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RAMADAN CRESCENT BETWEEN ANNOUNCEMENT AND ANNULMENT

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Barely a week the probable dates for the start of Ramadan were announced by the leader of the Nigerian Muslims, Alhaji Sa’d Abubakar (the Sultan of Sokoto), the Mudeer of Markaz under the shield of a southwestern body of imams and scholars came up with a counter-announcement, thereby tactically nullifying the former. I wasn’t shocked nor moved a second because such is annually habitual of the sheikh.

While all were celebrating Eidul Fitr last year, he together with his acquiescent adherents rather fasted, and the preceding day, they had their unprecedented, record-breaking festival. I saw some scantily lined up for Salatul Eid along Abule-Egba and I could not but burst into a saddening laughter. That would invariably mean that those (the whole country except their sanctimonious selves) who did otherwise must have worshipped to the gallery. That’s unfortunate.

As usual, the Sultan had urged Nigerian Muslims to watch out for the crescent of Ramadan on Thursday the 23rd of April, 2020. If sighted, the commencement of fast would be effected the next day, Friday 24th, and if not, it would start Saturday the 25th. This, no doubt, is the age-long Islamic custom of starting and ending of Ramadan. But because mudeer is habitually hell bent on being disobedient to the authority, he rather announced that Ramadan would start Saturday 25th April and end Sunday 24th May. A repeat of last year’s mockery apparently looms.

Mudeer’s strength obviously lies in astronomical forecasts which are indisputably, imperfectly prone to human errors. Would Allah not get angered if an act of worship as fundamental as Ramadan fast was regulated by fallible human predictions?

Whereas I am not aware of any scholar the world over who had ever berated or ruled against astronomical knowledge or its tools (such as binoculars) being used to aid sighting of the moon. What they said and still say is that the knowledge should only be used to complement the practice of searching for the crescent, not to jettison it as propagated by mudeer and his ilk. To this effect was the effort of the Sultan a few years ago where 6 binoculars – used to search and view a newborn moon – were acquired by him and distributed to each geopolitical zone across the country. The astronomical, technological machines are used alongside the traditional eye-sighting the 29th day of Sha’baan and Ramadan, to start and end fast respectively.

That is the practice in developed countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey etc. Both the traditional and modern methods are used without relying on predictions and forecasts.

The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) led by the Sultan has a permanent, functional committee of scholars who see to the appearance and disappearance of the moon every month. The National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) effortlessly discharges this sacred obligation and reports its findings to the office of the Sultan who announces same to the public. The NMSC has a record of its past findings from Muharram to Dhul-Hijjah.

Although I am pained that this usually occurs every year, but I am not surprised. How would someone who spoke ill of Abu Hurairah have reverence for a mere Sultan?

WHY WIKIPEDIA IS NOT YOUR BEST SOURCE – Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

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Over the years, I have learnt not to totally rely on Wikipedia as a source or reference. As a writer and debater on politics and religion, the need to make researches and quote sources is very important. For those who do not know, as detailed as articles on Wikipedia are, the facts are challengeable and subject to correction.

When it was reported that Abba Kyari died, various media outlets published the story. Many but a few got the age wrongly, including me. My attention was called to the error by ace journalist, Sulaiman Aledeh. I wrote an article on Saturday morning where I gave the age as 82 (now corrected).

Late Friday night, the age was not on the Wiki article, then on Saturday morning, it says 82. When Aledeh called my attention, I went to check the same article and the age says 67. I was very sure I saw 82 in the morning. So, I signed in to my Wiki account and checked the edit history. Within 24 hours, the article was edited not less than 30 times.

Many media outlets also fell for this, even Channels. Aledeh.com did a good job with the age as well as Premium Times who published an article to that effect. For a research work, it is better to read and draw facts from the source(s) of a Wiki article.

This is what those who do not know about Islam but put themselves in the position of Scholars need to know. Sheikh Google and Imam Wikipedia should not take the position of scholars and Islamic texts. Likewise, the enemies of Islam who claim to have studied Islam on Wikipedia and anti-Islamic websites need to know this as well. Someone comes to you for a debate, sits in front of the computer with 20 Wiki pages opened then claims he used to be an ex-Islamic scholar.

I remember editing the Hijab article on Wikipedia. In 2018, if you search Hijab on google, the thumbnail from wiki used to be the picture of an Iranian (I think) woman with a rope-like piece of clothing on her head, it is different today. You will see the woman’s picture under the Burqa and Niqab section of the Hijab article. Unfortunately, I was unable to change the erroneous definition of the Hijab which is still there at the time of this writing. It says;

“A hijab is a veil worn by some Muslim women in the presence of any male outside of their immediate family, which usually covers the head and chest”

A Hijab is to be worn by Muslim women not some and goes beyond covering the head and chest.

Conclusively, articles on Wikipedia should be fact-checked and you cannot claim to have proper knowledge of any religion or people through Wikipedia.

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

A STEP TO RAMADAN By Sodiq Abdulazeez

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Fasting and Its Merits

Fasting is the English translation of the Arabic word, siyam or sawm, which literarily means ‘to restrain’

Allah used the word generally in the Qur’an when He revealed the conversation between Angel Jibril and Maryam, during which the former instructed the latter as follows:

‘…And if you do see a man, say, ‘I have vowed to remain silent for Allah‘ (Maryam: 26).

However, in the Shari’ah, the word, sawm, is described as the worship of Allah with the intention of pleasing Him, by restraining from physical nourishment, food, drink, sexual association, and other fast-breakers, from the period between the break of dawn until sunset.

The merits of fasting are numberless, but some of them will be mentioned here:

1. Fasting helps a serious believer remould, reshape, and reform his physical and spiritual disposition and behavior

2. It serves as a shield that protects a believer from sinful acts

3. It serves as an expiation of sins for the observer

4. It distances the believer from hellfire just as the heaven and earth are apart (from each other)

5. Those who fast are assured of entry to paradise through a special door called: Rayyān.

6. It avails a believer, the special grace of having his supplication answered by Allah

7. It makes the believer acknowledge the mercy of Allah on him, through the experience of hunger

8. It drives the believer to be generous to the poor, hence, promoting equitable happiness in the society

9. It instils in the believer, the exalted virtues of patience, perseverance, forbearance and forgiveness, both during and after the fasting period

Ramadan: Meaning and Special Virtues.

Ramadan is coined from the Arabic base word, ramida or ar-ramad which implies intense heat and dryness.

Hence, Ramadan is sometimes said to indicate the heating sensation in the stomach as a result of thirst.

Some also say that Ramadan is so called because it scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground.

Yet, other say that it is so called because the heart is more readily receptive to the admonition and remembrance of Allah during Ramadan just as the sand and stones are receptive to the sun’s heat.

Of importance, however is that Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar in which Muslims are obliged to fast for the entire month while devoting themselves to other acts of worship in a bid to increase their spiritual, physical and mental vibrancy.

Ramadan has some special virtues that set it apart from other months in Islam. These include:

1. The holy Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan as a guide to humanity

2. Other divine books of Allah were also revealed in the month of Ramadan

3. The doors of Paradise are opened in the month of Ramadan, while the doors of Hellfire are closed

4. Laylatul Qadr, which is a majestic night that is better than 1000 months, occurs in the month of Ramadan

5. It is a month of patience; in it, the believers observe patience in obeying Allah; accepting His preordainment; and restraining from sins.

6. It is the month of ‘itikãf, a special seclusion in a stipulated masjid, for devotion to the worship of Allah

7. The night prayers observed in the month of Ramadan wipe off the past sins of the believer.

Ruling on Fasting in the Month of Ramadan

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is compulsory for every Muslim, who is mature, sane, able, resident and free from barriers (of fasting) such as Hayd (menstrual bleeding) and Nifas (post-natal bleeding).

This position is backed by the two sources of the Islamic law: Al-Qur’an and Sunnah, along with the consensus of the Muslims.

In the Qur’an, Allah says: O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may acquire piety (Al-Baqarah: 183).

Also, Abdullah bn ‘Umar narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Islam is built on five pillars: testimony of faith, that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah; testimony that Muhammad is His Messenger; establishing Salah; giving Zakat; observing the fast of Ramadan; and pilgrimage to the house of Allah (Hajj)

As for the consensus, it occurs in Al-Mughni (of ibn Qudãmah); Marãbitul ‘ijmã’ (of ibn Hazm); At-tamhid and Al-‘ijmã’ (of ibn Abdul-bar); and Al-‘ijmã’ (of ibn Al-mundhir), that the Muslims unanimously agree on the obligation of fasting in the month of Ramadan and that whoever denies this is undoubtedly a Kãfir (disbeliever), with the exception of a person who makes such denial out of ignorance in which case he will be enlightened right away.

If he (the denier), however, persists in his denial, he will become a Kãfir as he would have denied an essential pillar of Islam which is established both in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Ascertaining the Start of Ramadan Fasting

The start of Ramadan fasting can be ascertained in three ways: Direct Sighting; Testimony; and Approximation.

1. Direct Sighting: This is the direct, physical sighting of the new crescent moon of Ramadan. That is, once the new moon of the month of Ramadan is confirmed by an individual, they can start fasting. This is because Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger (peace be upon him) said: ‘Fast by sighting the new hilal (crescent moon)…’

2. Testimony: This is an indirect sighting of the moon, whereby a reliable, upright and trustworthy Muslim, who has witnessed the new crescent moon, informs others about such. This is because Abdullah bn ‘Abbas narrated that a Bedouin came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: ‘I sighted the new hilal (crescent moon of Ramadan)’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘Do you testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah?’ The Bedouin said: ‘Yes’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘Do you testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?’ The Bedouin said: ‘Yes’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘O Bilal, announce to (authorize) the people to start fasting tomorrow’

3. Approximation: The start of Ramadan can also be ascertained by approximating the days of Sha’aban to 30. This becomes the resort if the smog, fog or cloud blocks the sky, thereby, preventing the eyes from sighting the crescent.

In other words, if by the night of the 29th day of Sha’aban, we are not able to sight the crescent of Ramadan due to cloudiness in the sky, we are going to complete the counting of Sha’aban to 30 days. This is because Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘…if there is a cloud, complete the counting of Sha’abãn 30 days’

Is the Sighting of a Country Valid for Another Country?

This matter borders on whether the sighting of the new crescent in a particular town, region or country, is good for another country or the entire Ummah to start fasting.

For instance, can Nigerians or Americans start fasting according to the crescent sighted in Saudi Arabia, UK or Ghana? Or, can those in the southwestern part of a country fast if the crescent is sighted in any other region in the country?

This is a matter over which scholars have differed. Their opinions are as follows:

1. The differences of region or distance are of no consequence in ascertaining the testimony of the crescent. In other words, if the testimony is ascertained by even one Muslim in any part of the world, other countries or regions can begin to fast.

2. The testimony of a country or region (say, Saudi Arabia), is only valid for people in that country or region and not for others. In other words, the Muslims in South Africa cannot fast according to the sighting of crescent in any other country unless the same crescent is sighted in South Africa.

3. The testimony of Makkah is valid for the rest of the world. In other words, the entire Muslims depend on when the crescent is sighted in the holy land.

4. The countries or regions in close proximity should depend on each other for sighting while countries or regions which are far apart, should not. In other words, while the testimony in Ghana is valid for Nigerians to start fasting, that of Saudi Arabia is not.

5. It varies with region in that people in a particular region will have one exclusive sighting or testimony as opposed to people in other regions. In other words, those in the northern region should sight the crescent independently from those in the southern, eastern and western regions.

6. The ruler of a country, region or town can direct that people under his jurisdiction should fast according to the sighting of other country or any state within his country. In other words, the leader of Muslims in a particular country or region can authorize the Muslims under his jurisdiction, to start fasting after confirming that the moon has been sighted in any other country (say, Saudi Arabia) or any state or region within his Jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, it is pertinent to state that where ‘6’ above becomes the case, it is advisable for an individual to act accordingly or in the least, not openly show that he is differing from the authority, simply because of the fitnah, confusion and arguments that may result from that.

What to Be Said at the Sighting of the Crescent

Talhatu bn UbaidiLlāh narrated: Whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) sighted the crescent, he would say:

‘اللهم أهله علينا باليمن والإيمان، والسلامة والإسلام، ربي وربك الله’

‘Allāhumma ahillahu alaina bil yumni wal Imān, Wa-s-salāmata wa-l-Islām, Rabbi Wa rabbukaLlāh’

‘O Allāh, make it the beginning of prosperity, faith, peace and total submission. My Lord and mine is Allāh. (Sunan Tirmidhi)

It is obvious from the ongoing that the month of Ramadan presents a great opportunity for every individual, who is desirous of the pleasure of Allah. We are therefore, encouraged to make the most of this month, by engaging in acts of worship as much as we can.

May Allah make us witness the blessed month of Ramadan.

Abba Kyari’s Death: Mourning, Jubilation And The Way Forward With COVID-19 By Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

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When the news of Abba Kyari’s death (President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff) was announced late Friday night, it came as a shock to some people with condolence messages all over the social media. However, to some, the news would equal Nigeria winning the FIFA World Cup.

HUMANITY OVER POLITICS AND TRIBALISM

It is baffling that one would gloat over the death of a 67-year-old man. The excitement, obviously due to political and tribal reasons is a pointer to the fact that except Nigerians come to the reality of setting aside their religious and tribal differences as well as playing healthy instead of the dangerous and in-humanistic politics, we are far away from being a successful nation.

When we receive the news of a man like Abba Kyari like we have been given the keys to the White House, what are we celebrating? That he was divinely punished to have died at 67 or that he died without an accomplishment in life? Or because he belongs to a different political party or a different tribe and religion? Or do we just conclude that those who celebrate his demise are simply blind, barbaric, petty and unintelligent.

In a popular narration, the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) stood up for the funeral of a Jew. Commenting on this narration, Ibn Qayyim (in his revision of Aboo Daawood’s Sunan) gave three reasons why the Prophet stood up. He wrote;

“The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, had three reasons for standing for the funeral:

The first reason is that he [Prophet] said: “Indeed, death is alarmingly frightful.” Imaam Muslim reported this as part of the Hadeeth narrated by Jaabir  in which the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Indeed, death is alarmingly frightful, so if you see a funeral procession, stand up.“

The second reason: The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, stood up for the angels. Anas  narrated: “A funeral procession passed by us so the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, stood up. We said, ‘Oh Messenger of Allaah, it is the funeral procession of a Jew.’ He said, ‘We stood up for the angels.’” [An-Nasaa’i]

The third reason: because it is a soul. Qays ibn Sa‘d and Sahl ibn Hunayf  said: “A funeral procession passed by the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, so he stood up. We said, ‘It is the funeral procession of a Jew.’ He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: ‘Is it not a soul?’” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]”

Perhaps, we could learn from the life of the Prophet and act like humans that we are and not political animals and ethno-centric individuals.

 

COVID-19 AND OUR INCONSISTENCY

Our inconsistency is quite flabbergasting. When it was reported that Abba Kyari contracted the disease, the same set of people claimed that the Coronavirus case in Nigeria is a scam and that it is another attempt for the government to make money. Now that the old man died of the Coronavirus, the same virus that was said to have been a scam is being praised for doing a ‘good’ job. How inconsistent! Mr. Kyari is gone, may ALlah forgive him. Aameen.

 

CONTAINING THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS

Presently, Nigeria has almost 500 confirmed cases of the COVID-19. Truth be told, the attitude of some Nigerians and religious leaders towards the lock-down is defeating the purpose; to contain the spread of the virus. Actions ranging from defiantly attending religious gatherings, not maintaining social distancing, people sneaking into other states, etc.

With the death of Abba Kyari, there is the hope that this would now be taken seriously. The COVID-19 is not a disease of the rich, everyone and anyone is vulnerable and the best way to combat this is to strictly adhere to the lock-down order. It is one way the world conquered the Spanish Flu which killed at least, 50 million people worldwide between 1918-1920.

                            HUNGER AS A THREAT

In a nation where the poverty rate is high, it would be insensitive to disregard cries of those who worry about hunger. The lock-down order with an extension of two weeks is really challenging for the average Nigeria who has to go out to work for his daily bread.

Hunger is a threat to the lock-down order. The likely increase in crime rate, asides, the idea that only the vulnerable and the poor of the poor need relief packages is gone with the first two weeks of the order. With the extension, the one who is considered average is now one of the poor of the poor. With business closed and spending without income, the threat that hunger poses to the lock-down order cannot be overlooked.

The people need to understand and come to the reality that the government cannot see to everyone. While people need to improvise, the rich are encouraged to help the poor. Hunger, in this case, is not just about the grumbling in the stomach but also the psychological and emotional challenges it comes with.

Those who raise concerns over hunger should not be seen as gluttonous or unpatriotic.

 

PREVENTING CHAOS

While some people have their reasons not to believe the COVID-19 reports, it is obvious that some people all over the world have become very cynical and do not trust the government simply because there are too much of lies being spread. This has led to many conspiracy theories being sold regardless of how ridiculous it might be.

Some days ago, thousands of people gathered in Michigan, USA, for a protest demanding that they go back to their ‘normal lives’. This act from a country like the USA might be a reason for people especially in Africa to stage protests, revolts and defy government orders using hunger as an excuse.

Earlier, there was a two-week lockdown and now, it has been extended. A further attempt to extend the lock-down (as necessary as it might be) might do more harm than good. While it is understandable that the government does not want to create panic, playing games with the citizens may bring more unrest that what the diplomacy was to avert.

In a very politically and ethnically divided nation, the government needs to be more prudent as to how it disseminates and manages information. Already, some people are very skeptical about whatever news comes from the government, it could get worse when they have a reasonable point to hold on to.

It would be very difficult to bring people to reason as to the need to extend the lock-down after two weeks. As it is, the two weeks may not be sufficient to achieve the desired result. Other countries that conduct tests much more than we do have been locked down for more than a month, how much more a nation that is battling with tests.

Therefore, there is a need to prepare the people from now and not waiting for the end of the two weeks to serve them another two weeks. Also, other than an order in a dictatorial manner, there is a need to call the people to reason. Instead of an order, the Presidency should deliver a speech full of logic and reasoning to convince them to cooperate with the government. When people get angry, the guys with the guns can do nothing.

Lastly, Nigerians should understand that we are combatting an enemy that has nothing to lose and does not care about us. If it could kill us all, it would. The virus has no feeling, no emotion or compassion. A protest staged now is not against the government, it is against ourselves, our children, our loved ones, our beloved country and our existence.

The times are hard but we shall overcome.

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman (KNOWISLAM PROJECT)

Abba Kyari, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff Dies Amidst Coronavirus Debates

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Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has died.

After testing positive to the Coronavirus, he was moved to a private hospital in Lagos to manage the disease.

Femi Adesina, the presidential spokesperson announced in a tweet early on Saturday. he wrote;

Since its outbreak last year in Wuhan China, 2,248,864 people have been infected, 154,145 people have died while 571,523 have recovered at the time of this report according to worldometers.

Since the lockdown in some states with two weeks extension, there have been arguments against the existence of the Coronavirus. Consequently, the lockdown is not taken seriously by some people including religious leaders.

Nigeria has a total of 493 confirmed cases, 159 recovered and 17 deaths.

Mr. Kyari’s death may change the opinion of those who do not believe that there are cases of the Coronavirus in Nigeria as well as those who criticize the lockdown order.

May Allah forgive Abba Kyari and grant him Jannah. Aameen.

#Stayathome #Staysafe

COVID-19: Al-Aqsa Closed For Ramadan

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In a statement published on Thursday, Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, the Jordan-appointed council that oversees Islamic sites on the sacred compound announced the closure of al-Aqsa compound during Ramadan.

The council has described the decision as ‘painful’.

The council said the move was “in line with legal fatwas [clerical opinions] and medical advice”.

Muslims should “perform prayers in their homes during the month of Ramadan, to preserve their safety”, the council said.

The adhan will still be called five times daily and religious workers would be allowed entry into the site.

Masjid al-Aqsa attracts thousands of worshippers daily the adjoining Dome of the Rock for evening prayers known as Taraweeh.

Muslims believe the site to be where the Prophet Mohammad ascended to heaven.

ILORIN CULTURAL WEDDING (IYAWO ALALANSI) By Ibn Abdillah As-sudaisiy Al-Iloori

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Yesterday, I was discussing how we are fond of committing illegalities and even make things difficult for ourselves in the name of “wedding”. Let me also add the practice of “Iyawo Alansi or Alamisi” to the discussion. “Iyawo Alansi” as it is well known is the description of a big wedding in Ilorin. The word “Alansi” is picked from the Arabic word “Al-khamees” (Thursday). The main marriage used to be conducted in the ancient Ilorin on Thursdays. It is believed that there are some blessings attached to this day for the couples. We used to hear our elders saying something like: “iyawo ku alansi marun” (the wedding is 5 Thursdays from now).

These days, a lot of things have changed in the ways we conduct weddings, but some people still belief holding a wedding event on Thursdays has some blessings and they still do it that way, even though there is no basis for this belief in the Sunnah because a wedding can be conducted any day depending on convenience. It is not that it is bad to hold a wedding on Thursdays, but the belief that the day has special importance attached to the event should be discarded.

Apparently, it is not in our tradition to rent expensive halls, hold parties where music would be played and danced to with men and women mixing together freely, or cut cakes, exchange rings, wear wedding gowns that exposes the body of a woman, even in front of Alfas (the Alfas would not say anything), or apply make ups that makes a woman to look like a masquerade. Some people even share and drink alcohol. All these are alien to our ways of doing wedding in Ilorin. Even some people in Ilorin have also embraced the alien culture of “engagement” during weddings. These are strange things. All these crept into our society by way of people’s exposure to western ways of life in schools that they went to.

Yet, when we try to reform the system to conform with authentic sunnah, the same people who have destroyed the pre-existing heritage are the one who would be attacking us and accuse of what they are guilty of. They will accuse us of attacking the elders and our forefathers, just because we insist on carry out required reforms as Allāh and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم have instructed. Now, who is the real attacker of our ancestors?

In Ilorin, many people, especially women believe it is a shameful thing for a woman not to have an elaborate wedding with all its flavors, such as “sisa”, ‘ijo olomooba” (royal dance), “kengbe” (I don’t know how to describe this. But it is like our own version of the duff, usually done by only women and we sometime watch them from afar), “aisun” (eve of waleemah), “ale waka” (traditional party with Baba Labaeka), “masa waleemah” (waleemah cake) , “waleemah” (reading and celebration of the Qur’an by the groom and bridegroom) and wearing of “sanyan” (sanyan is the traditional “aso oke” cloth meant for the waleemah event), “igba-Iyawo” (arrangement of bride’s belongings) “imu’yawo” (picking of wife), “igba’yawo” (receipt of wife, done by the most junior wife in the compound) and so on.

In the past all these customs might be performed for days (sometimes a week). But in recent time, it has been reduced to two (2) or three (3) days.

As Muslims, we must be careful in whatever we do. As we can see, some of these customs contravene the Sunnah, while some are not entirely against the Sunnah. Nevertheless, I still think there are ways we can fine-tune these customs for them to be in conformity with the relevant principles of shar’iah. We can remove the haram and keep the halal.

Based on the cultural belief that it is shameful for a woman not to go through all these ceremonies before going to her husband’s house, even if the couple had gone through the process of “iyoju” (introduction), “ikobi” (exchange of kolanuts), “idupe” (appreciation), nikaah (exchange of dowry) and had had several children, a woman can still be recalled for her “Alamisi”.

A woman with up to four (4) children would invite you to her wedding, and when you asked why: your wedding or your sister’s wedding? She says: I only did nikaah, not wedding. What is nikaah and what is wedding? This only shows that many people in our society only go into marriage, without proper understanding of what marriage is all about. The ceremonies are more important to many people than the marriage proper. This tradition is not strange to any person who is brought up in Ilorin, even if he is not a native. Despite the fact that scholars have been condemning this practice for years, many people are still doing it. If this is not israaf (extravagance), what is it?

I am not a fan of over-simplification of marriage, as some people tend to use it as an opportunity to do some evils. But I am strongly against wastage and shameful ways of conducting weddings in the name of culture.

May Allah guide us. Aameen.

Tales From The Qur’an: The Boy Whose Death Was a Blessing

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When stories are cited in the Qur’an, they are meant to be pondered upon and lessons are meant to be extracted from them; how much then, have you pondered upon the lessons in the beautiful story you read every Friday?

Suuratul Kahf, verse 74 tells us the story of the Prophet Musa and Khidr, who was sent by Allah and taught Musa some important lessons on their journey.

“So they set out, until when they met a boy, and al-Khidhr killed him. [Moses] said, “Have you killed a pure soul for other than [having killed] a soul? You have certainly done a deplorable thing.”

Did I say ‘beautiful story’? You may want to ask what’s beautiful about a messenger sent by God killing an innocent boy,
and if it had been your son in a similar situation – you may wonder if Allah is truly merciful; you may wonder why he would take your only son and allow such a little boy go through the pains of a gruesome murder.

The beauty in the story lies in the explanation Khidr would later give to Muusa during the latter stages of their journey, when he said:

“And as for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared that he would overburden them by transgression and disbelief.”
-Sura Al-Kahf, Ayah 80

“So we intended that their Lord should substitute for them one better than him in purity and nearer to mercy.”
-Sura Al-Kahf, Ayah 81

The latter part of this story tells us that the boy was killed as an act of mercy upon his parents and even himself, for if he had been allowed to live longer, he would have died a disbeliever worthy of Jahannam and would have caused his parents to die as believers too.

Not only that, but even in worldly affairs, he would have been an undutiful child to his parents and would have caused them misery in this world even before they return to face Allah.

Out of Allah’s mercy however, he allowed the boy to be killed while he was young and innocent, so he would be of the people of paradise, and so Allah would replace him with a more pious and merciful child to his parents, and the parents would die as believers and all would be United again in Jannah.

Do you think about this story when something goes wrong? Do you think about it when you fail your exams, when you lose a contract, when you lose a loved one? Do you remeber this story and understand, that it may be that you nailing that which you wish would cause you unrest both in this world and the next?
Verily there is a reason behind The Prophet asking us to recite these verses every Friday – but if we do and the lessons in the stories are not applied to our lives, what do we gain then?

Lan Rey Hasan

COVID-19 And The Absurdity Of The Blood Atonement Theory (POIAC II) By Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

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This article is the second part of The Parallelization of Islam and Christianity (POIAC) series. For part one, use this link.

Non-religious people, liberals as well as omnists who view Islam and Christianity from the same angle are not aware or pretend not to be aware that, as much as there are similarities, the contradictions, illogicalities, fallacies and absurdities in the Bible make the similarities of little or no worth.

Pastors, Bishops and Evangelists have been asking the world to repent and call on God for forgiveness. To them, this is necessary because the COVIID-19 outbreak was a result of our sins. While it is true that our sins today, if piled-up, would reach to the skies,that a Christian would say the COVID-19 is a punishment for our sins is an absurdity.

It does not matter where an Evangelist meets you – on the bus, street, at the bus-stop – the first thing he wants from you is to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. Christianity teaches that Jesus came to redeem us from the curse of the Original Sin committed by Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.

The idea that Jesus came to die for our sins has been proven to be false. In fact, the fate of the serpent is the first contradiction in this illogical teaching. We read in genesis 3:14,

“And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou
art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly
shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life”

NOW, the bible raises a very serious issue here. This verse tells us that the serpent otherwise known as snake being under God’s curse became a reptile.  Now, we may ask what was the sin of other reptiles we have today? That the serpent shall go on his belly was not the only curse God caste on it, God also said,

“DUST SHALT THOU EAT ALL THE DAYS OF THY LIFE”.

Millenniums have passed, we have not seen a snake eating dust. Following Adam and Eve’s obedience to the serpent, the Bible tells us why Jesus needed to come and save us from
the effect of this sin. In Genesis 3:16-17, the bible says,

“Unto the woman he(God) said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy
conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall
be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee”

“And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy
wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou
shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat
of it all the days of thy life’’

We can read how God cursed Adam and Eve in these verses as a recompense for their act of disobedience. Christianity teaches that we are all under the effect of this curse and except there is a perfect sacrificial lamb that could serve as atonement for these sins, we would not have salvation. According to Christianity, this sacrificial lamb is Jesus.

Since Christianity teaches that Jesus came to die to redeem us from the curse of this sin, why are women still going through pain during childbirth? Some even die. Has man stopped hustling to make ends meet? What then is the significance of this bloody redemption?

The bible says in Deuteronomy 24:16,

“The father shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the
children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for
his own sin”

We can also read in Ezekiel 18:20,

“The soul that sinneth shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the
father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness
of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be
upon him.”

These verses refute the idea that anyone shall die for the sins committed by another. We read further in Ezekiel chapter 18, verse 21 says,

“But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and
keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely
live, he shall not die.”

Verse 22 says,

“All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned
unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live”

A Christian reading this should ponder as these verses portray the loving nature of God not a supposed creator that holds all mankind responsible for the sins committed by two people and would not forgive the people till he kills his supposed only begotten son. Verse 23 of Ezekiel chapter 20 says,

“Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? Saith the Lord GOD:
and not that he should return from his ways, and live?”

The reader should not hesitate to ask anyone preaching that Jesus must die for us to be saved to answer this question the bible said God asked in Ezekiel
18:23. God wants sincere repentance not a bloody sacrifice. Jesus, whom the
Christians claim came to die for their sins taught his disciples to pray this way,

“Our father, who hath in heaven
hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
give us, this day our daily bread
and FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE
THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US…”

One may ask, why is Jesus whose mission was to come on earth to die for our
sins enjoining his disciples to ask God to forgive their sins? Was Jesus
aware not of his mission?

Saying Jesus has died for our sins but we still need to ask for forgiveness, even the believers, is highly absurd.

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

Bishop Gerald Glen Died From The Coronavirus: Why You Should Not Be A Religitard By Lucas Bashir

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When I read about Jim Jones and the mass suicide of Temple members, I thought the world has gone past that. Unfortunately, dogmatism and fanaticism in our world of today are so serious that lots need to be done in sensitizing people. In case you have not read about Jim Jones, let me give a summary.

In November 1978, a 45-minute recorded suicide that saw to the death of 909 people in Jonestown, Guyana took place. Jones, the founder of Peoples Temple Christian Church Full Gospel convinced his members to commit a revolutionary suicide by drinking cyanide-laced grape-flavored Flavor Aid. He successfully sold conspiracy theories to the members telling them that intelligence organizations are conspiring against the Temple, that men would “parachute in here on us,” “shoot some of our innocent babies” and “they’ll torture our children, they’ll torture some of our people here, they’ll torture our seniors.” Children were given the drink first by their own parents, families were told to lie down together. This dogmatism led about 1,000 people to commit mass suicide.

 

Bishop Gerald Glenn, the pastor of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Virginia, died on Sunday as reported by the Church. The Bishop died from the deadly Coronavirus after testing positive. Glenn is another reason why people need to be freed from religious dogmatism.

Despite warnings from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to maintain social distancing and avoiding mass gatherings, Glenn said in a sermon on March 22, “I firmly believe that God is larger than this dreaded virus,” and announced he was not afraid to die.” This is a suicide, not martyrdom nor faith.

In Nigeria, some religious leaders have also been spreading unfounded conspiracy theories. While one Imam was reported to have asked his congregation to continue the Friday prayers, some Pastors are have been selling the Coronavirus and 5G theory.

Religion does not make people stupid except people want to be stupid themselves. We have seen people drinking fuel, eating grasses, the poor enriching the very wealthy men of God. Religious leaders have become idolized that people have found it difficult to think for themselves. It still baffles me that a man convinced 909 people to commit suicide!

Listen! Everyone has that natural ability to think. We are humans, not sheep. Sadly, it is this sheep title that some do proudly claim. What would a sheep do if not to listen to the shepherd? People should read, learn, and seek knowledge as these are the known cure to dogmatism and fanaticism.

 

And rest assured, God will not reward you for being stupid!

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

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