Headlines
Friday Sermon: Imam Gusau urges Muslims to protect wealth through Zakah
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques in Okene, Kogi State, Sheikh Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, has called on Muslims to safeguard their wealth from calamity by faithfully paying Zakah.
Delivering his Friday sermon on Ramadan 3, 1447 AH (February 20, 2026), Imam Gusau emphasised that Zakah is not a loss but a divine mechanism for purification and protection of wealth.
According to him, wealth is not preserved through stinginess or hoarding but through obedience to Allah by giving out the prescribed portion to the needy.
“Zakah cleanses wealth from greed and spiritual impurities and blesses the remainder with increase and barakah,” he said, quoting the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as saying: “Wealth never decreases from charity.” (Muslim).
The cleric explained that paying 2.5 per cent of eligible wealth purifies the remaining 97.5 per cent, adding that Zakah is not a voluntary act of generosity but an obligation and a right due to the poor.
Citing the Qur’an, Imam Gusau referenced Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261), where Allah likens those who spend in His cause to a grain that grows seven ears, each bearing a hundred grains. He described Zakah as “the most profitable investment,” promising returns both in this world and in the Hereafter.
He also warned against withholding Zakah, recalling a hadith recorded in Sahih Bukhari in which the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said that wealth hoarded without paying Zakah would appear on the Day of Judgment as a poisonous snake encircling its owner’s neck.
The Imam highlighted historical examples, noting that during the reign of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, proper administration of Zakah led to widespread prosperity to the extent that collectors reportedly struggled to find eligible recipients.
Imam Gusau narrated the well-known story of three men among the Children of Israel—one leprous, one bald and one blind—whom Allah tested with wealth after curing their ailments. According to traditions recorded in Bukhari and Muslim, only the formerly blind man acknowledged Allah’s favour and shared his wealth, earning divine pleasure, while the others faced punishment for their ingratitude.
He described Zakah as one of the five pillars of Islam, quoting the hadith: “Islam is built upon five…”—testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing prayer, giving Zakah, performing Hajj, and fasting Ramadan.
The cleric stressed that Zakah applies only to wealth that reaches a minimum threshold (nisab) and is capable of growth, noting that Islam does not impose it on personal belongings such as homes, vehicles or household items.
He further explained that the Shari’ah requires only a small portion—often one-fortieth—of qualifying wealth, describing the system as just and merciful. He cited the Prophet’s instruction to Mu’adh ibn Jabal when he was sent to Yemen, directing that Zakah be taken from the wealthy and returned to the poor without seizing the best of people’s possessions.
Imam Gusau warned that greed had destroyed past nations, quoting the Prophet’s caution: “Beware of greed, for greed destroyed those before you.” (Muslim).
He noted that Zakah purifies the soul from miserliness and strengthens faith, describing it as proof of sincerity in belief. He also pointed to its social benefits, saying it addresses poverty, supports debtors and stranded travellers, and fosters brotherhood and social harmony.
Referring to early Islamic history, he recounted how Abu Bakr al-Siddiq fought tribes that refused to pay Zakah after the Prophet’s death, declaring that Zakah is the right of wealth and inseparable from prayer.
“Zakah is a bridge of Islam—whoever crosses it is saved, and whoever turns away from it is ruined,” Imam Gusau said.
He urged Muslims to calculate and pay their Zakah promptly and joyfully, describing it as a shield against calamity and a source of peace rather than punishment.
The sermon concluded with prayers for the victory of Islam, security in the land, righteous leadership, and well-being in this world and the Hereafter.
Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau can be reached via gusauimam@gmail.com
or 08038289761.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
BUK probes student over alleged Facebook fraud
Gov. Yusuf relieves Kano Head of Service of appointment
Disabled student seeks urgent fix for faulty elevator at Northwest University Kano
Resident raises concern over rising lawlessness, poor urban planning in Kano
Kwaru Foundation Provides Free Eye Care to Over 1,100 Residents in Kano
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Kwaru Foundation Provides Free Eye Care to Over 1,100 Residents in Kano
K-SAFE commends Kano for timely school census, inclusion of non-formal education data
Kano to distribute 16,906 desks to primary schools in 13 LGAs
