Opinion
Friday Sermon: Say The Truth Any How Bitter It Is!
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 bear 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! Know that, to acquire divine knowledge is to inherit a Prophetic legacy of action and propagation. The learned are like radiant beacons of light moving between sheathes of darkness. They are the glowing effects of the Prophets of Allah, through whom He conveyed His covenant to man. Their presence illuminates the paths of those who come near them. On the authority of Abu Darda (RA), the Prophet (Peace be upon him) says:
“The learned are the heirs of the Prophets who bequeath neither dinar nor dirham but only knowledge; and he who acquires it, has in fact acquired an abundant portion.” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Central to every messenger’s duty was his conveyance and transmission of the message of truth. The heirs of that legacy protract that learning, conveying and proactively blotting out the murk of ignorance and misguidance whenever they encounter it. Allah Almighty says:
“O Messenger! transmit what has been sent down to you from your Lord. If you do not do it you will not have transmitted His Message.” [Qur’an, 5:67]
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) further informs:
“Convey from me even a verse…” [Bukhari].
The right of truth is for it to be imparted, not hidden or obscured. In Arabic, the word for ‘worthy‘ (ahaq) derives from the word for ‘truth’ (haq). This implies that the truth is the worthiest pursuit and objective. Both appear in the following verse:
“Ask (them, O Prophet), “Can any of your associate-gods guide to the truth (al-Haq)?” Say, “(Only) Allah guides to the truth.” Who then is more worthy (ahaq) to be followed: the One Who guides to the truth or those who cannot find the way unless guided? What is the matter with you? How do you judge?” [Qur’an, 10:35]].
Respected servants of Allah! For one to refrain from imparting what is true, or worthiest for that moment, despite being able to, when such can rectify another person’s misguidance, resolve a schism or stand in the face of an injustice becomes tantamount to consent. One can only see their refraining a worthier (ahaq) endeavour if they first undermine (falsify) that truth (haq) being concealed. And as the nature of truth is to be imparted (both clear and clarifying), like intense light which burns away the dusk, forcing it to stay concealed within oneself will bridle its holder with its unbearable heat. On the authority of Abdullah Bin Amr Ibn Al-As (RA), the Prophet (Peace be upon him) says:
“Whoever conceals knowledge Allah will bridle him with reins of fire on the Day of Resurrection.” [Ibn Hibban]
Dear brothers and sisters! Such deplorable behaviour was rampant among the followers of Judaism and their clergymen. Seeing themselves as Allah’s ‘Chosen People’, they absolved themselves from the need to salvage ‘other’ gentiles from misguidance. In effect, they saw themselves exclusively worthy of Allah’s mercy and absolution. This cultish demeanour with the truth and their failing to share their knowledge with others, to guide them or speak truth to people brought about their corresponding removal from His Mercy, culminating in Allah’s curse (La’anah). Allah Almighty says:
“Those who hide the Clear Signs and Guidance We have sent down, after We have made it clear to people in the Book, Allah curses them, and the cursers curse them.” [Qur’an, 2: 159]
Some of them even earned by way of their consensual silence:
“They are people who listen to lies and consume ill-gotten gains…” [Qur’an, 5:42].
They listened to lies silently, ‘Samma’un’, failing to denounce the falsehoods they heard which forms the crux of why they were cursed. And though they were not heard, or necessarily known to be proponents of that falsehood, their silence spoke just as loud.
There is little doubt that they knew their silence, as people of scripture and knowledge, would deliver that effect without needing to openly profess falsehood. Had they spoken in support of falsehood, Allah would have instead called them ‘mutakalimun bil-batil’ or ‘speakers of falsehood’, but their silence was enough to make them culpable for the lies peddled by others.
Correspondingly, their consuming “ill-gotten gains” was to their earning by way of that silence or in today’s terms, they were ‘Scholars for Dollars.’ Those who had reason to pay them off knew of their reformatory impact, as learned men, should they have spoken out. It also speaks volumes about what the peddlers of lies are prepared to offer those who know the truth in extortions, or in new terms, ‘hush money’ in exchange for staying quiet. Today, this presents as one of the most abominable phenomena among learned men under many absolutist regimes.
A group of them once approached the Prophet (Peace be upon him) seeking his judgement for two who had committed adultery. On the authority of Abdullahi Bin Umar (RA), he said:
“The Torah was brought, and then one of the followers of Judaism put his hand over the Divine Verse of the stoning to death and started reading what preceded and what followed it. On that, (the companion) Ibn Salam (RA) said to him: ‘Lift up your hand.’ The Divine Verse of the stoning was under his hand.” [Bukhari and Muslim].
Beloved servants of Allah! Notice how the man in question was cautious not to openly deny that the verse existed. Instead, putting his hand over it, his actions were synonymous to promoting the falsehood in question. Allah Almighty says:
“People of the Book! why do you mix truth with falsehood and knowingly conceal the truth?” [Qur’an, 3: 71]
Some will argue that silence is more palatable to the masses. Countering a falsehood may compromise one’s popularity or charisma, being likely to stir up mass objection or loss of ‘followers’ or loss of worldly gain. These may focus their activism around palatable messages and affectionate, more acceptable narratives (the ‘known’ or the ‘ma’ruf’). They may even have little wealth, drive cheap cars or wear simple clothes but their words are cleverly crafted so as not to stir up the tastes of their crowds. Sufyan al-Thawri (rahimahullah) is reported to have said:
“Many are ascetic with respect to their food and drink but compete for fame or leadership like two mules butting heads.” [Jami’ul Masa’il].
Imam al-Thawri’s words tell that being an ascetic is not by one’s mere abstinence from taking corporate gifts or large pay cheques or by wearing rugged clothes. Instead, one can also choose to be austere with respect to their presence, platforms and audiences, seeing no reason to compete for these ultimately material returns. Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Tarifi says:
“Whoever witnesses the inviolability and status of Islam being defied, or people’s right being violated, but fails to speak in order to maintain his own status, Allah will take away from his own status as much as that appropriated from Islam because you reap what you sow.”
It becomes not only incumbent on those who recognise evil to contest it, but follows that it is better and undeniably ‘safer’ to be ignorant of an unfolding evil than to recognise it and choose silence over speaking.
All praises and thanks are due to Allah alone, Lord of the worlds. 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, Safar 5, 1444 AH (September 02, 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.