Opinion
[Friday Sermon] Ramadan: The Blessed Month, Month Of Forgiveness, Mercy And The Qur’an
By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is for Allah, we praise Him, we seek His help, we ask for His forgiveness, and we seek refuge with Allah from the evils of our own souls and the wickedness of our actions, whoever Allah guides, there is none that can lead him astray, and whoever Allah allows to go astray, there is none that can lead him to the right path.
I testify and bare witness that there is no deity worthy of worship in truth but Allah, alone, without any partners. And I testify and bare witness that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His Servant and Messenger. As for what’s after:
Dear brothers and sisters! Know that the fourth pillar among the pillars of Islam is fasting (It is called Siyam or Sawm in Arabic). And it is to fast throughout the month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar). This is an act of worship that draws the Muslim closer to Allah, as the noble Qur’an stated:
“Fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those who came before you so that you may attain piety.” [Qur’an, 2:183]
In this blessed month the Muslim pushes himself physically and spiritually in order to come closer to Allah. Muslim do good deeds in order to be forgiven by Allah Almighty, and the mercy of Allah will be shower on him.
Fasting and spirituality means that every Muslim should:
1. Focus on getting closer to Allah Almighty
2. Study and recite the Qur’an plentifully
3. Improve obedience to Allah
4. Give in charity, sadaqah etc
5. Pray the night prayers
6. Show kindness and generosity
7. Seek forgiveness for sins
Fasting as a physical activity means:
1. That a Muslim has no food or drink from dawn till sunset
2. No sexual relations from dawn till sunset
3. No immoral behaviour such as lying, deception, rumour-mongering, backbiting, and other sins. This he endeavours to avoid throughout his life.
In Muslim countries or communities, life continues as normal but cafes, restaurants and work-place canteens close during the day because no one is eating or drinking. A Muslim takes a pre-dawn meal (Suhur) as the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) commanded before the morning prayer. Throughout this month people spend more time in reading the Qur’an and remembering Allah with words of praise and glorification (Zikr). Hundreds of millions of Muslims look forward to Ramadan each year.
At dusk (Sunset) everything changes. The Muslim begins by breaking the fast with some dates and water. He then prays the Maghrib prayer (after the sun has set), after which he returns to his family to share in a well-prepared meal. Even at this stage, a Muslim is commanded not to go to excess in filling his belly. The Muslims should eat food they love that is wholesome and in moderation. Within two hours the Muslim returns to the Mosque and prays the late prayer (Isha) followed by quite a lengthy night prayer (Tarawih) for which there is a huge reward from Allah. In non-Muslim countries for example like Britain withholding from food provides added challenges:
1. If Ramadan falls into the British summer, then the daylight hours are very long (16-18 hours)!
2. Most people around you are eating, drinking and snacking, so that may tempt a Muslim.
Respected servants of Allah! Fasting is not obligatory upon everyone. Some people are exempt, such as children under the age of puberty who have not yet reached adulthood. Adulthood is known by whichever of the following takes place first:
• Coarse hair in the private area.
• Sexual discharge due to desire.
• Reaching the age of fifteen.
For a woman there is an additional point:
• Onset of the menstrual cycle.
Children can be encouraged to fast, but not forced. Some adults are also exempt due to their particular situation:
• Travelers upon a journey.
• The sick who are likely to recover.
• Menstruating women.
• Postnatal bleeding women.
These people are allowed to miss days but must make them up later after Ramadan once they are able. There is yet another group who are exempt:
• Those permanently sick who are not expected to recover.
• The elderly who cannot fast due to their old age.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women who fear for their babies if they were to fast.
These people must feed a poor person for each day missed since they are not expected to make up what they have missed.
Dear Muslims! Ramadan is known as the month of the Qur’an, because it was during this month that the Qur’an was first revealed, and continued to be revealed by Allah to the angel Gabriel who would bring verses to the Prophet (Peace be upon him) as and when events requiring guidance happened over the next twenty three years, until his death. Allah stated in the Qur’an:
“The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and a criterion between truth and falsehood. So whoever sights the new moon of the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days must be made up. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and wants for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” [Qur’an, 2:185]
Alhamdulillah, this year’s Ramadan, many committed Muslims set themselves targets and really want to benefit in Ramadan and want to please Allah:
• They want piety – and fasting leads to piety and awareness of the Creator whom they serve.
• Many Muslims try to complete the Qur’an by reading it daily.
• Many attend the Mosque every night and pray the night prayer (Tarawih) behind the Imam. Women too are welcome to attend.
• Many want to change their lives for the better, so Ramadan gives them an ideal opportunity. They cease useless boyfriend/girlfriend relationships; they stop bad habits such as lying, stealing, backbiting, smoking, drinking, listening to music, watching movies and so on.
• A lot of Muslims fall short in their behaviour throughout the year, but they know that Ramadan is a month of forgiveness and mercy, so they obey Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and do good deeds, with the desire to carry on after Ramadan in the same manner. They seek Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness daily.
They try to understand the message of the Qur’an by sitting with knowledgeable teachers who will teach them from classical works thus avoiding misguided ideologies. Muslims must always protect themselves from being led to extremes and from falling into neglect of established religious practices.
In Ramadan, the Muslim communities become stronger, people show mercy to each other, by being kind and generous, especially to one’s parents, family and the poor.
Ramadan makes Muslims reflect upon the bounties of Allah such as life, happiness, security, food, drink, health, family, wealth and so on. When Muslims go hungry and thirsty, they begin to understand the plight of those who are poor and needy and so they give thanks to Allah for His kindness and grace upon them.
Muslims help those less fortunate than themselves. They feel sympathy for the poor, less privilege, widows, orphans and so they give in charity, thereby receiving more reward from Allah.
Ramadan teaches the Muslims self-control and reminds them that serving Allah must take priority over their own desires.
Devout Muslims exert themselves harder in prayer, recitation and glorification of Allah in the last ten nights of Ramadan because in these nights there is the “Night of Power, Majesty and Decree” (called Lailatul-Qadr) which is better than a thousand months of worship. The Muslims were taught by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to seek out the beginning of Ramadan by looking out for the new moon of the month. It is not correct to use pre-determined calculations for the beginning and end of Ramadan since that opposes the instruction of the Prophet. In fact he said:
“When you see it (the crescent moon) fast, and when you see it again cease fasting, and if there is cloud-cover then complete thirty days.”
Finally, our non-Muslims neighbours should know that Muslims worship only one God (Allah), the Lord of all creation – He is the God of Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), Jesus (Isa), Muhammad and all the Prophets (Peace be upon them all).
And Alhamdulillah, today Friday, 1st April 2022, is the 29th of Sha’aban 1443 AH and hence the first day to look for the crescent of Ramadan 1443 AH.
The National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) in Nigeria hereby requests the Muslims to kindly look for the Ramadan crescent and then forward to them your observations, whether positive or negative. In your report kindly indicate your full name, location (exact city) and approximate time of observation. It is suggested, if possible, to look for the crescent in a group with others.
Please, you share this reminder with friends and groups for wider publicity please.
Jazakumullah Khairan.
Allah surely knows best and he is the Lords of the universe and May his peace and blessing be on his Messenger, his family, his companions and those who follow them.
I ask Allah, the Most High to grant us success and enable us to be correct in what we say and write, ameen.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.
This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Sha’aban 29, 1443 A.H. (April 01, 2022).
Opinion
After two years of promises: What is holding back Kano’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities?
By Hannatu Suleiman Abba
During the review of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) blueprint at Babale Suite—organised by the AMG Foundation—I vividly recall a series of engagements on the party’s commitment to establish a Commission for Persons with Disabilities if elected. At the event, the Director General of Media, Malam Sanusi Bature, who represented the NNPP gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, spoke clearly about this intention.
Following the election victory, expectations among persons with disabilities and their advocates were understandably high. The proposed commission was widely seen as a critical step toward advancing inclusion, protecting rights, and ensuring coordinated support for persons with disabilities across Kano State.
On December 28, 2023, a press release issued by the Director General of Media, Malam Sanusi Bature, announced that the Kano State Government was set to establish the Commission for Persons with Disabilities in 2024. The statement, conveyed through the governor’s deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities.
More than a year later, however, the commission is yet to be established.
In the meantime, the Commissioner for Women, Children and Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi (HOD), has continued to carry persons with disabilities along in her ministry’s activities. Through the Director of Special Needs, Dr. Binta Bala, the ministry has promoted inclusivity and engagement. These efforts are commendable and reflect genuine goodwill.
Similarly, Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has personally participated in several interventions supporting persons with disabilities—an effort I can attest to as a firsthand witness.
Yet, a critical question remains: can these interventions truly replace the role of a fully established Commission for Persons with Disabilities that serves all disability clusters?
The answer, quite clearly, is no.
A commission is not merely symbolic. It provides structure, continuity, accountability and institutional representation—elements that isolated interventions, no matter how well-intentioned, cannot sustainably guarantee. The absence of such a commission has left many persons with disabilities in Kano State facing persistent challenges, particularly in access to healthcare, education, entrepreneurship and broader social development.
The establishment of a Commission for Persons with Disabilities is essential to bridging existing gaps in government interventions and ensuring coordinated, equitable and inclusive support across all disability groups.
If Kano State successfully domesticates and operationalises this law, it would set a powerful precedent for other northern states—some of which are already making efforts, but lack a strong, unified model to emulate.
As an advocate for marginalised groups, I have held several discussions with key stakeholders, including Abdulrazak Ado Zango, on the transformative impact such a commission could have on the lives of persons with disabilities in Kano State. Beyond service delivery, a commission would serve as a formal platform for inclusion in policymaking and decision-making processes that directly affect persons with disabilities.
While the government’s efforts to give persons with disabilities a voice are sincerely appreciated, it must be emphasised that the establishment of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities remains the most effective, sustainable and institutional path toward meaningful change and full inclusion in Kano State.
Two years after the promise, the question still lingers: what is holding Kano back?
Hannatu Suleiman Abba is a humanitarian journalist and Founder of Beyond Inclusion Media. She can be reached via hannatusuleimanabba@gmail.com
If you’ve ever wondered where to experience the best online shopping in Nigeria, you’re not alone. The shift toward digital buying has transformed how Nigerians shop — from fashion and electronics to home appliances and groceries. One of the fastest-rising names leading this change is Nujora.ng, a trusted platform designed to make shopping easier, faster, and more rewarding for both buyers and local sellers.
Why Online Shopping Is Booming in Nigeria
Nigerians are increasingly turning to online shopping for convenience, better prices, and access to products that aren’t always available in local markets. The ease of browsing and comparing prices from your phone has made e-commerce part of everyday life.
With platforms like Nujora.ng, buyers can enjoy smooth transactions, quick delivery, and reliable customer support — all while supporting homegrown businesses.
Why Nujora.ng Is Your Go-To Online Marketplace
When it comes to the best online shopping experience in Nigeria, Nujora offers more than just a place to buy and sell. It’s a growing community marketplace built around trust, affordability, and local connection.
Here’s why shoppers love Nujora:
🛍️ Wide Range of Products: From fashion to electronics, beauty, and home essentials.
🚚 Fast Delivery: Items are delivered quickly from nearby vendors.
🤝 Trusted Sellers: Verified local sellers ensure genuine products.
💰 Affordable Deals: Competitive pricing with no hidden costs.
🌍 Support Local: Every purchase helps small Nigerian businesses grow.
Calling All Local Sellers – Join Nujora Today!
Are you a business owner, vendor, or artisan looking to grow your sales?
Nujora.ng is your opportunity to take your business online without the stress of building a website. Our mission is to empower local entrepreneurs to reach thousands of new customers easily.
Here’s what sellers get when they join:
A user-friendly dashboard to upload and manage products.
Direct access to nearby buyers.
Marketing and visibility support from Nujora’s team.
Secure transactions and fast payouts.
Join Nujora today — the future of online selling is local, and Nujora is here to make it happen.
Visit www.nujora.ng to start selling now.
Final Thoughts
The best online shopping in Nigeria isn’t just about convenience — it’s about connection. With Nujora.ng, buyers get quality and speed, while sellers gain exposure and growth. Together, we’re building a smarter, more inclusive marketplace that keeps commerce local and digital.
Start your journey today at www.nujora.ng — discover amazing deals, support local sellers, and experience Nigeria’s most convenient way to shop online.
Aliyu Isa Aliyu, Ph.D
During my time as the financial secretary of NNPP in Kano state and other political engagements, I saw clearly how many of the so-called fake Kwankwasiyya loyalists behaved. They always came with sweet promises, showing deep respect for Kwankwaso’s leadership and pretending to be his strongest disciples. They claimed they would defend the party’s ideology even with their lives. But the moment they got what they wanted, whether it was an election victory, recognition, or political favour, they slowly pulled away. Their loyalty was never to the Kwankwasiyya movement, but only to their own ambitions. Personally, I never regarded their loyalty, never praised them, and never wasted my time writing about them.
What surprised me most was Kwankwaso’s ability to take all of this without holding any grudges. Time and again, he welcomed them back whenever they were politically stranded. Instead of shutting them out, he gave them another chance, teaching us that leadership is not about revenge but about building bridges, even with those who once betrayed you. Many of us in the party leadership found it hard to understand this level of patience, but over time, I came to see it as part of what makes him a rare politician in Nigeria.
This same cycle has repeated itself in every election season. Politicians who abandoned kwankwasiyya the most critical times would always return in desperation, and Kwankwaso would open the doors again. For him, the bigger picture has always been the growth of the movement and the empowerment of the masses, not the small politics of exclusion. But from my own experience, I have seen both the strength and weakness of this approach. The strength is Kwankwaso’s unmatched generosity and forgiveness, but the weakness is the opportunism of those who treat leadership as a shortcut to power. In 2024, some of them worked tirelessly with all kinds of deceit just to secure tickets for their boys as local government chairmen, but thankfully Madugu Kwankwaso was firm and did not fall into their trap.
Now the time has come for our leader, Senator Kwankwaso, to reflect on his political generosity and take the right stand. It is better to lose an election with true loyalists than to win with those sabbatical politicians who only come for their selfish gains. Nobody can deny that they contributed to NNPP’s growth in Kano, but the truth is that the sacrifices Kwankwaso made for them are far greater than what they have done for him or the movement. Before their defection to NNPP in 2022, there were committed people already vying for those positions, but they were pleaded to step down and hand over the tickets for free. You cannot build a political movement with people who carry two faces. In politics, you are either here or there; there is no middle ground. Kwankwasiyya is not only about winning elections, it is also about discipline and sacrifice. We won clearly in 2019 before the election was declared inconclusive, and we still won in 2023 despite the odds. If Almighty Allah has destined our victory in 2027, no betrayal can stop it, no matter who leaves Kwankwasiyya.
– Aliyu Isa Aliyu, Ph.D
Kano education ministry holds workshop on inclusive, gender-sensitive learning
Tarauni LG chairman sponsors 622 students for free NCE education
Kano PHC Board sanctions staff after unscheduled visit to Burji facility
Kano Police recover three stolen vehicles, arrest five suspects
Dangote Cement Making Measurable Impacts In Benue Host Communities — FG
Kano SUBEB releases list of shortlisted candidates for teachers’ recruitment exam
Kwankwaso considers ADC Alliance with Atiku, Obi as opposition forces realign ahead of 2027
Delayed, Weaker Harmattan Signals Climate Change Impact Across Northern Nigeria – Anka
Gov. Yusuf Signs N1.47trn 2026 Budget into Law
