By Imam Murtadha Gusau

 

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

 

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, Who says in His Ever Glorious Book (Qur’an):

 

“The hypocrites, both men and women, are all the same: they order what is wrong and forbid what is right; they are tight-fisted. They have ignored Allah, so He has ignored them. The hypocrites are the disobedient ones.’”

 

I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that our Master Prophet Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger; who said:

 

“There are three signs of a hypocrite: When he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays his trust.”

 

May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him, his Household, Companions and upon those who follow their path to the Day of Judgment.

 

Dear brothers and sisters! There is no doubt that hypocrisy and betrayal are serious diseases and a fatal problems that threatens individuals and nations. They are one of most serious inner diseases that destroys one’s faith and destroys its foundations. They are serious social and moral scourge that threatens security, safety and stability of the country. Therfore, their danger is greater than the danger of disbelief and shirk, because they spreads, in one nation, they will dismantle it and shatter its peace, unity and progress.

 

In addition, the weapon of treason is a critical danger that threatens countires and their existence as seen throughout history. Nations that have been destroyed, torn or even disappeared have experienced this because of inner elements of hypocrites, betrayers, traitors and agents who sold their nations. Wallahi, the dangers that threaten countries from inside are far greater and more serious than those from outside.

 

We should know, however, that hypocrisy is of two types: major and minor. The first is the major hypocrisy, which is the more dangerous. It is the hypocrisy in belief that is to show Islam and hide disbelief. A holder of this form of hypocrisy will be an eternal dweller in the Hellfire, and even will be in the lowest degree in it, as mentioned in the Qur’an. The second type is the minor hypocrisy. This is the practical hypocrisy, which means the devition from good manners. It means to show righteousness and hide otherwise. This type does not bring one out of Islam in total. However, it is a path to the major hypocrisy, if its holder does not stop it.

 

The Glorious Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah tell us about hypocrites and their descriptions, morals and intrigues. These matters have never changed over time, and nations. Among the most important signs of the hypocrites are:

 

1. Lying,

 

2. Breaking one’s promise,

 

3. Dishonesty,

 

4. And being abusive in enmity.

 

These are among the most henious qualities of hypocrites as described by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and they are practical manifestations of hypocrisy. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

 

“Four are the qualities which, when found in a person, make him a sheer hypocrite, and one who possesses one of them, possesses one characteristic of hypocrisy until he abandons it. These are: When he is entrusted with something, he betrays trust; when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he acts treacherously; and when he argues, he behaves in a very imprudent, insulting manner.”

 

Whoever meets these qualities, or one of them, becomes a hypocrite, and these qualities negatively affect the interests of the nation and destroy it.

 

It is often that we see hypocrites tell lies to decieve others, as Allah the Almighty said:

 

“There is [a kind of] man whose views on the life of this world may please you [Prophet], he even calls on Allah to witness what is in his heart, yet he is the bitterest of opponents.”

 

When the Qur’an speaks about hypocrisy, deception, and dishonesty, it mentions this in connection with lying. Allah the Almighty says:

 

“They seek to deceive Allah and the believers but they only deceive themselves, though they do not realise it. There is a disease in their hearts, to which Allah has added more: agonising torment awaits them for their persistent lying.”

 

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has warned us againt lying, showing its consequences saying:

 

“Be aware from lying. Lying leads to transgression and transgression leads to the Hell-fire. A man continues to tell lies till he is recorded with Allah as a great liar.”

 

The Messenger of Allah once was asked:

 

“Can a believer be a coward?” He said, “Yes.” He was asked, “Can he be a miser?” He said, “Yes.” He was asked, “Can he be a liar?” He said, “No.”

 

Abubakar al-Siddiq described the lie as treason, saying:

 

“Truthfulness is honesty and lying is dishonesty….”

 

In addition, betrayal and treason severe the bonds of love, incite hatred and leads to conflict, discord and corruption in dealings. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) showed that treachery will incur regret on the Day of Judgment saying:

 

“For every betrayer, a flag will be raised on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be announced (publicly) ‘This is the betrayal of so-and-so, the son of so-and-so.”

 

He (Peace be upon him) also said:

 

“I will contend on the Day of Resurrection against three (types of) people: one who makes a covenant in My Name and then breaks it; one who sells a free man as a slave and devours his price; and one who hires a workman and having taken full work from him, does not pay him his wages.”

 

One of the most dangerous types of betrayal is to betray one’s country or homeland for a cheap price, as the case of some dangerous politicians, radical terrorist groups and their followers.

 

Among the attributes that Islam has warned us from are: Abusiveness in enimitty. This is the source of every evilness, and the cause of deviation from the truth. Such a person who is abusive in his enitmy will turn the truth into falsehood and vise versa. Allah the Most High says:

 

“There is [a kind of] man whose views on the life of this world may please you [Prophet], he even calls on Allah to witness what is in his heart, yet he is the bitterest of opponents.”

 

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

 

“The most hated person in the sight of Allah is the most quarrelsome person.”

 

The most accurate description of the people of hypocrisy is that they are double-faced people. Even in our time we can say they are multiple-faced people. they are the most ficious persons. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

 

“You will find the worst among the people a double-faced person who appears to some people with one face and to others with another face.”

 

Also among the signs of hypocrisy is: Corruption in the land while claiming reformation. Allah the Almighty says:

 

“When it is said to them, ‘Do not cause corruption in the land,’ they say, ‘We are only putting things right,’ but really they are causing corruption, though they do not realise it.”

 

Corruption has many forms: To spread fear in the land, to loot the public treasury, to cause hardships to the citizens, to implant weakness in the hearts of the honest people, to promote deviant ideas, misconceptions, and to spread sedition and disunity among people. Allah the Almighty says:

 

“They would only have given you trouble if they had gone out [to battle] with you: they would have scurried around, trying to sow discord among you, and some of you would willingly have listened to them- Allah knows exactly who does evil.”

 

He, the Most High, also says:

 

“They said to one another, ‘Do not go [to war] in this heat.’ Say, ‘Hellfire is hotter.’ If only they understood!” and says, “Allah knows exactly who among you hinder others, who [secretly] say to their brothers, ‘Come and join us,’ who hardly ever come out to fight.”

 

The list of corruption also includes deprivation of people from their due and degrading them. Allah the Almighty, says:

 

“And do not deprive people of their due and do not commit abuse on earth, spreading corruption.”

 

Corruption also includes looting the public treasury, applying harmful and dangerous policies to the citizens, destruction, vandalism, killing the innocent, terrifying the safe and the secure, delaying the fulfillment of people’s needs, not shouldering the due responsibility, bribery, nepotism, and the unlawful consumption of people’s money.

 

Laziness in offering acts of worship; and if done, their observation is not sincerely for the sake of Allah but for showing off, especially in prayer, which is the most sublime act of worship. Allah the Most High says:

 

“Indeed, the hypocrites [think to] deceive Allah, but He is deceiving them. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing [themselves to] the people and not remembering Allah except a little” and “And what prevents their expenditures from being accepted from them but that they have disbelieved in Allah and in His Messenger and that they come not to prayer except while they are lazy and that they do not spend their wealth except while they are unwilling.”

 

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also said:

 

“No prayer is more burdensome to the hypocrites than the Fajr (dawn) prayer and the Isha’ (night) prayer; and if they knew their merits, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so.”

 

Jabir Ibn Abdullah also narrated that he (Peace be upon him) said:

 

“O people! Beware of the hidden polytheism!” The companions replied, “O Messenger of Allah! What is the hidden polytheism?” He (Peace be upon him) replied, “The man observes his prayer in the best way ever because people watch him.”

 

Dear brothers and sisters! One of the signs of hypocrisy is to ally with the enemies of the nation, with the aim of causing harm to one’s own country. This may take place through espionage, treachery, transforming news and information and unveiling the secrets of the country. That is to say that the hypocrite is a person who allies with the enemies of his country, causing harm thereby to the interests of the citizens, his family, neighbours and relatives. Allah the Most High says:

 

“So you see those in whose hearts is disease hastening into [association with] them, saying, “We are afraid a misfortune may strike us. But perhaps Allah will bring conquest or a decision from Him, and they will become, over what they have been concealing within themselves, regretful.”

 

He, the Almighty also says:

 

“And indeed, there is among you he who lingers behind; and if disaster strikes you, he says, “Allah has favoured me in that I was not present with them.” But if bounty comes to you from Allah, he will surely say, as if there had never been between you and him any affection. “Oh, I wish I had been with them so I could have attained a great attainment.”

 

The hypocrite feels happiness if any evil, harm or hardship befalls the country or its citizens; or in case a trail afflicts them; or a disease spread among them; or if they are overtaken by a disaster. Allah the Almighty says:

 

“If good touches you, it distresses them; but if harm or hardship strikes you, they rejoice at it. And if you are patient and fear Allah, their plot will not harm you at all. Indeed, Allah is encompassing of what they do.”

 

Yet, the new hypocrites have acquired new traits including lying, treachery, betrayal, breaking covenants and promises, stirring the public opinion, betraying religion, and the new kind of deception topped by the exploitation of religion to achieve the interests of those dangerous politicians, bad leaders or terrorist groups that want to exploit religion to reach positions of authority disguising in different forms of superficial and political religiousness, to the extent that they believe they are the only true and sincere Muslims while others are not. They do so in order to provide legal coverage for their works and actions. In addition to all of this, those new hypocrites are characterised with betraying the country, degrading it and selling it for a cheap price.

 

Allah the Almighty has promised to punish this kind of people, affirming that His Anger will befall them in His worldly life and the hereafter. Allah the Almighty says:

 

“…But the evil plot does not encompass except its own people.”

 

He the Most High even punished the greater hypocrisy with being hesitated, unstable and frightening. Allah the Almighty says:

 

“Wavering between them, [belonging] neither to the believers nor to the disbelievers. And whoever Allah leaves astray – never will you find for him a way.”

 

He, Glorified is He also says:

 

“…They think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?”

 

Not only that, but Allah has driven their hearts away from understanding His and His Messenger’s teachings, thus guidance will not penetrate into their hearts. He, the Almighty says:

 

“That is because they believed, and then they disbelieved; so their hearts were sealed over, and they do not understand.”

 

As for their punishment in the hereafter, He, the Almighty Allah says:

 

“And among those around you of the Bedouins are hypocrites, and [also] from the people of Madinah. They have become accustomed to hypocrisy. You, [O Muhammad], do not know them, [but] We know them. We will punish them twice [in this world]; then they will be returned to a great punishment.”

 

The first punishment is thus in this life while the second will be in the grave. As for the greater one, it will be in the hereafter when Allah the Most High, will gather the hypocrites with other wrong-doers in the Hell-fire. He, the Almighty says:

 

“Indeed Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell all together.”

 

He, the Almighty also says:

 

“Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire – and never will you find for them a helper – Except for those who repent, correct themselves, hold fast to Allah, and are sincere in their religion for Allah, for those will be with the believers. And Allah is going to give the believers a great reward.”

 

Respected servants of Allah! For the sake of protecting our country, its being, its peace, unity, cohesion and safety, the watchful eyes of its sincere sons and daughters should be alert. Also, the efforts of all the noble people should be promoted to eradicate the treacherous, the spies and those who convey secrets to the criminal enemies; the enemies of our country; they should be defeated and disgraced before all people, so that they would be an admonition for anyone who thinks of following the path of hypocrisy, treachery and betrayal, to protect our country, our honours, our souls and our children’s future, as well as to please Allah and protect our country from being afflicted with such atrocities that afflicted those countries that neglected facing the treacherous and spies thinking this is an easy matter while it is not, as shown clearly in many countries’ history.

 

Respected brothers and sisters! The following are the main reasons why do people betray their country or behave hypocritically against their own nation:

 

Yes, people may betray their country due to factors such as personal gain, ideological differences, tribalism, regionalism, coercion, disillusionment, or perceived injustice. These motivations can drive individuals to act against their nation’s interests for personal or political reasons.

 

People betray their country for a variety of reasons, including:

 

1. Material motives: Money and other desired objects can be incentives for betrayal.

 

2. Psychological motives: These include ideology, revenge, self-esteem, sympathy for the underdog, need for thrills, and lack of patriotism.

 

3. Personal crises: People may betray their country due to personal crises, such as financial pressure.

 

4. Desire for information: People may betray their country to use information as a bargaining chip.

 

5. Hope for government downfall: People may betray their country in the hope that their actions will bring about the government’s downfall.

 

6. Divided loyalty: A Defense Department contractor study I read found that divided loyalty is the primary motive for spying against the United States, for example.

 

7. Espionage: Developments in information technology have increased the opportunities for espionage.

 

8. Personal interests: Since the end of the Cold War, personal interests are more likely to take precedence over national interests.

 

9. Corruption: Involvement in illegal or unethical activities that benefit from betraying national interests.

 

10. Manipulation: Influence from foreign entities or groups promising rewards or power.

 

11. Ideological Conflict: Strong disagreements with national policies or government actions.

 

12. Personal Grievances: Feelings of betrayal or mistreatment by the country or its leaders.

 

Lastly, I pray, may the Almighty Allah remove all our tears, all our worries, all our sorrows and all our pains and replace them with complete happiness, complete smiles and complete good health, 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, 03 Rajab, 1446 AH (January 03, 2024).

By Saleh Adamu Kwaru CNA, FCCSA-USA

 

As the year 2024 draws to a close, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the noteworthy issues that have captured our attention. The most contentious topic is the President’s proposed new Tax Law. This legislation has sparked widespread reactions across the nation, making it a subject that every Nigerian is acutely aware of. From heated debates in the media to discussions in homes and workplaces, the proposed tax law has permeated every facet of society.

The controversy stems from various aspects of the law, including its perceived impact on different economic classes and industries. Many argue that the law will place an undue burden on the middle and lower-income earners, potentially exacerbating existing economic inequalities. On the other hand, proponents believe that the tax reforms are necessary to generate revenue for critical infrastructure projects and public services, which are essential for national development.

The debate over this tax law is expected to continue well into 2025, as the President remains steadfast in his belief that the law is crucial for driving national development and stimulating economic growth. He argues that the additional revenue generated from the new tax law will be instrumental in funding initiatives that will create jobs, improve healthcare and education, and enhance overall quality of life for Nigerians.

Despite the President’s firm stance, opposition from various stakeholders, including business leaders, civil society organizations, and political opponents, continues to grow. They express concerns about the potential negative impact on consumer spending, business investments, and overall economic stability.

As discussions and negotiations progress, it is clear that the proposed new Tax Law is more than just a legislative issue; it has become a symbol of the broader challenges and aspirations facing Nigeria. The outcome of this debate will likely shape the country’s economic policies and development trajectory for years to come.

In conclusion, the proposed new Tax Law is one of the most significant and contentious issues in Nigeria today. It highlights the complex balancing act between raising revenue for national development and ensuring economic equity and stability. The nation’s response to this legislation will be a critical test of its ability to navigate these challenges and achieve sustainable growth and prosperity.

By Imam Murtadha Gusau

 

In the Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Kind

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! Indeed, justice and compassion are two essential characteristics a leader must possess. Justice without compassion leads to tyranny, while compassion without justice creates anarchy. A leader needs to maintain a careful balance keeping the overall good of nation in mind. Allah the Almighty says:

“O believers! Stand firm for Allah and bear true testimony. Do not let the hatred of a people lead you to injustice. Be just! That is closer to righteousness. And be mindful of Allah. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” [Qur’an, 5:08]

And He the Most High says:

“O believers! Stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives. Be they rich or poor, Allah is best to ensure their interests. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate ˹from justice.˺ If you distort the testimony or refuse to give it, then ˹know that˺ Allah is certainly All-Aware of what you do.” [Qur’an, 4:135]

And Allah the Almighty says:

“Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “My Lord has commanded uprightness and dedication ˹to Him alone˺ in worship, calling upon Him with sincere devotion. Just as He first brought you into being, you will be brought to life again.” [Qur’an, 7:29]

In Madinah, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) ordered the hand of a thief to be cut. Some companions (Sahabas) thought the punishment would not be carried out because the person was a distant relative of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). When he heard this, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) assured them that if his daughter Fatimah had been guilty, even she would not have been spared. He then reminded them that earlier nations had been punished, humiliated and destroyed because they had one law for the poor, and another for the rich. The same concern for the poor and the oppressed was the reason for Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) participation in the “Hilful Fudul”, a pact he entered into in Makkah before his Prophethood. A trader from Yemen was cheated out of his fair due by a powerful Makkan merchant. The Yemeni proclaimed his plea in the Ka‘abah. A group of notables, among them Prophet, al-Amin, vowed to restore his right and thereafter that of anyone else who was wronged. Justice, therefore, is a fundamental precept of Islam; even more so for a leader because it is part of his responsibility to maintain balance in society. Injustice invariably leads to turmoil, conflict, crisis and insecurity. At the same time, justice must be tempered with compassion. A leader must combine the two in his personality.

Respected brothers and sisters! Last week 65 people died across Nigeria at rice sharing stampedes: Ibadan 35 children died, Anambra 20 people died, Abuja 10 people died.

Wallahi, wallahi, wallahi people are very hungry. And millions of people in Nigeria are on the brink of starvation, widespread malnutrition and deep poverty. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government must urgently prioritise addressing widespread poverty, hunger, higher unemployment and the rapidly falling standard of living.

The tragedy struck at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan when 35 children died in a stampede that occurred during a children’s Christmas party.

Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the former wife of His Highness the Ooni of Ife, was a key organiser of the tragic children’s festive party. Additionally, Agidigbo 88.7 FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, had actively promoted the event in the days leading up to the devastating incident.

The Oyo State Government confirmed that no fewer than 35 children lost their lives during the tragedy.

Another tragedy struck on Saturday morning as a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children, and left several others injured.

It was gathered that the incident occurred during the distribution of palliatives by the church to vulnerable and elderly residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The FCT Police Command, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the fatalities and revealed that eight other individuals sustained serious injuries.

It was learnt that the stampede broke out as thousands of residents scrambled to access the food items, leading to chaos and the unfortunate loss of lives.

Also, in Anambra state, the Nigerian police confirmed that some number of residents of Okija community in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State were stampeded to death on Saturday morning during a rice sharing in the community.

While an eye witness in a video of the incident said the casualties were over 100 including men, women, pregnant women, it was later gathered that no fewer than 20 people have been confirmed dead in the incident.

Dear servants of Allah! I have noticed that countries that are managed and led by toxic leaders often experience discord among citizens and a breakdown of their cultural norms, which may lead to a dysfunctional dangerous environment. On the other hand, countries with compassionate leaders at the helm tend to experience harmony and cohesiveness among citizens, which leads to a prosperous, harmonious, efficient and effective good environment.

The use of the terms “compassion” and “compassionate” in this sermon does not mean a leader acting out of pity but rather a leader who behaves and acts with sincere concern for others and considers their well-being a priority. I define a compassionate leader as one who performs selfless acts for others while expecting nothing in return. He or she is a leader who leads with good intentions for the good of the individuals, the organisation, the society and the country.

Below, I share the essential qualities and characteristics that I believe are needed to become a compassionate leader and effectively lead your country.

In a perfect world, there would be no need to address the issue of compassion and care for other human beings; unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world. Today, due to many reasons, many people are often not kind to each other. In some countries, leaders lead and advocate for the establishment of a chaotic environment and encourage their followers to sustain it. To recapture our compassionate essence and gentle humanity, I have found that it’s incumbent upon the leaders of today to lead by a kind and a compassionate example.

A countries culture, norms, beliefs and rituals are all made up and developed by the people who work within it. Whether a great leader is born or made is a much-debated topic, but I believe that a leader is made and developed by the same environment he or she works and lives within. The innate leadership qualities that some people may have, if not developed properly over time, may diminish and vanish. Becoming a compassionate leader involves the same direction and steps of development. Effective compassionate leaders must develop their personality and characteristics.

Based on my understanding of compassion as defined above, compassionate leaders must cultivate and master the following personality characteristics and qualities:

1. Empathy

Compassionate leaders must be able to understand and share the feelings of their peoples. You may be successfully able to develop this ability by genuinely trying to understand others and feel what they feel. Put yourself in their position, become them and then assess the situation and make your decision.

2. Sympathy

Compassionate leaders must be able to sympathise with their peoples by caring about their well-being and be willing to provide them with the help they need. Ask your peoples bluntly what satisfies their country’s and even personal (livelihood) needs. By being sympathetic and meeting the needs of your peoples, you can motivate them to achieve the country’s goals.

3. Consideration

Compassionate leaders must be able to show careful thought and behaviour to their peoples by not causing them unnecessary hardship, discomfort or harm. Be considerate of the presence of your peoples. As a leader, you set the working relationship standard of what’s expected of each other. Mutual respect should be the practiced norm of your country. To gain the loyalty and trust of your peoples, use your influence and authority to improve their conditions.

4. Understanding

Compassionate leaders must be able to compassionately perceive the behaviours of their peoples. Understanding that conflicts can exist as a positive thing within your environment is essential because it helps to challenge the status quo. Be tolerant and aware of your people’s feelings and forgive their shortcomings when needed. When a conflict arises, ask for their open feedback and explanations. Your understanding may help clarify any misunderstanding.

5. Caring

Compassionate leaders must be able to show sincere care and kindness to their peoples. This complements your consideration of them. Try to show that you care by being kind and empathising with your peoples.

6. Concern

Compassionate leaders must be able to show kindhearted concern for their peoples and make their well-being a priority. Showing concern complements the caring and consideration characteristics. Make sure your concern is genuinely practiced. Let them know in advance that your concern about them is meant to help them improve, achieve and become.

7. Ability To Collaborate

Compassionate leaders must be able to work together with others while leading their peoples. This characteristic intertwines both internal and external environments. Internally, compassionate leaders collaborate with their peoples and across functional and national boundaries. Externally, compassionate leaders work together with their country’s competitors to the betterment of society. Your open communication is key to an effective collaboration. Set the national goals of the team and expect them to achieve them, but do not set high expectations. Delegate authority and tasks as needed.

Possessing the qualities and characteristics described above can lead you onto the path of compassionate leadership, but be careful — I have found that only authentic and ethical leaders may truly develop into genuine compassionate leaders. By mastering the above qualities, you may also become a thoughtful, mindful, purposeful and noble leader.

Dear brothers and sisters! Know that leadership is a trust (An Amanah) and the job of the leader is to discharge this responsibility to the best of his abilities. Failure to do so will render him liable before Allah the Almighty on the Day of Judgement. In the Islamic system, a person does not seek leadership, it is entrusted to him because it is a grave responsibility. The candidate must be a good communicator, able to motivate and mobilise people and inspire them to rise above petty preoccupations for the sake of a higher and more noble purpose: the establishment and defence of the State. This he must demonstrate through personal sacrifice, courage and ability to keep the group focused on the goal.

The most important task of a leader, however, is to implement the laws on earth. This is the ultimate mission of man as Allah’s Khalifah (vicegerent) on earth which can only be achieved in the framework of the good state. The Prophet’s Sirah offers the best and most comprehensive guide and model to achieve this.

Lastly, I pray, may Allah accept all 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!

I pray, may Allah protect our country Nigeria, protect and guide its leaders and its people from every evil, from every calamity, tribulation and difficulty; May He bring about safety, peace and security to our country. May Allah save us from divisions, disunity, differences, disobedience, corruption, terrorism and all evils.

May Allah protect our country Nigeria, and it’s people, and May He the Most High protect all the Muslim countries, all the Muslims and all the humanity.

O Allah, bless Nigeria with continued peace, progress, strength, unity, and development.

O Allah, unite our country around the principles of justice, peace, love and faith.

Put peace and love in our hearts for the diversity that makes our country so beautiful.

Allah, the Most Merciful, we pray for our country Nigeria, to remain tolerant and loving, remove prejudice from our hearts, and allow us to love our brothers and sisters in humanity.

O Allah, allow our governments to remain accountable to the people, give them vision and wisdom, as they take decisions affecting peace in our world so that they may uphold peace in the world, advance the welfare of our country and deal kindly and justly with all our communities.

O Allah, Most Strong, give us the strength to protect and care for our neighbours.

Make our hearts and minds aware of our heritage, fulfilling duties and responsibilities as a citizens.

O Allah, Most Merciful, allow us to show kindness to those most vulnerable in society.

Protect us from evil, inspire and guide us in defending those open to abuse.

O Allah, Most Generous, allow us to give in charitable activity, and to help those most in need.

Make us more conscious of what is not good for us.

O Allah, Most merciful, Most Generous, please give us the patience to continue to learn from one another and work towards a more peaceful and kind world.

Make our hearts generous so that we may treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Help us to share that which we have with others, for your sake. Strengthen us, love us and be kind to all of us, 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, 25 Jumadal Akhirah, 1446 AH (December 27, 2024).