Headlines
Imam Gusau calls on Muslims to honour Prophet Muhammad, follow His Sunnah
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques in Okene, Kogi State, Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau has called on Muslims to demonstrate their love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by honouring his status, following his teachings and giving precedence to his Sunnah over personal opinions.
KANO FOCUS reports that Imam Gusau made the call in his Friday sermon titled “Supporting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Honouring Him!”, for delivered on Friday.
He cited the conduct of the Companions of the Prophet during the Hudaybiyyah negotiations, recounting how Urwah Ibn Mas‘ud al-Thaqafi observed the extraordinary respect shown to Muhammad by his Companions.
According to the sermon, Urwah told his people that although he had visited rulers including Caesar, Chosroes and the Negus, he had never witnessed companions honour a leader in the manner the Companions honoured Prophet Muhammad.
Gusau said the Qur’an commands believers to support and honour the Prophet, citing verses from Surah al-Fath which describe Muhammad as a witness, bearer of glad tidings and warner.
He further emphasised that reverence for the Prophet was an essential part of faith, noting that Allah had raised his mention, exalted his rank and praised his character. He cited Qur’anic verses describing the Prophet as possessing “magnificent character” and stating that Allah had raised his mention.
The cleric said honouring the Prophet also involves giving precedence to his words, rulings and Sunnah over the opinions and preferences of other people.
He cited Qur’anic injunctions warning believers against putting themselves forward before Allah and His Messenger and against disregarding matters decided by Allah and His Messenger.
Imam Gusau also highlighted the etiquette observed by the Companions in the presence of the Prophet, saying they lowered their voices and treated him with profound reverence.
He recalled that Umar Ibn al-Khattab would speak quietly to the Prophet after the revelation of the verse prohibiting believers from raising their voices above the Prophet’s voice.
The imam warned against placing the opinions of individuals, thinkers or personal desires above the teachings of the Prophet, arguing that doing so was inconsistent with genuine reverence for him.
He illustrated the point with accounts involving Abdullah Ibn Abbas, Abdullah Ibn Umar and Imran Ibn Husain, showing how the Companions responded when personal opinions appeared to conflict with statements attributed to the Prophet.
Imam Gusau also cited the positions of prominent Islamic scholars, including Imam Ibn Abi Zi’b and Imam al-Shafi‘i, who, according to the sermon, emphasised the obligation to follow authentic teachings of the Prophet rather than substitute personal opinions for them.
He further said honouring the Prophet requires Muslims to avoid conduct that demeans or disparages him, adding that insulting or belittling him contradicts the Islamic duty of reverence.
The cleric also urged Muslims to balance fear of Allah with hope in His mercy. He cited a narration in which the Prophet visited a dying young man who expressed both hope in Allah and fear of his sins, and the Prophet encouraged the balance between the two qualities.
Imam Gusau concluded his sermon with prayers for Muslims, Nigeria and other parts of the world, including a prayer for security, righteous leadership and relief for oppressed people in Nigeria and Gaza.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dr Goni Faruk Umar has urged Muslims to embrace Taqwa in their daily lives, describing it as a foundation of Islam and a key to righteous conduct and success in this world and the hereafter.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Islamic scholar made the call while delivering a Juma’a sermon at the New Juma’a Mosque, Rumfa College, Kano.
In the sermon, Dr Goni Faruk Umar explained the meaning of Taqwa using classical Islamic scholarship, including an account involving Umar ibn al-Khattab and the companion Ubayy ibn Ka’b to illustrate the concept.
According to the account cited in the sermon, Sayyadina Ubayy once asked Khalifa Umar bin Khattab whether he had ever walked along a thorny path. When Khalifa Umar bin Khattab answered in the affirmative, Sayyadina Ubayy asked how he navigated it. Khalifa Umar bin Khattab replied that he gathered his clothes and proceeded cautiously to avoid being pricked.
Sayyadina Ubayy then explained that this was the essence of Taqwa: being constantly mindful of one’s actions and carefully avoiding what displeases Allah.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar said Taqwa should not be limited to acts of worship but should also guide Muslims’ conduct in contemporary society, particularly in their use of digital platforms and social media, control of the tongue, and relationships within the family.
He urged worshippers to exercise restraint in their speech, act responsibly online and uphold their obligations to family members in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The cleric also highlighted the spiritual and worldly benefits of Taqwa, including relief from hardship, ease in personal affairs, forgiveness of sins and increased rewards in the hereafter.
Quoting verses from the Qur’an, he cited Allah’s promise in Surah At-Talaq, verses 2 and 3, that whoever fears Him will be granted a way out of difficulties and provided for from sources they could not have anticipated.
He also referred to Qur’an 65:4–5, which promises ease in affairs, the removal of sins and the multiplication of rewards for those who maintain Taqwa.
The scholar reminded Muslims that worldly life is temporary and that the hereafter is their permanent destination. He therefore urged them to regard Taqwa as the best provision for the journey beyond this life.
Citing Qur’an 2:197, he emphasised that the best provision for the hereafter is Taqwa, urging believers to remain conscious of their responsibilities to Allah.
The sermon also featured prayers and salutations upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family and companions, in accordance with the Qur’anic instruction in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 56.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar concluded by encouraging Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, follow the guidance of the Prophet and make righteousness a guiding principle in their daily lives.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
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