By Imam Murtadha Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.

Dear brothers and sisters! Acquisition of knowledge is sine qua non for all human beings to enable them to have basic information and act according to the principles of the religion. In fact, no religion and no ideology place as much emphasis on education and knowledge as much as Islam does and makes the seeking of knowledge and application of what has been learnt mandatory for both men and women. Thereby, knowledge is one of the indispensable pillars upon which the edifice of Islam has been erected. Notwithstanding, education is a prevalent accusation raised against Islam today and the discrepancy in educational opportunities between men and women in many Muslim countries is often adduced as a primary instance of this.

Respected brothers and sisters! Women and girls have been victims of ruthless power struggles for centuries in all societies and cultures around the world.

Sadly, but truly, many societies including some Muslim societies continue to exercise this patriarchy in different forms such as the denial to education, unequal salaries compared to men in workplaces, forced marriages and prostitution, among many others.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) came at a time when the Arab society, like so many patriarchal societies at that time, was rife with abhorrent practices against girls. He preached Islam, liberating women and girls in every walk of life, education being a prime aspect. This sermon examines the facts about the importance of female education in Islam. It does so through referencing verses of the Qur’an, Islam’s noble book, and Hadith, authentic traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), along with offering a short glimpse of his wive’s level of education.

Let me start with the first Qur’anic revelation. Allah Almighty says:

“Read in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clinging form. Read! Your Lord is the Most Generous, who taught by means of the pen; taught man what he did not know.” [Qur’an, 96:1-5]

These Qur’anic verses address humankind to seek knowledge and delve in critical thinking. The emphasis laid in the acquisition of knowledge, in the above Qur’anic verses, surpasses any statement or action denying girls the right to education. Had these Qur’anic verses only been for men, it would be inconceivable to imagine the extent of progression that the society made in a mere twenty-three years — the entire duration of the revelation of the noble Qur’an.

In another verse in the Qur’an, Allah the Most High says:

“(This is) a Book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.” [Qur’an, 38:29]

It is important to mention that the word “men” in the above Qur’anic verse refers to humankind as it does so in several other places in the Qur’an when Allah addresses humanity. These and other Qur’anic verses inform the readers that engaging in critical thinking is a moral obligation on both men and women. The Qur’an repetitively reminds people to ponder, to think, to analyse, thus using their mind power to contemplate and understand, whilst making no distinction between men and women.

Let me now examine some Hadith, authentic sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). He (Peace be upon him) said:

“Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim.”

And also:

“He who has a girl (daughter) and teaches her good manners and improves her education and then manumits and marries her, will get a double reward; and any servant who observes Allah’s right and his master’s right will get a double reward.”

And also:

“If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, Allah will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks knowledge, the inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man. The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion.”

Three important themes around education are emerging in the above Prophetic Hadiths. From the first Hadith we infer that education is not a right but a responsibility on every Muslim, male or female. In the second Hadith, emphasis is laid on the quality of education imparted to the girl and the latter part deals with the encouragement to free slaves (Islam denounced and later abolished slavery). The third Hadith speaks volumes about the superiority of the person who seeks knowledge over the one who does not. The reference here to superiority is to the person who seeks knowledge, man or woman.

We shall now examine information about the intellectual abilities of two wives of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him): Khadijah and Aisha.

1. Khadijah Bint Khuwailid: The first wife of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), was a wealthy tradeswoman, the richest woman in Makkah at the time, who exported goods as far away as Syria (Sham). To manage her large business, she employed several males and to do so then in Arabia, necessitated that you have a high level of understanding and wisdom.

2. Aisha Bint Abubakar: The youngest wife of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), was very talented and possessed an incredible memory. As a Muslim scholar, she is credited with narrating more than two thousand Hadith and was noted for teaching eminent scholars. She had a great love for learning and became known for her intelligence and sharp sense of judgment. Her life also substantiates that a woman can be a scholar, exert influence over men and women and provide them with inspiration and leadership. The example of Aisha in promoting education, particularly education of women in the laws and teachings of Islam, is a hallmark in female education in Islam. Because of the strength of her personality, she was a leader in every field of knowledge, in society and in politics.

Dear servants of Allah! Islam advocates educating women and enlightening them about the teachings of religion, as this greatly influences the life of women as well, as those of their children in the future. As Hafiz Ibrahim, the Poet of the Nile said:

“The mother is a school; if she is well-prepared, a noble nation is prepared.”

Besides, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) addressed women saying:

“O womenfolk….”

He even specified a day on which he used to address them; when some female Companions said to him:

“Men are always with you. So, specify a day for us.”

He indeed specified a day on which he met them, admonished them and commanded them… [Bukhari and Muslim]

Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) used to urge women to teach each other. For example, he said to Ash-Shifa Bint Abdullah Al-Adawiyyah:

“Teach Hafsah the Ruqyah (protective and healing supplications) for Namlah (Namlah literary means ‘ant.’ It is a skin disease where pustules appear on the side of the body and they are swallowed like ants), just as you taught her writing.” [Ahmad and Al-Hakim]

The mothers of the believers, such as Aisha and Hafsah, used to explain and teach matters of the religion to women. This was also the guidance of other male Companions, for they were keen on teaching their wives and informing them about the teachings of the religion, especially rulings that are specific to women, such as those related to ritual purification, menstruation, postpartum bleeding, prayer, marriage, divorce, breastfeeding, and so on. Some Companions used to hold gatherings of knowledge in their homes in order to teach their children and daughters.

Imam An-Nawawi transmitted on the authority of Qatadah who was a Tabi‘i, that:

“Whenever Anas Ibn Malik completed the recitation of the whole Qur’an, he used to gather his family and supplicate Allah (Du’a).” [Abu Dawud]

On the whole, Islamic scholars were keen on teaching women. History has recorded the biographies of women who were knowledgeable in religion and were taught by their fathers, brothers and husbands. Such men present shining examples in caring for and educating both men and women without discrimination. Life i.e. daily obligations and duties did not divert them from their duty towards their families until their sons and daughters grew into excellent role models in knowledge and piety.

Here, I will mention the biographies of some women who learnt from their fathers and husbands. The purpose of this is to highlight the woman’s position in Islam. Women Islamic scholars were appreciated by Muslim biographers, and therefore, they included them in their classifications of great figures and biographies. It is hoped that this will urge women students to exert their best efforts in learning religion and mastering what is beneficial for them in their scientific and practical lives.

These women scholars specialised in different branches of knowledge at different ages. The names of women Companions have not been included because they are numerous and well-known. Rather, I will mention women from among the Tabi‘is and their successors:

1. Asma’u Bint Asad Ibn Al-Furat

Her father was the Maghrib’s (North-West Africa) famous scholar and judge. She was her father’s only daughter and he used to teach her the noble Qur’an, Hadith and Fiqh. She used to attend her father’s assemblies of knowledge (Halqah) and contribute to debates. When her father was appointed as the army’s commander in order to conquer Sicily, he attained a great victory and besieged the city of Sousse, but was killed there in 213 AH. Asma’u married one of her father’s students whose name was Muhammad Ibn Abu Al-Jawad and who was the head of the Hanafi scholars in Maghrib. Asma’u died in 250 AH. To know more about her biography, please review Ad-Dibaj Al-Mazhab, by Ibn Farhun, page 305, and Faqihat Alimat, by Muhammad Khair, page 29.

2. The Sister of Imam Al-Muzani

She was the sister of the Shafi‘i scholar, Isma’il Al-Muzani, the companion of Ash-Shafi‘i, who died in 264 AH. His sister used to attend the Fiqh lectures of Ash-Shafi‘i. Some of the Shafi‘i scholars used to transmit her Fiqh opinions and her decisions regarding what she believed to be the most preponderant opinions. To know more about her biography, review Tabaqat Ash-Shafi‘iyyah, by Al-Asnawi, Volume 1, page 443.

3. Hafsah Bint Sirin

She was the sister of the noble Tabi‘i, Muhammad Ibn Sirin. She was trustworthy and knowledgeable in Fiqh, as well as in other branches of knowledge. She was a sincere worshipper and one of the most prominent Tabi’i women. She completed the memorisation of the Qur’an at the age of twelve (12), and lived for seventy (70) years. Her brother, Muhammad, used to ask her about what he did not have knowledge about in the Qur’an. Mahdi Ibn Maimun mentioned that she remained in her place of worship for thirty (30) years, and did not leave it except for siesta and answering the call of nature. She died after 100 AH. Her traditions are mentioned in different books of Hadith. To know more about her biography, review Tahzib Al-Kamal, by Al-Mizzi, Volume 35, page 151; and Siyar A’lam An-Nubala, by Az-Zahabi, Volume 4, page 507.

Respected brothers and sisters! below is a very nice story which will In Shaa Allah make you all aware about the importance of women’s education, especially young Muslim girls!

After finishing Salatul Isha’, a Muslim girl sat on her prayer mat to make Du’a. Once she finished making Du’a to her Lord, her mobile phone rang. She picked up saying: ‘Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu’. The voice of a young man replied: ‘Wa alaikumus salam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu!’ Can I speak to (so and so) please? The Muslim girl said: ‘Sorry brother, you have dialed the wrong number’… Then she hung up. After few minutes, her mobile rang again. She picked it up, it was the young man who called her few minutes ago. He told her: ‘I called again to apologise for disturbing you! You seem to be a good girl! Can I know you better?’ The girl was shocked for few seconds but then she replied: ‘Brother… Fear Allah! you are supposed to be at the Mosque praying Salatul Isha’ but here you are going after girls to flirt with them at night! Here you are disobeying your Lord instead of obeying Him! Shame on you!!!’ After saying these words, she immediately hang up. A few days later, he called her again: ‘Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu sister, please don’t hang up! I want to apologise again and inform you that I went back to pray all my five (5) daily prayers at Mosque! All praises be to Allah and thank you for waking me up from my neglectfulness! Please, can I know the name of the one through whom Allah guided me? I really need someone like you in my life to strengthen my faith (Iman) and support me to stay on the right path! Please help me sister, may Allah reward you for that!’ She didn’t reply and started to think: ‘Should she accept to help him to stay on the right path? Should she accept that he will be in touch with her from time to time to help him strengthen his faith (Iman)?’ She heard a satanic voice whispering: ‘He is a good guy now! Why are you so worried about it?! Let him call you… you both have pure intention! He really needs you! If you refuse his suggestion, he will go astray and it will be your fault!!’ She was about to tell him her name but suddenly a little voice whispered: ‘Allah is watching you’… You see, it was her conscience and her education which woke her up from making a big mistake! ‘Sorry brother!’ she replied finally: ‘If you are sincere in your repentance then you will find people who are better than me to help you! Even I need someone who will help me to stay on the right path more than you! At Mosque, you will surely find many righteous brothers who would be good company, which will help you to get closer to Allah! Please, if you really fear your Lord now and afraid of His punishment, then do not call this number ever again! Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!’ Then she hang up and she went back to her prayer mat rising her hands to make the following Du’a:

“O Allah, Turner of the hearts, make my heart firm on your religion and save me from the evil of Fitnah, Ameen!”

Conclusively, the take away message in today’s sermon is that Islam promotes education, particularly girl’s education. Had it not been so, the world would not have witnessed the transformation of a society plunged in anarchy and hegemony into one enlightened with critical thinkers and scholars, all in the span of twenty-three years.

Dear brothers and sisters! I pray, may Allah accept our Ibadah (worship) and supplications, May He guide our leaders and provide us with a lasting peace, unity and progress in our beloved country Nigeria, ameen Ya Mujib!

All perfect praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761.

This Friday sermon (Jumu’ah Khutbah) was prepared for delivery today Friday, 11 Jumadal Akhirah, 1446 AH (December 13, 2024).

Saleh Adamu Kwaru, CNA, FCCSA (USA)

Nigeria, a nation endowed with abundant natural resources, possesses the potential to emerge as a global economic powerhouse. However, the persistent challenge of frequent national grid collapses has significantly hindered its progress. These recurring blackouts cast a long shadow over the nation’s economic landscape, social fabric, and overall development trajectory.

The power sector, a critical infrastructure underpinning modern societies, has become a source of frustration and uncertainty for Nigerians. The intermittent and unreliable power supply has far-reaching implications, impacting virtually every sector of the economy and aspect of daily life. Industries, businesses, and households alike grapple with the adverse consequences of these power outages.

The root causes of these grid collapses are multifaceted and complex. Decades of underinvestment and neglect have resulted in a dilapidated national grid, characterized by aging infrastructure. Technical faults, such as system disturbances and voltage fluctuations, can trigger cascading failures, leading to widespread blackouts. Gas supply shortages, often stemming from pipeline vandalism, theft, or operational issues, can limit power generation capacity. Inefficient distribution networks, plagued by poor maintenance and theft, exacerbate the impact of grid failures, leading to prolonged outages in specific areas. Furthermore, a lack of effective regulation, bureaucratic hurdles, and corruption within the power sector impede timely decision-making and hinder the implementation of necessary reforms.

The economic consequences of frequent national grid collapses are far-reaching and severe. Manufacturing industries, heavily reliant on a stable electricity supply, are particularly vulnerable. Frequent power cuts lead to production delays, increased operational costs, and reduced output. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), forming the backbone of the Nigerian economy, face similar challenges. Power outages disrupt their operations, limiting productivity and hindering growth. Businesses in the service sector, such as hospitality and retail, also suffer from power outages. Loss of revenue, damaged equipment, and customer dissatisfaction are common consequences. The agricultural sector, while less directly affected, can also experience setbacks due to power outages. Irrigation systems, processing plants, and cold storage facilities rely on electricity, and disruptions can lead to post-harvest losses and reduced agricultural output.

To address the persistent challenge of grid collapses and ensure a reliable power supply for Nigeria, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Significant investments are required to upgrade and modernize the national grid, including improving transmission and distribution networks and increasing generation capacity. Diversifying energy sources by exploring renewable energy options like solar, wind, and hydro power can enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Effective regulation and governance are crucial for ensuring the efficient operation of the power sector. Streamlining regulatory processes and promoting competition can help improve service delivery. Encouraging energy efficiency and conservation practices can help reduce demand and alleviate pressure on the grid. Additionally, businesses and households can invest in alternative power sources, such as generators and solar panels, to mitigate the impact of power outages.

Indeed, it is my honest conviction that implementing robust solutions, Nigeria can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of national grid collapses, thereby safeguarding its economy, society, and environment. It is an irrefutable fact a reliable and stable power supply is essential for industrial growth, job creation, poverty reduction, healthcare, education, transportation, and the adoption of clean energy sources. By minimizing power outages, Nigeria can improve the overall quality of life for its citizens, attract foreign investment, boost productivity, and protect the planet.

Saleh Adamu Kwaru, CNA, FCCSA (USA), is a retired staff of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

Ruqayyah Hamidu Muhammad PhD

The behind the scenes battle between the two prominent political figures of Kano state is affecting the political progress of the state and the entire northern region. The ongoing conflict in Kano State is more than a local issue; it is a matter of significant concern for the political progress and unity of the entire northern region of Nigeria. This rivalry has deep implications for governance, development, and regional solidarity. I am deeply shocked that we still have millions of sane individuals that support and encourage such attitude, let me open your eyes to the consequences of this battle, perhaps you see things differently and unite against it;

1. Undermining Governance in Kano State

Kano State, as a political and economic hub in Northern Nigeria, plays a pivotal role in the region’s progress. A divided leadership in Kano has severe consequences:

Distracted Leadership: Instead of focusing on policies and programs that benefit the people, resources and energy are being diverted toward political squabbles.

Delayed Development: Political instability creates a vacuum in decision-making, stalling critical infrastructure projects, economic initiatives, and social welfare programs.

Administrative Paralysis: Rivalries often lead to factionalism within government institutions, causing inefficiency and lack of coordination in service delivery.

2. Weakening Northern Political Unity

The northern region has traditionally relied on unity and consensus-building to maintain political influence in Nigeria. This rivalry is fracturing that cohesion and creating vacuums.

Factions and Divisions: The clash between the prominent political leaders polarizes supporters within Kano and across the north, creating camps that weaken the collective bargaining power of the region.

Loss of Regional Focus: Instead of collaborating to tackle shared issues such as insecurity, poverty, and youth unemployment, almajiranci, street begging, leaders are consumed by intra-party or inter-party conflicts.

3. Negative Perception of Northern Politics

These conflicts project a negative image of northern politics at the national and even international levels.

Leadership Crisis: Persistent fighting portrays northern leadership as disorganized and more interested in personal power than public welfare.

Reduced Influence: National political stakeholders may view the north as politically unstable, leading to reduced confidence in the region’s ability to present a united front.

Public Disillusionment: Ordinary citizens may lose faith in the political process, seeing it as a game of ego and personal ambition rather than a means to address societal challenges or issues

4. Impact on the Region’s Developmental Agenda

Kano’s position as a leader in commerce, culture, and population means its political health directly affects the broader northern region.

Economic Repercussions: Political unrest in Kano disrupts trade, investment, and business activities, which are critical for the northern economy.

Policy Inconsistency: Frequent political changes or standoffs can lead to abrupt shifts in policies, discouraging long-term development initiatives resulting in huge economics loses.

Stalled Regional Projects: Projects that require regional collaboration such as those in agriculture, education, and transportation may be delayed or abandoned due to lack of coordination.

5. Insecurity and Social Fragmentation

Political instability often exacerbates existing challenges, including insecurity:

Rise in Violence: Political feuds can trigger violent clashes between supporters, leading to loss of lives and property, further destabilizing the region.

Exploitation by Insurgents: Groups like Boko Haram and bandits exploit political disunity and weak governance to expand their influence in the region.

Ethno-Religious Tensions: The conflict may deepen existing ethno-religious divides, as politicians use identity-based rhetoric to mobilize support, leading to long-term social fragmentation.

6. Erosion of Political Ideals

One of the most damaging effects of this rivalry is the erosion of political ideals in the north:

Focus on Personal Agendas: The rivalry overshadows ideological debates and policy-driven leadership, reducing politics to a contest of personalities.

Youth Disenchantment: Young people in the north may become disillusioned with politics, seeing it as a tool for personal enrichment rather than societal progress.

Diminished Legacy: The contributions of Kano’s historical political leaders, who prioritized unity and development, are undermined by the current discord.

7. Spillover Effects Across the Northern Region

The instability in Kano has a ripple effect on the entire northern region’s politics and progress:

Divisive Influence: The rivalry may spill over into other states, encouraging similar conflicts among leaders who are aligned with either of the two factions.

Weakening of Political Alliances: Regional political blocs, such as those formed during elections, may lose their effectiveness due to infighting and loss of trust.

National Implications: The north’s reduced influence on the national stage could lead to diminished representation and marginalization in key decision-making processes.

Recommendations for Resolving the Conflict

To address the negative impacts of these conflicts and restore political progress, we need to come together as a people and implement the following;

Respected northern elders and traditional rulers (if we have any) should be encourage to come forward and mediate between these figures, emphasizing the importance of unity for the progress of Kano and the entire region. There is also need for civil societies members and the electorates to hold the leaders accountable, demanding and encouraging a focus on governance, collaboration on non-partisan issues such as insecurity, poverty alleviation, and youth empowerment rather than personal feuds. It is also high time that His excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf activates the activities of the established council of elders, to promote dialogue and collective decision-making, which will eventually radiate within the entire northern region for a transformative Journey.

In conclusion, we need to shine our eyes and know that the rivalry between the prominent figures in Kano is more than a localized political battle. It is a threat to the northern region’s unity, development, and influence. Resolving this conflict should be given optimum and immediate priority and sustained efforts from stakeholders at all levels to refocus leadership on governance, regional collaboration, and addressing the pressing needs of the population than personal gain and ego.

Finally Allah says: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.. (Surah Al-Imran 3:103).

Ruqayyah Hamidu Muhammad PhD
Executive Director NASSDEV
Email: info@nassdev.ng
Tel: +234(0)8032014161