Opinion
Friday Sermon: Welcoming Ramadan; month of fasting, prayer, blessings, forgiveness, mercy
By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
All thanks and praise are due to Allah, from Whom we seek help and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and the evil consequences of our deeds. Whoever Allah guides will never be misled and whoever strays from Him will never find a guide. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah. Likewise, I bear witness that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the servant and the
Messenger of Allah.
Dear brothers and sisters! The month of Ramadan has arrived again, the month of fasting and prayer. It is the month that provides an opportunity for forgiveness from Allah and emancipation from our sins. It is the month for performing good deeds and giving in charity. It is the month when the gates of the heavens are opened and the rewards for our deeds are magnified many times over. It is the month wherein prayers are answered and the status of the worshipper is elevated. It is the month wherein sins are forgiven.
Allah bestows so many blessings upon his servants in the month of Ramadan. This is the month of fasting that is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) fasted during this month and directed his followers to do the same. He told us that whoever fasts this month with faith, seeking Allah’s reward, will have all of his past sins forgiven. He likewise informed us that whoever stands in prayer throughout this month will have all of his past sins forgiven.
The month of Ramadan contains within it a night that is superior to a thousand months. Whoever is denied the goodness of that night is indeed deprived.
We should welcome this month and embrace it with happiness and joy. We should have the truest resolve to observe the fasts and the prayers and to compete in doing righteous deeds. During this month, we should ardently repent for all of our sins and encourage each other to engage in virtuous deeds and call to what is right and forbid what is wrong. In this way, we will succeed in attaining the blessings and the great rewards of Ramadan.
The fast provides us with many benefits and is full of wisdom. It purifies and strengthens our hearts. It rids us of our baser tendencies like exuberance, arrogance, and stinginess. It reinforces our good traits like fortitude, clemency, and generosity. It supports us in our inner struggle to please Allah and attain nearness to Him.
Fasting teaches us about ourselves and our needs. It shows us how weak we are and how truly dependent we are upon our Lord. It shows us how much Allah has blessed us. We are reminded of our brethren those who are less fortunate and are inspired to treat them well. We are compelled to thank Allah and to use the blessings He has provided us in obedience to Him.
Allah the Almighty draws attention to these many benefits when he says:
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those who were before you that you may learn self-restraint.” [Surah al-Baqarah: 183]
In this Qur’anic verse, Allah makes it clear that he prescribed fasting in order to purify us. Fasting is a means for us to learn self-restraint and cultivate our piety. Piety is to observe the commandments and prohibitions of Allah and His Messenger (Peace be upon him) sincerely out of our love and reverence for Allah, and to avoid His punishment and anger.
Fasting is a great act of piety in itself and a great means of increasing our piety in all aspects of our religious and worldly lives.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) pointed out one of the benefits of fasting when he said:
“O young people, whoever among you has the wherewithal to marry should do so, because it assists us in lowering our gazes and safeguarding our private parts. Whoever cannot do so should fast, because fasting diminishes sexual power.”
The reason that fasting has this effect is because Shaitan (Satan) flows like blood through our veins. Fasting constrains this flow while and acts as a reminder of Allah and His greatness, thereby reducing Satan’s influence over the fasting person while at the same time his faith strengthening. He naturally starts engaging in more acts of obedience and fewer acts of sin.
There are many other benefits of fasting that we can discover with a little thought and reflection. Fasting is good for bodily health. It gives the body a chance to purify itself of accumulated poisons, a fact which has been confirmed by numerous and famous medical doctors.
The sacred texts speak quite extensively about the virtues of fasting in the month of Ramadan and about it being a duty upon the believers. Allah the Almighty says:
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those who were before you that you may learn self-restraint. Fasting for a fixed number of days. The month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and the criterion. So whoever witnesses the month should fast it. And whoever is sick or upon a journey should fast the same number of days (later on). Allah wishes ease for you and he does not wish hardship upon you. He wants that you should complete the period and that you should exalt Allah for that to which he has guided you that perhaps you may be thankful.” [Surah al-Baqarah: 183-185]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Islam is built upon five things (pillars): testifying that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, paying Zakah, fasting the month of Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to the House.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
When the angel Gabriel asked the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) about Islam, he replied:
“Islam is to bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, to pay charity, to fast the month of Ramadan, and to perform pilgrimage to the House if you are able to make the journey.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]
Angel Jibril (Gabriel) then said:
“You have spoken the truth.” Then he said: “Tell me about faith.”
Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) replied:
“It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree, both the good and bad of it.”
He said:
“You have spoken the truth. Tell me about excellence in faith.”
Allah’s Messenger replied:
“It is to worship Allah as though you see Him, and though you do not see Him, you know that He sees you.”
He said:
“You have spoken the truth.” [Muslim]
Respected brothers and sisters! This Hadîth is of considerable importance and deserves serious thought and consideration.
Once Mu’az Bin Jabal said to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him):
“Tell me about some deed that will admit me into Paradise and distance me from the Hellfire.”
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) replied:
“You have asked about something great, yet it is very simple for one for whom Allah makes it easy. Worship Allah and do not associate anything with him in worship. Establish prayer, pay Zakah, fast the month of Ramadan, and undertake the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.”
Then the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him added:
“Should I not inform you about the gates of goodness? Fasting is a shield. Charity extinguishes sins like water extinguishes fire.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]
Dear servants of Allah! Fasting is a most virtuous act with a reward commensurate with its greatness. This is especially true in Ramadan, since Allah has made fasting therein an obligation upon the believers and a means of their attaining peace and salvation.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Every deed of the human being is for himself and its reward is multiplied for him from ten to seven hundred times. Allah says: ‘Except for fasting, for truly it is for Me and I alone will reward it, for verily he abandoned his desires, his food, and his drink for my sake.’ The one who fasts experiences two joys, one upon breaking his fast and one when he meets his Lord. Surely the breath of the fasting person is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“When Ramadan commences, the gates of Paradise (Jannah) are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are bound in chains.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“On the first night of Ramadan, the devils and rebellious jinn are bound in chains, The gates of Paradise are opened until not a single gate remains closed. The gates of Hell are bound shut until not a single gate remains open. Then a caller calls out: ‘O desirer of good, go forth! O desirer of evil, restrain yourself! Allah is emancipating people from the Fire every night’.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]
On the eve of Ramadan, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) gave a beautiful sermon and said:
“O people! A great and blessed month is coming upon you, a month containing a night better than a thousand months. Allah has made fasting in its days an obligation and observing prayer in its nights a voluntary act. Anyone who seeks nearness to Allah in this month through any virtuous act will be like one who carried out a religious obligation at another time, and anyone who performs an obligatory act of worship in this month will be like one who performed seventy such acts at another time. It is the month of patience, and the reward for patience is Paradise.” [Sahih Ibn Khuzaimah]
Dear brothers and sisters! We must seize the opportunity presented to us in this blessed month and appreciate the greatness of this time by engaging in all the worship that we can. We must hasten to perform good deeds. Allah has made this month a time for worship and for competing with one another in righteousness and goodness. We must increase our prayer and our spending in charity. We must busy ourselves with reading the Qur’an. We must hasten to help the poor, the needy, and the orphans. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was the most generous of all people and he was even more generous in Ramadan. We must follow the good example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) by redoubling our efforts in this blessed month.
We need to safeguard the blessings of our fasts from our sins and our shortcomings. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever does not leave off false speech and false conduct, Allah has no need of his leaving off food and drink.” [Bukhari]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“When any one of you is observing the fast for the day, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor raise his voice. If someone insults him or quarrels with him, he should say: ‘I am fasting’.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
Respected brothers and sisters! Wallahi, we must beseech Allah for forgiveness in this great month and do all that we can to take advantage of this precious time. We must avoid committing any offence against the fast that will diminish its blessings and invoke Allah’s anger. Therefore, we must not be negligent of our prayers or stingy with our zakah, sadaqah and charity. We must not consume interest or the property of the orphans. We must not steal, oppress anyone, or disrespect our parents. We must not spurn our kinfolk. We must avoid backbiting, slander, lies, and falsehood. We must eschew false oaths and claims. We must not shave or trim our beards or leave our moustaches to grow. We must not listen to song and musical instruments. Women must not make a wanton display of themselves and men should not mix with them. These sins are forbidden throughout the year, but in Ramadan they are even more forbidden and more sinful.
We must fear Allah and avoid what Allah and His Messenger (Peace be upon him) have prohibited us. We must be upright in our obedience in Ramadan and throughout the rest of the year. We should call one another to this and by doing so attain the success and salvation that this blessed and great month promises us.
Dear brothers and sisters! As usual, please, we are soliciting to you, to assit us, help us, give us your Zakah, your sadaqah, your charity and your donations during this 1446/2025 Ramadan.
Indeed, in our great country, Nigeria, in African countries and around the world, orphans and children are facing hunger, poverty, fear and the loss of healthcare and education due to the insecurity, conflict and the climate crisis. In our Islamic center, our teams are working tirelessly to provide the resources orphans and children need to overcome war, famine and other crises – helping them build brighter, more hopeful futures.
This Ramadan, as we come together to celebrate the blessed and great Month, it is important to reflect on those in need. During Ramadan, and all year long, by donating what you can afford, you can help give hope to our orphans, our boys and girls in our Islamic schools. Your Zakah, Sadaqah, charity and donations can make a difference in the lives of children and their families, especially in this Ramadan.
Please, donate to help our orphans, children and the needy. Donate to help our Islamic schools. Donate to help our Da’awah activities, FISABILILLAH!
Our this year’s (1446/2025) Ramadan target is:
Ten million naira (₦10,000,000) In Shaa Allah.
And all those who intend to donate food items, clothes etc, our doors are always open In Shaa Allah.
The following are our bank details:
Account number: 1779691620
Account name: Murtala Muhammed
Access Bank.
Or:
Account number: 0048647196
Account name: Murtala Muhammed
GTBank
For more information call the following contacts:
08038289761, 08056557477, 09158822160, 09019183949.
We’re looking forward to your Zakah, your Sadaqah, your charity and your donations In Shaa Allah.
Jazakumullah Khairan as you kindly assit for Allah’s sake.
Lastly, I ask Allah the Almighty to reform all our affairs, to provide us with strong will to change our situation for the better and to provide the entire Ummah with glory, strength and unity. I ask Him also to accept our deeds, prayers, and supplications.
I also 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, Sha’aban 15, 1446 AH (February 14, 2025).
Yunusa Hamza (Tafidan Farin Dutse)
At sixty-three, Governor Umar Namadi stands not merely as a public office holder, but as a compelling symbol of purposeful leadership, moral clarity, and people-centred governance. His life journey, rooted in discipline, shaped by service, and guided by integrity, offers both inspiration and instruction in an era where leadership is often tested by complexity and competing expectations, especially in a diverse state like Jigawa.
Governor Umar Namadi’s formative years were defined by resilience, humility, modesty, and a deep appreciation for community values. His professional ascent, particularly in the financial and administrative sectors, was marked by diligence and an unwavering commitment to transparency. As a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA), he cultivated a reputation for prudence and accountability—traits that later became the cornerstone of his public service ethos.
Governor Umar Namadi’s transition into politics was not driven by ambition alone, but by a sense of duty to contribute meaningfully to societal progress. Rising through the ranks, he served with distinction in both the private and public sectors. Notably, as Commissioner of Finance and later as Deputy Governor, he demonstrated loyalty, competence, and a collaborative spirit. These qualities prepared him for the greater responsibility he now bears as the Executive Governor of Jigawa State.
Governor Namadi’s leadership exemplifies inclusivity in both vision and execution. He governs with deliberate openness, ensuring that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of diverse communities—urban and rural, young and old, privileged and underserved. His administration has consistently emphasised participatory governance, recognising that sustainable development is anchored in collective ownership.
Equally defining is his honesty—an attribute that has earned him public trust and institutional credibility. In a political climate often clouded by scepticism, Governor Umar Namadi’s integrity stands out as a refreshing constant. He leads not with rhetoric, but with results; not with grandstanding, but with grounded action. His financial discipline and transparent governance have fostered confidence among citizens and stakeholders alike.
Above all, Governor Umar Namadi embodies a clear sense of purpose. His developmental agenda is not episodic but strategic, focused on long-term impact rather than short-term applause. From strengthening education and healthcare systems to advancing agricultural productivity and infrastructural growth, his policies reflect a coherent vision for a prosperous and self-reliant Jigawa State.
At 63, the life of Governor Umar Namadi is a testament to the power of consistency, character, and conviction. He reminds us that leadership is not merely about occupying office, but about uplifting lives, building institutions, and leaving behind a legacy of hope. Indeed, it is worth noting that “sixty-three teaches that strength is not loud—it is steady.”
In celebrating Governor Umar Namadi at this time, we celebrate more than a birthday; we celebrate a life devoted to service—a leader defined by inclusivity, honesty, and unwavering commitment to purpose.
Finally, as he marks his 63rd birthday, it is not merely a milestone of age, but a celebration of significance—a testament to a life that has gathered meaning, shaped others, and will, Insha Allah, continue to inspire. As the saying goes, “Sixty-three is not the sunset of life; rather, it is the golden hour where everything glows with purpose.”
This piece was written by Yunusa Hamza (Tafidan Farin Dutse) of Gwaram Local Government Area, Jigawa State. He can be reached via [yunusafarindutse@gmail.com](mailto:yunusafarindutse@gmail.com) or +234 803 444 5493.
Opinion
Bauchi: A paradise for immunity seekers? How allegedly corrupt politicians are eyeing government house
Haroon Mustapha
For the attention of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
If two-term presidential politics is a game of two halves, then the first term is when a president sets direction, lays foundations, and begins to redirect the country toward a brighter future. The second term is when those gains are consolidated, the larger vision is executed, and a lasting legacy is secured. The ‘BAT’ years are positioned to become a defining period that repositions Nigeria regionally and internationally—no longer the tired story of a nation defined only by potential, but a 21st-century success story that converts potential into tangible national benefits.
That is precisely why Bauchi, like every other state in the federation, must not be allowed to become a paradise for immunity seekers. Past executive failures must not be recycled. Allegations of criminality must not be politically laundered. Questions over allegedly siphoned NNPC funds, claims of procurement abuse, and allegations touching on banditry or terrorism financing must not be brushed aside while Bauchi misses a genuine opportunity to reposition itself as a hub for tourism, agricultural investment, and strategic solid mineral development under your leadership.
Few tactics in politics are as cynical as the rush for constitutional immunity. Under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), governors are protected from civil and criminal proceedings while in office. For some Bauchi politicians, the timing of their ambitions raises serious concerns. With lingering allegations from their time in public service, the governorship can appear less like a platform for service and more like a constitutional shield.
Reports in the public domain suggest that individuals investigated or charged by the EFCC or ICPC are repositioning themselves as leaders seeking the people’s mandate—not necessarily to serve, but, critics argue, to evade accountability. Regardless of how such actors reframe their narratives, the public record cannot simply be ignored. This trend risks turning Bauchi into a haven for immunity seekers, weakening public trust, undermining governance, and damaging the reform legacy your administration seeks to build.
A prominent example is the current governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. Before his election in 2019, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory faced EFCC scrutiny. The anti-graft agency stated that he “was standing trial for money laundering at the time he won the election as governor of Bauchi State. Only the constitutional immunity from prosecution has put that case in abeyance.”
More recently, his administration has faced fresh scrutiny involving aides charged with money laundering and terrorism financing, with his name reportedly appearing in court filings. Governor Mohammed has dismissed these developments as political persecution. Critics, however, argue that his 2019 governorship bid may have been partly influenced by the protections of constitutional immunity. Whether one accepts the EFCC’s position or the governor’s defence, the optics remain troubling.
Reports also indicate that sections of Bauchi’s political elite are positioning Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti as Governor Mohammed’s preferred successor ahead of the 2027 elections. This raises an important question: is this confidence, or a reflection of a political class that believes public memory is short?
Dr Wunti, a career public servant, served in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), rising through several senior roles, including Group General Manager of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS). However, public records also contain allegations relating to his tenure, including claims of contract inflation and procurement irregularities.
While these allegations have not resulted in any conviction and have been dismissed by his supporters as baseless, their persistence in public discourse raises concerns. As he emerges as a potential governorship candidate, critics see a familiar pattern: individuals under scrutiny seeking offices that confer constitutional immunity.
Mr President, your administration has projected itself as reform-driven and committed to difficult but necessary decisions. The removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate reforms, and fiscal restructuring are widely cited as evidence of that commitment. This is why the company your administration keeps is equally important.
The people of Bauchi are weary of unrealised potential—youth unemployment, weak healthcare systems, and underdeveloped economic sectors. The state holds vast opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and mineral resources, but these cannot be realised if leadership is driven by self-preservation rather than public service.
Your reform agenda is built on credibility. Associating with individuals facing serious allegations risks undermining that credibility. Public perception matters, both locally and globally. If Bauchi’s political succession becomes associated with unresolved allegations and political manoeuvring, it could reinforce concerns about accountability within the system.
Your legacy will not be judged solely by economic indicators but also by the standards you uphold and the precedents you set. Any perception that political offices are being used as shields against accountability risks weakening the broader narrative of reform and national renewal.
Bauchi’s political elite must decide whether protecting individuals facing serious allegations serves the people or perpetuates a cycle of impunity.
Mr President, you have demonstrated economic courage. You now face a test of political consistency. A lasting legacy requires reform without selective tolerance for corruption. Allowing Bauchi to become a refuge for immunity seekers would not only undermine the state’s future but also cast a shadow on the broader reform agenda.
The 2027 elections will test whether substance prevails over political expediency. Nigerians deserve leadership rooted in accountability, integrity, and genuine service.
We remain guided by your leadership, Mr President.
Mustapha writes from Bakin Kura Street, Bauchi.
Isyaku Ibrahim
A proverb says that nobody lives forever, and this is true, as everyone has an appointed time. This was the reality on April 4, 2010, when the unarguable leader of progressive and radical politics, the outspoken Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Rimi, answered the divine call while returning home after attending the coronation of the Emir of Dass in Bauchi State.
Many shed tears as an icon passed on, creating a huge vacuum in the political history of the country. Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Rimi was a man whose name transcended national boundaries due to his numerous admirable qualities.
Among the attributes that made the late consummate politician stand out were his eloquence, truthfulness, receptiveness, incorruptibility, courage, fearlessness, humour, people-centred approach, and, above all, his sense of justice and kindness. These were only a few of the countless traits that endeared him to people far beyond Kano and Nigeria.
If one recalls, the late political maestro, who could have contested for the Senate before Engineer Salihi Iliyasu was disqualified, was once invited to address a colloquium organised by the campaign team of former U.S. President George W. Bush—an honour accorded to only a few Africans.
Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Rimi was, in many ways, a thorn in the flesh of Nigeria’s political establishment due to his steadfastness, sincerity, and firm opposition to draconian policies by both military and civilian administrations that inflicted hardship on ordinary citizens.
This was evident during his leadership of the old Kano State, where he made significant strides in infrastructural development and people-oriented policies within less than four years in office. His tenure stood out, even as he later left the party that brought him to power to pursue a second term under another platform.
It is on record that many of his successors could not match his achievements. Regrettably, several of his projects remain incomplete, while others have been abandoned.
Rimi was widely regarded as one of the most performing governors in the history of the old Kano State, alongside the late Police Commissioner, Alhaji Audu Bako.
Notably, he assembled a government dominated by young, educated individuals, including members of rival political parties. His cabinet featured figures such as Alhaji Abdulhamid Hassan (NPN) in Education, Shehu Shanono (UPN) in Local Government, and Ahmed Hassan Sani (GNPP), now the Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, who handled Internal Affairs, Information, Youths, Sports, and Culture. Most of them were under the age of 40—an unprecedented move in Kano’s political history.
As admirers of the firebrand politician mark 16 years since the passing of the man fondly called *Limamin Canji* and *Rimi Adon Gari*, it is not an exaggeration to say that the vacuum he left behind remains difficult to fill, particularly in terms of ideology and leadership style.
We pray that Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest in paradise.
Isyaku Ibrahim is Director of Public Enlightenment in the Kano State Civil Service.
EFCC Trains Anti Corruption Operatives on Financial Crimes in Kano
NDLEA commends court over 15-Year jail term for drug suspect in Kano
Dangote spotlights refinery, vision 2030, others, at Nasarawa trade fair
ACF nominates Dr Goni Faruk Umar, others for endowment fund committee
Dangote, Pope Leo XIV, Trump, Xi Jinping, others named in TIME 100 most influential people for 2026
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
FG, UN-IGO plan 3,000 housing units, school for displaced persons in Lagos
Kwankwasiyya movement raises concern over judicial rulings, urges NJC intervention
Kano deputy governor resigns, cites governance stability
