News
Imam Gusau warns Muslims against envy, says it threatens unity of the Ummah
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A prominent Islamic scholar, Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, has warned Muslims against the dangers of envy (hasad), describing it as a destructive spiritual disease capable of eroding faith, damaging relationships and undermining the unity of the Muslim community.
Speaking in his Friday sermon titled “The Destructive Effects of Hasad-Envy to the Ummah,” the cleric said envy goes beyond disliking another person’s success, explaining that it is a disease of the heart that can lead to hatred, slander, conflict and other sinful acts.
According to him, Islamic teachings recognise different levels of envy, beginning with resentment over another person’s blessings and progressing to a desire for those blessings to be taken away.
He explained that the most severe form of envy is one in which a person wishes harm upon others regardless of any personal benefit, warning that such feelings could eventually manifest in actions that damage individuals and society.
Imam Gusau said Islam also acknowledges the reality of the evil eye (al-‘ain), noting that while not every envious person possesses it, believers are encouraged to protect themselves through regular remembrance of Allah, supplications and recitation of the Qur’an.
He stressed that gratitude, humility and praying for those one envies remain among the most effective ways of overcoming the disease of envy.
The cleric described envy as a major sin because it reflects dissatisfaction with Allah’s divine wisdom in distributing blessings among His servants.
Quoting verses from the Qur’an, he said differences in wealth, status and opportunities are part of Allah’s plan and should not become reasons for resentment or hostility.
He identified common signs of envy to include discomfort when others are praised, belittling people’s achievements and taking pleasure in their misfortunes.
According to him, arrogance and personal grudges are among the major causes of envy, while Islam permits only righteous emulation (ghibtah)—wishing to attain similar blessings without desiring their removal from others.
The cleric urged Muslims to be cautious about displaying their blessings publicly, especially on social media, and encouraged parents to teach their children protective supplications and the habit of saying Mashaa Allah when admiring something good.
He also advised believers to maintain regular morning and evening remembrances (Azkar) as part of spiritual protection against envy and the evil eye.
Imam Gusau further cited examples from Islamic history, including the stories of Iblis, Qabil and Habil, and Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and his brothers, to illustrate how envy has historically led to disobedience, violence and family discord.
He concluded by praying for Allah to protect Muslims from envy, purify their hearts and strengthen unity within the Ummah.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
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