the non Muslims and we must differ from them in every and any way possible. We do not take anything from their ways especially in Aqidah (belief), Ibadah (acts of worship) and Eid (celebrations).
This is about the actual Islamic ruling about this. Even the reality of the matter tell us there are no benefits in taking part in this, especially in the African context where we see women falling into sins towards their husbands. Just for one day, some of our sisters and mothers would force their husbands to clean the house, go to the market and cook, claiming they have been doing that throughout the year. We ask them, are you also willing to do your husband’s job for one day? They will make problems and disrespect their husbands because they want the uniform of the festival, some of them go to extreme until we heard of women applying glue to their private parts so that their husband won’t have intimate relations with them. And Allah’s help is sought.
It may also be that the man himself doesn’t know and recognise the rights that his women folk has on him and maybe this is the reason his female relative make it a big deal to celebrate this. Allah the Most High said:
“And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.”
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:
“The best of you are those who are the best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives.” [Reported by at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]
In another Hadith He said:
“You never spend anything but you will be rewarded for it, even the morsel of food that you lift to your wife’s mouth.” [Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad, was asked:
“What did the Prophet use to do in his house?” She replied, “He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was the time for prayer he would go for it.” [Reported by Al Bukhari]
Respected brothers and sisters! Islamic Shari’ah honours women and raises them to a lofty status, with the aim of protecting them and preserving their dignity. Thus, a woman’s guardian or husband is obligated to provide for her, support her, answer to her needs and live honourably with her. Allah Almighty states:
“…and live with them honourably.”
It has been also confirmed that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) stated that:
“The best of you is the best to his family and I am the best to my family.”
Moreover, Islam grants a woman all the appropriate rights and legal responsibilities. Allah the Most High states:
“And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) according to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.”
In addition, a woman is obligated to carry out the same acts of Ibadah (worship) and commands that men are, such as Taharah (ceremonial purification), Salah (Prayer), Zakah (obligatory charity), Sawm (Fasting), Hajj and many other forms of worship.
However, Shari’ah grants a woman half the share of man’s inheritance since she is not obligated to provide for herself, her household or her children, contrary to the man. Add to this that a man’s wealth is liable to reduction by means of entertaining guests, paying blood money, paying compensation and the like. In some cases, the testimonies of two women equal the testimony of one man, since women are more prone to forget than men due to their special nature.
They have the menses, they become pregnant, they give birth and raise children. All of these things can affect a woman’s ability to remember accurately. That is why, evidence from Shari’ah makes it necessary for two woman to bear witness together to be sure. On the other hand, there are some issues that are solely related to women when it is enough for one woman to testify, such as cases of suckling, marital problems and the like.
Furthermore, women and men are rewarded equally for their belief (Iman) and righteous deeds, in enjoying the life of this world, and in being recompensed greatly in the Hereafter. Allah Almighty states:
“Whoever works righteousness – whether male or female – while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).”
This proves that women have rights and duties just as men have rights and duties. Some matters suit men better and that is why Allah charges men with them, while other matters suit women better and that is why Allah charges women with them.
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
In conclusion, although many other things can be mentioned, I advice our sisters to learn about the rights their Lord, Allah Almighty and their Prophet have given them and to let then non Muslims women waste their time and energy for something they would have if they came to Islam.
My dear sister, may Allah bless you and grant you success, wallahi Allah has elevated you and you do not need one day out of the year to feel important, you are a gem and your value is unestimated.
As for you my brother, then educate yourself about the rights your women folk have on you and help them to fight and remove these chains the non Muslims are trying to put on them, do this through giving them their due rights, by showing them you love and care for them, by showing them they are important and valued every day of the year.
May Allah Almighty rectify the Muslims and make them proud and pleased with what Allah and his Messenger legislated for them is all aspects of live.
Allah surely knows best and he is the Lords of the universe and May his peace and blessing be on his Messenger, his family, his companions and those who follow them.
I ask Allah, the Most High to grant us success and enable us to be correct in what we say and write, ameen.
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, Sha’aban 8, 1443 A.H. (March 11, 2022).
Opinion
Tribute to Abubakar Sadik Sunusi Bature (Modibbo) 2009 TO 2024
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Verily, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return)
By Ibrahim Yaro Dawakin Tofa
Oh Abubakar, my dear son, you left us too soon. Your passing has left a void in our lives that can never be filled. I remember your calm and humble nature, your kindness, and your responsibility. You were a shining example of a young man who had a bright future ahead of him.
I wish you and Nuruddeen Ibrahim Yaro grew up together to become close friends like I and Sunusi. Your friendship was a beautiful thing to see, and I have no doubt that you both would have achieved great things together.
Nuruddeen, my dear son, I offer my heartfelt condolence to you. May Allah grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories of your friendship with Abubakar bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
Abubakar, my dear son, I remember the effort your father made to take you to India in search of good health and well-being. He spared no expense in ensuring your happiness and health. I recall telling your father, “Malam yaron nan ka jiyar da shi duk wani dadi da za ka iya saboda ka ga sikila ne” (You are the closest person to your father, and he would do anything to make you happy). And indeed, he did everything humanly possible to make you happy.
It’s heartbreaking to hear that Abubakar Sadik had a dream that remained unfulfilled at the time of his passing. Becoming a barrister, and the head of Sunusi Bature’s household as the first son was clearly important to him, and it’s sad that he didn’t get to realize that goal.
It’s a reminder that life can be unpredictable and fragile, and sometimes our plans and dreams are cut short. But even in death, Abubakar’s memory and legacy can live on through the stories, memories, and impact he had on those around him.
May his family and loved ones find comfort in the memories they shared with him and the dreams he had, even if they weren’t fully realized. May they also find strength in the support of their community and the knowledge that they are not alone in their grief.
Good night, Modibbo. May Allah grant you Jannatul Firdausi and reunite you with your loved ones in the hereafter.
Condolence to Nuruddeen Ibrahim Yaro
Nuruddeen, my dear son, may Allah grant you the strength and courage to continue on the path of righteousness and responsibility, just like your dear friend Abubakar. You both had a special bond, and I pray that Allah reunites you both in the hereafter.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Verily, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return)
May Allah grant Abubakar Sadik Sunusi Bature Jannatul Firdausi and comfort his family and loved ones. Ameen.
Ibrahim Yaro Dawakin Tofa Talban Alajawa
27th October 2024”
Opinion
Prodigal Daughter – Now, proudly my Boss: Dr. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, Minister of State, Education
Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu
It is not often that one gets the rare opportunity to witness the birth of a star. I count myself to be privileged to have done so.
In 1980 I started my employment as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Education, Bayero University Kano. As was the case at the time, I was allocated a housing apartment in Zoo Road. Two of my neighbors were Isma’ila Abubakar Tsiga and Sa’idu Ahmad Babura. I was a bachelor, and both had families and treated me with utmost respect, despite the age gap. Both were older than me, and both became my lifelong friends. So much that they opened up the doors of their homes and minds to me and got me deeply involved in literature (they were both in the Department of English BUK). If you are looking for the precise moment the seeds of my literary tree were watered, it was in Zoo Road.
In 1981 Sa’idu’s wife gave birth to a stunningly beautiful baby girl. She was named Suwaiba. I remember holding her in my hands and saying the prayers I could for her long life and prosperity. We later went to the naming ceremony in Baɓura — it was the first time I was in the town, and I was stuck by the serenity of the place.
That child soon bloomed into an undergraduate B.Sc. Ed Chemistry student. Incredibly brilliant, and emerging the top of her class. No surprises there – she and her other siblings were simply the top of their class wherever they find themselves, due to the incredibly liberal, but supportive family atmosphere that pervades the house. Although there was firmness. For instance, she wanted to study medicine after high school, but her dad insisted on her studying education. She came to me crying to intervene. I tried, but he was adamant it has to be education. After back and forth we decided she should obey her father and study Education. She agreed but vowed to return to school to study Medicine after she has finished with Education.
I can easily sympathize, in reverse. My father wanted me to study Medicine, I don’t! So, I ended up in Science Education – just like Suwaiba. How, look where she is – following parental counsel, she was blessed to be at the top of the game. Oh, she decided not to come back for Medicine after all – Education was just too good.
Employing her in 2005 after she graduate in the Department of Education under the able leadership of (now) Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, the current Vice-Chancellor of Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University (KHAIRUN) was a boon to the Department. She was easily the hardest working staff member, always eager to be part of a team, often taking leadership control if the ship seems rudderless.
In 2007 the University created Science and Technical Education Department. I, together with Suwaiba, (now) Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas (current Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University Kano), and a few others were deployed to the new Department. She started her Masters degree under my supervision. I could barely keep up with her ballistic enthusiasm, a trait she inherited from her father, Prof. Sa’id Ahmad Babura.
As my “daughter” (her reference to me has always been “Baba Abdalla”, endearing me further to the family), she became my protégé. I became her Head of Department from 2010-2013, and we got heavily involved in NGO activities in teacher training, for she is extremely dedicated to Teacher education. She spent 15 years in international NGO activities in improving teacher education programs.
She finished her Master’s degree in record time and almost immediately rolled over to a PhD, but this time in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, finishing in 2014. She was the first female from Jigawa State to obtain a PhD in the rare field of Science Education. Her Google Scholar profiles her impressive research in Chemistry Education, Science Education and Gender Studies. Her ResearchGate profile highlights one of the first experimental uses of AI ChatGPT in Organic Chemistry Classrooms – demonstrating her future-oriented focus on embracing AI in high school education.
In every workshop setting, I would just down and watch her proudly as she explained the various techniques of teaching to teachers in Kano and Jigawa States. She developed a series of teacher training modules for international NGOs that were used in teacher training refresher programs. When she finished her doctoral studies in 2014, I had already migrated to the Department of Mass Communication in October 2012. She was visibly unhappy about my moving away because we taught a course on the Philosophy of Science together which she really enjoys. I assured her I will always be around the corner.
Administratively, she also earned her laurels. From 2018 to 2020 she became the first female to become the Head of Science Education, then Sub-Dean Academics in the Faculty of Education, and eventually Associate Professor of Chemistry Education. Due to her brilliant performances, she was appointed Director,
Center for Gender Studies from 2020 to 2024, a position she impressively held, forming a womanist, rather than feminist focus on gender issues, especially education, in a traditional society. In this, she was mentored by Prof. Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa’i, the former Honorable Minister of Education (2010-2013), also from Jigawa State. Bayero University remains proud of its women Education Ministers – and all from the same State!
It was from there that she jumped to be the Provost Jigawa State College of Education, Ringim in March 2024. And in October 2024, she was nominated the Minister of State, Education.
At 43, she is young. That’s for sure. For sure also, that is her biggest advantage. She promises fresh air of future learning with her demonstrable competencies in field-tested qualitative research, Artificial Intelligence and focus on scientific learning among young people, particularly young girls.
I am proud of Suwaiba as a daughter. Proud of her as a colleague. Proud of her as a protégé. Now, as the recently appointed Minister of State, Education, I am proud of her as my boss. Allah Ya ƙara basira da albarka.
This was first published on Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu’s Facebook account.
Opinion
Kano bags National Council on Education award
Yusha’u Hamza Kafinchiri, ANIPR
Kano state has been awarded best state in Nigeria by the National Council on Education (NCE) for its outstanding performance for submitting its report based on national policy.
Kano state government delegation led by state commissioner of Education Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa received the award at the 68th NCE’s meeting held in Abuja.
Doguwa who received the award on behalf of the state government said it is a prestigious award for Kano being the most outstanding state in reporting based on national policy compliance.
This outstanding recognition is borne out of the State government’s commitment and the determination of his excellency the executive governor of Kano State Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf to prioritise education, having met the sector in disarray.
The government’s Commitment to provide high-quality education in the State through its reforms and partnership, has led to his excellency’s serious reforms within just one year of his administration.Ths include the review of the state 60 years old Kano state education law and 5 other obsolete education policies.
The event was passionately graced by the Minister of Education, Mal. Tahir Mamman and the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu. The permanent secretary FME, 36 state commissioners of education and captains of the industry.
The award highlights Kano State’s dedication to aligning its education policies with national standards. Through an update report of policy Implementation on which the state government received the award.
The administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has made an impactful significant stride in education and human capital development, by recognizing education as the backbone of the society.
The governor has already declared a state of emergency in the education sector and convened a multi billion naira recovery stimulus conference (education recovery conference) in which strategy is drawn for robust sector reform in collaboration with PLANE Nigeria and AREWA consultative forum
The ministry of education according to Doguwa is committed to continuing this excellent work, ensuring that pupils and students in the state receive the best possible education to thrive in their future endeavors.
Yusha’u Hamza Kafinchiri, ANIPR,
is a Director Monitoring and Evaluation,
Ministry of Education,
Kano State.