31.9 C
Lagos
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Home Blog Page 2

Eid al-Adha Sermon Summary 10th July 2022: ‘Attaining the True Spirit of Sacrifice of Abraham (as)’

By
Yunus Omotayo
-
0

After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said:

The Sacrifice of Abraham (as) & the Sign of God Almighty’s Promise

By the grace of Allah we are celebrating the day of Eid al-Adha, that is the festival of sacrifice. During this celebration we commemorate the sacrifice of a father, mother and a son, which took place over a thousand years ago. It was the sacrifice of Abraham (as) who left his wife and child in a barren wilderness, solely because it was the instruction of God Almighty. The level of faith displayed by his wife when she came to know this was from His Lord was unwavering, as she was sure that  He would take care of them. Indeed, Allah Almighty provided everything that they required, and this became the start of a new population.

His Holiness (aba) said that every year now millions of people travel to that place which was once barren, but is now a sign of the promise of God Almighty. Furthermore, from the progeny came the greatest of all prophets, the Prophet Muhammad (sa) who was sent as a warner and bearer of glad tidings for the entire world. He showed the world the manner in which one ought to commemorate the great sacrifice of Abraham (as) and his family, and so Muslims all around the world display their love for God Almighty and sacrifice for his sake because of this.

Uniting under the Ardent Devotee of the Holy Prophet (sa), the Promised Messiah (as)

His Holiness (aba) then said that other than Islam there is no religion in the world, the followers of which are truly acting upon the teachings brought by their founder or prophet. There is no revealed book which remains in its pristine form, other than the Holy Qur’an. His Holiness (aba) said that even if many followers of Islam fail to act upon the true teachings of the Qur’an, Allah Almighty will always raise people who will follow it as is required. Thus in accordance with His promise, Allah Almighty sent the Ardent Devotee of the Holy Prophet (sa), the Promised Messiah (as) to complete the propagation of his religion. He came and challenged the entire world to bring forth any teachings which can compare to the Holy Qur’an, yet no one was able to do so successfully.

His Holiness (aba) explained that the Promised Messiah (as) came to show the world once again the true teachings of Islam, and to save the people from their self-concocted customs and innovations which were leading them away from the true spirit of Islam. Yet, instead of showing gratitude to God Almighty for this immense blessing, it is regretful to see that the Muslim world became staunch in their opposition to this appointee of Allah. Rather than uniting under this leader, Muslims are fighting amongst themselves, issuing edicts against each other and looting one another. His Holiness (aba) said that this Islam that they are presenting is not the true Islam. True Islam is of peace, love and harmony.

Celebrating True Eid by Spreading the Message of Peace & Accepting Promised Messiah (as)

His Holiness (aba) said that Abraham (as) prayed to God that the land becomes a place of peace and security, hence, the Muslims should realise that if they associate themselves with this holy precinct, and wish for this promise to be fulfilled, then they must harbour love, peace and harmony in their hearts rather than fight amongst themselves. Rather than opposing the Promised Messiah (as) who appeared in accordance with the prophecies of the Holy Prophet (sa) and committing injustices against his community, the Muslim world must celebrate the true Eid by spreading the message of peace and by joining his community. If they do not do so, then they can celebrate thousands of Eids and perform as many pilgrimages as they like, their Eids and pilgrimages will be that of those who oppose the teachings of Allah Almighty.

The Correct Way of Commemorating the Sacrifice

His Holiness (aba) stated that one should ponder as to whether the sacrifices of the Muslims can even gain any acceptance by Allah if they continue to commit grave injustices and perpetrate such persecution. What’s more, in certain areas of Pakistan announcements have been made that no Ahmadi is allowed to perform any sacrifice during the three days of Eid, be it for any reason. His Holiness (aba) said that when circumstances reach such a point then Allah Almighty also manifests His punishment. Ahmadi Muslims are actually those who understand the true spirit of sacrifice, and have pledged to sacrifice their lives, wealth, time and honour. His Holiness (aba) also addressed the Ahmadis to remain patient and that one day their patience would bear fruit, God willing, just as the patience and sacrifices of Abraham (as), Hagar (as) and Ishmael (as) bore fruit. They never let go of prayer and patience, and so the greatest blessings were manifested in the person of the Holy Prophet (sa) and his companions, who were from the progeny of Ishmael (as). So even today, Allah Almighty will not abandon anyone who is patient and makes sacrifices, He will certainly come to their aid. It is therefore our duty to submit to Allah even more and to increase our level of righteousness. We must strive to attain that spirit of sacrifice, if we desire to receive the pleasure of Allah and face our opposition.

His Holiness (aba) then said that the Promised Messiah (as) explained the manner in which one can reach this level of sacrifice when he stated that Allah Almighty has given examples for the commandments given to us. One is commanded to sacrifice oneself entirely, and the manifestation of that sacrifice is the animals we slaughter. Yet, it is not the blood nor the meat which reaches Allah, it is the righteousness in us. Hence, just as one slaughters an animal physically, they must be prepared to be sacrificed entirely for the sake of Allah. Only then will one’s prayers and sacrifices be accepted and only then will He remain with us.

Attaining Nearness to God Almighty & Analysing Our Standards of Sacrifice

Whilst explaining how to attain nearness to God Almighty, the Promised Messiah (as) explained that one must not associate any partners with Allah. But this does not only refer to physical statues and false gods. It refers to anything which comes in the way of getting closer to God and takes precedence. And so man has many deities which he becomes unaware of, that keep him away from getting closer to God. Hence, one must analyse their state in order to rectify it as soon as possible. Abraham (as) attained the high status by being ready to carry out a task which was painful to him, that is, to sacrifice his beloved son. And when one is prepared to actually make such a sacrifice, Allah Almighty removes them from harm.

His Holiness (aba) therefore said that during this Eid we must analyse our standard of sacrifice, loyalty, truthfulness and righteousness. The more we analyse ourselves as a community, the quicker the support and aid of Allah Almighty will arrive. Hence, we must pray that Allah Almighty increases us in our loyalty and fidelity, and that each and every man, woman and child reaches that level of sacrifice as displayed by Abraham (as), Hagar (as) and Ishmael (as).

Embodying the Same Spirit of Sacrifice & Dedication in this Day & Age

His Holiness (aba) said that he wished to answer a question which is often raised in the various meetings that are held, which is in relation to the upbringing of Waqf-e-Nau children. Many sermons have been delivered in this regard, but His Holiness (aba) explained that it is a great blessing that parents were able to present their children and dedicate them since Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) established the Waqf-e-Nau scheme. He said that as long as the community continues to possess loyalty and devotion, and as long as the system of Khilafat remains within the community, this manifestation of that sacrifice will live on. But at the same time, the parents who are dedicating their children must remember that this dedication requires a sacrifice, the like of that presented by Abraham (as) and his son Ishmael (as). When Abraham (as) told his son what he thought about this sacrifice his father was commanded to make, this righteous child immediately replied that he must fulfil what is asked of him and that he would remain patient. Hence, when dedicating their children, parents should do so in the same manner, and not just out of some temporary emotions. They should raise them to have the same righteousness and understanding as Ishmael (as) possessed, otherwise, they will grow up and say that they cannot live on a small allowance whilst serving the community, and consequently abandon their dedication. Hence, the physical and spiritual state of the parents must remain high from the beginning to the end if they wish for their children to remain prepared to continue their dedication. Furthermore, those who are part of this blessed scheme must always ponder over how they are to increase in their sacrifices, dedication, and righteousness so that Allah Almighty continues to look after their needs.

His Holiness (aba) prayed that parents are able to fulfil their role and that their children are enabled to make sacrifices for the sake of their faith. Rather than drowning in worldliness, may they be those who, out of full loyalty and sincerity, render their services.

Plea for Prayer

His Holiness (aba) said that we should pray for those imprisoned in the way of Allah, that they be released as soon as possible, that their families remain protected and are granted patience and forbearance. We should pray for the children of martyrs, for all life-devotees, and that Allah grants the best reward to those who are rendering their services. We should pray that we all increase in our level of righteousness, devotion and sacrifice.

Before leading the silent prayer, His Holiness (aba) conveyed his good wishes of Eid Mubarak to everyone and prayed that we may all be the recipients of Allah Almighty’s grace and that our sacrifices are accepted.

Source: The Review of Religions.

Eid al-Adha: Sacrifice Inhumanity for humanity to Realize Individual, National Development, Progress and Peace – Al-Hafiz Yunus Omotayo Tells Nigerians

By
Yunus Omotayo
-
0

On Friday, 8 July 2022 Al-Hafiz Yunus Omotayo had the honour to grant an interview to MLC TV Channel and Kogi Confluence Radio (95.5FM) news reporter at the Mission Office, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Mosque, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. The gist of the brief talk, which lasted for about 5 minutes, is captured below for the reading audience.

Newsman: Good morning. 

Al-Hafiz Yunus Omotayo: Good morning.

Newsman: Please, kindly tell us your name and what you do.

Al-Hafiz Yunus Omotayo: My name is Yunus Omotayo. I’m the Imam and Missionary of the Lokoja Circuit of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria. As a journalist of the Jama’at, I’m a correspondent to it’s The Truth Newspaper and head of the News and Editorial Department of its Voice of Islam (VOI) online Radio. I’m also the current National Chairman of the Muslim Writers Guild of Nigeria and the publisher of The Global Outreach website. I think that should suffice for now. 

Newsman: Sir, why is Eid-ul-Adha so important to Muslim Faithful?

Al-Hafiz Yunus Omotayo: Yea, firstly, we have to take cognizance of the fact that Eid-ul-Adha means Festival of Sacrifice which holds annually on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic Hijrah calendar. It commemorates the sacrifice, the obedience and faithfulness of the Prophet Ibrahim (as), the patience of his son, the Prophet Ismail (as) and even the fortitude displayed by the son’s mother, Hagar.

As to the question of why is it significant to the Muslim faithful, the answer is that Allah, Himself, commanded the Muslim faithful to emulate everything Abrahamic: his religion, his way of life, his sacrifice, obedience and righteousness, and so on. This commandment appears in several places in the Holy Quran. However, let me just quote one of such verses. In Chapter 16 verses 121 to 124 Allah declares that: (quoting the Arabic text……)

“Verily, Abraham was a nation unto himself, a builder and leader of a nation, always obedient to Allah and ever inclined to Him and certainly not belonging to the idolaters. Ever grateful for His favours; He chose him and guided him to a straight path. And We bestowed on him good in this world, and in the Hereafter, he will surely be among the righteous. And now We have revealed to you, saying, ‘Follow the way of Abraham who was ever inclined to God and was not of those who set up equals to Him.”

So, in these verses, Allah has commanded Muslims to emulate Abrahamic moral and spiritual virtues, and this grand sacrifice epitomized the heights of his morality, spirituality and Godliness for the Muslim faithful. To attain such heights, Eid-ul-Adha resonates the need for every Muslim to slaughter his or her ego or, in the usage of the Quran, the ‘evil-inciting self’ in order to realize the rebirth of the ‘soul at peace’ with its Lord.

Newsman: How can the significance of Eid El Adha be applied in our today’s life, especially at a moment like this that Nigeria is faced with numerous challenges of insecurity, corruption and other societal issues sir?

Al-Hafiz Yunus Omotayo: Absolutely, Eid-ul-Adha has great significance and lessons that address the challenges confronting Nigeria as a country. There is no doubt that we are in a critical time. Nigeria is ranked 6th on the 2022 global terrorism index and has just dropped 5 places to rank 154th on the global corruption index. Although, it is no longer the poverty capital of the world, having dropped to the second position with India now occupying the first place, but it still has over 70 million people living in extreme poverty. More so, it is being bedeviled by the issues of insecurity characterized by the various acts of terrorism and banditry and the incessant cases of kidnapping for rituals and ransom and the heinous killings taking place across the country.

In the face of all these challenges, there is no doubt that it is high time we translated the lessons from Eid-ul-Adha into affirmative action in order to turn things around positively for this country. As the Prophet Ibrahim (as) was obedient and submissive to the law and commands of God, Nigerians, too, must abide by not only the law and commandments of God, but also the constitution and law of the land. We must abide by the dictates of the rule of law and stop taking the law into our hands. Like the grand Abrahamic sacrifice, we must sacrifice injustice for justice to prevail in this country. Everyone needs to sacrifice unrighteousness for righteousness and selfishness for selflessness and service to humanity in order to realize national development, progress, and peace.

More so, as Eid-ul-Adha resonates the virtue of sharing, through the sharing of the sacrificial animals with neighbours, friends, and acquaintances, we must imbibe the virtue of sharing love, affection, compassion, peace, respect, and understanding with each other, irrespective of the religious and ethnic backgrounds. We must sacrifice inhumanity for humanity and cooperate for promoting the common good and activate our collective sense of community and national development.

Newsman: Thanks for your time, sir.

Al-Hafiz Yunus Omotayo: It’s a pleasure.

Eid al-Adha: Translate Eid Lessons To Affirmative Action For National Development, Peace – National Amir, Ahmadiyya

By
Yunus Omotayo
-
0

– By Al-Hafiz Yunus Omotayo

The Amir (National Head) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji Barrister Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has called on all Muslim faithful and the Nigerian leaders and citizens in general that, in the face of the present critical situation the country is passing through, it becomes imperative for a people that yarns for peace and development to translate to affirmative action all the lessons of Eid-ul- Adha as demonstrated by the Prophet Ibraheem to realize national development and peace.

The prominent religious leader made this call in his Eid al-Adha message e-signed and made available to The Global Outreach today, 9 July, 2022.

While felicitating with Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the auspicious Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) of this year 1443/2022, he reminded the faithful that “the spirit and essence of this sacrifice have been declared in the chapter 22 verse 38 of the Holy Quran that “Their flesh reaches not Allah, nor does their blood, but it is your righteousness that reaches Him. Thus, has He subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for His guiding you. And give glad tidings to those who do good.”

In view of this Quranic declaration, he, therefore, harped that ‘it is imperative that we reflect on the fact that the narrative of the sacrifice and righteousness of Prophet Ibraheem, the patience of Prophet Isma’eel and the fortitude of his mother, Hagar reverberates the core ethos and virtues that Eid-ul-Adha annually enlivens in the consciousness of the faithful to emulate and demonstrate in our divine-human relationship and in all ramifications of our actions, reactions, interactions and transactions.”

Furthermore, speaking on the multifarious challenges facing the country and the upcoming 2023 general elections, he charged that, “in the spirit of Abrahamic sacrifice and for the sake of a greater and peaceful Nigeria, great sacrifice must be made towards organizing free, fair, credible and peaceful elections, as “Verily, Allah commands you to make over the trusts to those entitled to them, and that, when you judge between men, you judge with justice,” (Quran, 4:59).”

He further canvassed that, “Selfishness and parochial interest must be sacrificed for collective, national interest. More so, political participation, activism, leadership and governance must be underpinned by the spirit of sacrifice, righteousness, sincerity of purpose and selfless service to humanity and national development, cohesion, solidarity, peace and stability. Imperatively, Nigerian politicians and political leaders must sacrifice dirty and bitter politics on the alter of altruistic politics, selfish political godfatherism for patriotic statesmanship, political thuggery for sportsmanship, nepotism and favouritism for equitable distribution of the commonwealth, warfare for welfare, iniquity for equity and injustice for justice.”

The full text of the message can be read below:

THE AMIR (HEAD), AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMAAT NIGERIA 2022 (EID-UL-ADHA ) FEAST OF SACRIFICE MESSAGE

“On behalf of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, I felicitate with Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the auspicious Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) of this year 1443/2022.”

“It is gratifying that Eid-ul-Adha serves as a reminder of that example of sacrifice set over 4,000 years ago. Despite so much time having elapsed, the believers have kept this memory alive and it has not diminished. Yet there will be those who celebrate this Eid merely as a festival; who sacrifice animals merely as an occasion of happiness. However, a true believer must remember the importance and the spirit of that sacrifice offered by the Great Patriarch, the Prophet Ibraheem (peace be on him). The spirit and essence of this sacrifice have been declared in the chapter 22 verse 38 of the Holy Quran thus:

“Their flesh reaches not Allah, nor does their blood, but it is your righteousness that reaches Him. Thus, has He subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for His guiding you. And give glad tidings to those who do good.”

“ In this light, as we go through this festive season, it is imperative that we reflect on the fact that the narrative of the sacrifice and righteousness of Prophet Ibraheem, the patience of Prophet Isma’eel and the fortitude of his mother, Hagar reverberates the core ethos and virtues that Eid-ul-Adha annually enlivens in the consciousness of the faithful to emulate and demonstrate in our divine-human relationship and in all ramifications of our actions, reactions, interactions and transactions.”

“More importantly, for us in Nigeria, there is no doubt that we are currently passing through a critical time as a people and a nation. This is hallmarked by the gamut of challenges of political economy, endemic corruption, crippling educational and power sectors and the heightening crisis of insecurity characterized by the dastardly acts of banditry, terrorism and the incessant heinous cases of kidnapping for ransom and for ritual and the senseless killings and destructions by the so-called “unknown gunmen”.”

“Above all, however, as we move closer to Osun State governorship election and the ultimate 2023 general elections, the ongoing electioneering season is gradually witnessing a sharp surge of issues associated with elections in Nigeria, ranging from hate speech and fake news, to bitter and dirty politics, to secessionist or separatist jingoism, divisive tribal or ethnic partisanship, politicization of religious issues and endemic cases of vote trading and other election malpractices.”

“In the face of this critical situation, it becomes imperative for a people that yarns for peace and development to translate to affirmative action all the lessons of Eid-ul- Adha as demonstrated by the Prophet Ibraheem, particularly as Muslim and Christian reverence him as the Father of the faithful; incidentally, Nigeria is majorly made up of the two religious groups with 53.5% Muslim, 45.9% Christian and 6% others, according to the 2018 CIA Factbook estimate.”

“In the spirit of Abrahamic sacrifice and for the sake of a greater and peaceful Nigeria, great sacrifice must be made towards organizing free, fair, credible and peaceful elections, as “Verily, Allah commands you to make over the trusts to those entitled to them, and that, when you judge between men, you judge with justice,” (Quran, 4:59).”

“Selfishness and parochial interest must be sacrificed for collective, national interest. More so, political participation, activism, leadership and governance must be underpinned by the spirit of sacrifice, righteousness, sincerity of purpose and selfless service to humanity and national development, cohesion, solidarity, peace and stability. Imperatively, Nigerian politicians and political leaders must sacrifice dirty and bitter politics on the alter of altruistic politics, selfish political godfatherism for patriotic statesmanship, political thuggery for sportsmanship, nepotism and favouritism for equitable distribution of the commonwealth, warfare for welfare, iniquity for equity and injustice for justice.”

“As the worldwide Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community noted in his 2021 Eid-ul-Adha Sermon, “We cannot regard these incidents as mere stories; rather these stories are a model for us. When every man strives to inculcate the example of Ibrahim, when every woman tries to inculcate the example of Hagar, when every youngster tries to inculcate the example of Isma’eel; only then will a true change come about……These all require sacrifices. No change can come about by merely listening to stories of sacrifice, rather they must be implemented. Every nation around the world will have to present sacrifices. Thus can a unity come about in the world.”

“May Allah the Almighty grant us the best of Eid-ul-Adha experiences with all the divine grace, peace and happiness that accompany it. Āmīn!”

Barrister Alatoye Folorunso Azeez
Amir(Head)Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria.
E-Signed.

THE HEAD, AMIR, AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMAAT NIGERIA 2022 (EID-UL-ADHA ) FEAST OF SARCRIFICE.

By
Nurudeen Akinreti
-
0

On behalf of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, I felicitate with Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the auspicious Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) of this year 1443/2022.

It is gratifying that Eid-ul-Adha serves as a reminder of that example of sacrifice set over 4,000 years ago. Despite so much time having elapsed, the believers have kept this memory alive and it has not diminished. Yet there will be those who celebrate this Eid merely as a festival; who sacrifice animals merely as an occasion of happiness. However, a true believer must remember the importance and the spirit of that sacrifice offered by the Great Patriarch, the Prophet Ibraheem (peace be on him). The spirit and essence of this sacrifice have been declared in chapter 22 verse 38 of the Holy Quran thus:

“Their flesh reaches not Allah, nor does their blood, but it is your righteousness that reaches Him. Thus, has He subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for His guiding you. And give glad tidings to those who do good.”

In this light, as we go through this festive season, it is imperative that we reflect on the fact that the narrative of the sacrifice and righteousness of Prophet Ibraheem, the patience of Prophet Isma’eel, and the fortitude of his mother, Hagar reverberates the core ethos and virtues that Eid-ul-Adha annually enlivens in the consciousness of the faithful to emulate and demonstrate in our divine-human relationship and in all ramifications of our actions, reactions, interactions and transactions.

More importantly, for us in Nigeria, there is no doubt that we are currently passing through a critical time as a people and a nation. This is hallmarked by the gamut of challenges of political economy, endemic corruption, crippling educational and power sectors and the heightening crisis of insecurity characterized by the dastardly acts of banditry, terrorism and the incessant heinous cases of kidnapping for ransom and for ritual and the senseless killings and destructions by the so-called “unknown gunmen”.

Above all, however, as we move closer to Osun State governorship election and the ultimate 2023 general elections, the ongoing electioneering season is gradually witnessing a sharp surge of issues associated with elections in Nigeria, ranging from hate speech and fake news to bitter and dirty politics, to secessionist or separatist jingoism, divisive tribal or ethnic partisanship, the politicization of religious issues and endemic cases of vote-trading and other election malpractices.

In the face of this critical situation, it becomes imperative for a people that yarns for peace and development to translate to affirmative action all the lessons of Eid-ul- Adha as demonstrated by the Prophet Ibraheem, particularly as Muslim and Christian reverence him as the Father of the faithful; incidentally, Nigeria is majorly made up of the two religious groups with 53.5% Muslim, 45.9% Christian and 6% others, according to the 2018 CIA Factbook estimate.

In the spirit of Abrahamic sacrifice and for the sake of a greater and peaceful Nigeria, great sacrifice must be made towards organizing free, fair, credible and peaceful elections, as “Verily, Allah commands you to make over the trusts to those entitled to them, and that, when you judge between men, you judge with justice,” (Quran, 4:59).

Selfishness and parochial interest must be sacrificed for the collective, national interest. More so, political participation, activism, leadership and governance must be underpinned by the spirit of sacrifice, righteousness, sincerity of purpose and selfless service to humanity and national development, cohesion, solidarity, peace and stability. Imperatively, Nigerian politicians and political leaders must sacrifice dirty and bitter politics on the alter of altruistic politics, selfish political godfatherism for patriotic statesmanship, political thuggery for sportsmanship, nepotism and favouritism for equitable distribution of the commonwealth, warfare for welfare, iniquity for equity and injustice for justice.

As the worldwide Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community noted in his 2021 Eid-ul-Adha Sermon, “We cannot regard these incidents as mere stories; rather these stories are a model for us. When every man strives to inculcate the example of Ibrahim, when every woman tries to inculcate the example of Hagar, when every youngster tries to inculcate the example of Isma’eel; only then will a true change come about……These all require sacrifices. No change can come about by merely listening to stories of sacrifice, rather they must be implemented. Every nation around the world will have to present sacrifices. Thus can a unity come about in the world.”

May Allah the Almighty grant us the best of Eid-ul-Adha experiences with all the divine grace, peace, and happiness that accompanies it. Āmīn!

AHMADIYYA OPENS ULTRA-MODERN MOSQUE IN BADAGRY

By
Nurudeen Akinreti
-
0

Condemns Owo Massacre in Strong Terms

It was a huge landmark and historic day on Sunday, 19th June 2022 as the National Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Barr. Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez commissioned an Ultra-Modern Central Mosque at Ajagamibo Avenue, Aradagun Badagry in Lagos State.
The worship centre was built with state-of-the-art facilities, tiled both within and outside, embedded with good-looking minarets, and surrounded by attractive flowers in a serene and spacious environment.

Ahmadiyya Mosque Baitul-Fatah, at Ajagamibo Avenue, Iworo/Ajido Road, Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos State
Baitul-Fatah Mosque
Baitul-Fatah Mosque

Named ‘Baitul-Fatah Mosque’, the place of worship can easily accommodate over 600 worshippers at once. The foundation of the Mosque was first laid in October 1980 by the then head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria, His Eminence Ajmal Shaheed Ahmad. The foundation stone was re-laid on Saturday 19th February 2022 by the Badagry Branch President of the Muslim Organization, Pa. M.B Okubena. Hence the mosque project was completed in a record four-month.

The Mosque was built and donated by one of the blessed families of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – the Popoola family in honor of their late father Alhaj Abdul Fatah Atanda Popoola who was a staunch and devoted member till his demise in 1982.

L-R: Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Bro. Addur Roqib Akinyemi; Circuit President Badagry, Pa Okubena M.B; Alhaji Adegbola Ismail; Bro Ojo Abdul Waheed,; Alhaji Lakunle Bello and others welcome Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez at the commissioning of Baitul-Fatah Mosque at Aradagun, Badagry.
Picture 1: Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez planting a tree, at the commissioning of Baitul-Fatah Mosque Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos State. Picture 2&3: Amir, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez led the prayer, with him, Naib Amir Finance&Admin. Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole; Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Bro. Addur Roqib Akinyemi; Circuit President Badagry, Pa Okubena M.B and others.
Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez (5th left) led prayer, with him, Naib Amir Finance&Admin. Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole; Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria, Alhaji Adeoye Abdul Waheed; Former Naib Amir Special Duties, Alhaji Ahmed Al-Hassan; Circuit President Badagry, Pa Okubena M.B; Guest lecturer, Missionary Olowonmi; Pa Popoola and others.

In his address, the National Head of the Muslim organization lauded the initiatives of the Popoola family, stressing the importance of Mosque building and its aftermath rewards in the hereafter. He added that all places of worship must be sacred centres void of evil acts.

Alhaji Alatoye further admonished worshippers to always have pure and sincere minds when observing prayers in Mosques as this is pleased with Almighty God.

Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez welcome Oba Abdurrahman Ogabi Aradagun Ibeke at the commissioning of Baitul-Fatah Mosque Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos State.
Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez welcome Oloye Falola, Bale Aradagun, at the commissioning of Baitul-Fatah Mosque Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos State.

“The rewards for building Mosques in honor of our late loved ones are in multitudes. 

It is a life-time reward.  The initiative of the Popoola family is hereby commendable”.

“We must worship in the Mosque with our hearts filled with love, kindness, and piety.  Everything we do in the Mosque must be Godly.  May Allah accepts our sincere prayers,” he prayed.

Guest lecturer, Missionary Olowonmi Abdul-Qahhar; Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez; Naib Amir Finance/Admin. Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole; Oloye Falola, Bale Aradagun and others.

Owo Massacre highly condemnable

Alhaji Alatoye also used the opportunity to, once again, condemn in strong terms, the brutal attack on worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State.

He stated: “It is difficult to believe any group of individuals could have the audacity to attack a place of worship filled with human beings who were gathered to worship God, the Almighty.

This is the peak of an affront against God and man that will never go unpunished.  There is no absolutely no justification whatsoever for any group of people to engage themselves in such a callous and dastard act.”

“Even in the face of a defensive response to an act of war, the Holy Quran expressly forbids believers from attacking places of worship, children, women, and priests.”

The Amir further informed that the youths of the organization joined others in donating blood to the surviving victims of the barbaric attacks.

He thus urged the police force to fish out all the perpetrators and their masterminds and made them to face the full wrath of the law for their devilish acts.

HUMANITY FIRST PARTNERS LAJNA IMAILLAH NIGERIA TO RESTORE EYE SIGHT AS IT JOINS GLOBAL CENTENARY ANNIVERSARY.

By
admin
-
0

Humanity First Nigeria, with funding support from Humanity First Canada, joined the Women Servants of Allah in Lajnah Immaillah Nigeria to conduct thirty free cataract eye surgeries in Abeokuta.

Humanity First International manages the global gift of sight campaign through the organization of eye surgery outreaches worldwide.

The recent expedition was held at the State Hospital Abeokuta Ogun State on the 24th and 31st of May 2022. Six eyeglasses were also given to indigent patients whose eyesight disorder did not warrant surgical interventions.

The selection process for the beneficiaries was conducted using Google forms data submission, screening, and selection of the best-suited candidates for surgery from 70 applications.

The beneficiaries included 20 females(amongst which was a 12-year-old girl), and 10 Adult males ranging from ages 17 to 86.

The free eye cataract operations was highly appreciated by the beneficiaries. It was part of activities commemorating the Centenary celebrations of Lajnah Immaillah worldwide.

Gift of Sight Photo Gallery

Humanity First Nigeria (HFN) Disaster Management and Relief Team Clothes Bank Project

By
admin
-
0

Reports on the Activities of Clothes Bank Project for the Months of April and May 2022

A. April 2022

  1. The official Inauguration Ceremony for the commencement of the project was held on April 1st, 2022. During the event, clothes were collected at three operational centers in 3 Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KCTlP3xgAc6mp5IZXpxZKq8YEyMxyAQ5?usp=sharing
  2. Distribution of clothes at 4 villages in Oyo State https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iMzlvuKXNoqNm8FKRUYyNfygI5lRl86J?usp=sharing
    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bf1YKqkQBsxky4g9qmnbPUC7a13Aa2hF?usp=sharing
    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hica4T-9ZjpeRrEO_gWI1ArWMnfFz2Vu?usp=sharing
    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RnNxrWO-TSEfiohgMeOywx-TWJ5l1rju?usp=sharing
  3. Distribution of clothes in Ibadan
  4. Distribution of clothes in Port Harcourt, Rivers State https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Jyfmr3ya51O8bFhQNWiGMBzNbRueBhHC?usp=sharing
    5. Initiation of Eid Clothes DriveB. May 2022
    1. Clothes collection in Ibadan, Oyo State: Over 250 units of clothes received
    2. Clothes distribution in Shogunro Community in Lagos State: Over 400 families received clothes https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sHvi8dHX2X0BuWTjNpN9RAlDHBVNL-Qu?usp=sharing
    3. Over 20 pairs of shoes, 5 female bags, and Ties received
    4. Renovation works in Port Harcourt and Abuja Centres commenced; Abuja is 90% completed while Port Harcourt is still work in progress at 30%.
  5. Advocacy visit to the Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria (MKAN) at its National Secretariat in Lagos; where we solicited support during the National Executive Committee meeting. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tz8HJSacbm1H8JGYHglQmW07dEW5j4sm?usp=sharingC. Summary of Our Outreach
    1. Total Clothes donated 3000 plus
    2. Total Shoes donated 20
    3. Total Families who benefitted 700 plus

A. Processing of Received items
We had over 40 volunteers who worked on:
1. Collection of clothes
2. Sorting of clothes
3. Distribution of clothes
Using over 45 hours of work
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zValDIlguyMOSQjqKkm80hVOIFD0Be28?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-X293iZiYIH_U0P4YnhtlVrhU50nqPYh?usp=sharing

B. Results
1. Over 6000 units of clothes generated in 4 locations
2. Over 3000 units of clothes distributed to over 700 families in 6 locations
3. 90% of work done on renovation of the Abuja Clothes Bank
4. Conversion of a Car Park in the Ahmadiyya Mosque, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Clothes Bank ongoing.
5. Generated over One hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira (N120,000) in donations
6. Space has been allocated to the Clothes Bank in Akinyele and Omi Adio Circuits, both in Ibadan, Oyo State.

C. Publicity
With the support of the HFN media team, we have been able to:
1. The activities of the Clothes Bank on the Facebook page have attracted more followers to the HFN official Facebook page.
2. Make posts on Facebook that have generated over 200 likes on the official Facebook page of HFN.
3. Made tweets on twitter that have been picked up and re-twitted by the Humanity First International (HFI) media team.
4. With the help of MTA Nigeria, the Clothes bank inauguration was featured on the MTA Global News. It can be accessed through this link:

D. Our Challenges
The following have been identified as our immediate challenges:
1. Lack of adequate storage spaces in Lagos operation center; the center which has generated over 60% of the clothes received.
2. We are also having challenges of storage space in Ibadan. Nevertheless, we are making efforts in getting a space.
3. Lack of funds for publicity and administrative works

E. Our Hopes
We intend to:
1. Commence aggressive drives for clothes donations for less privileged people which they can use in celebrating Eid-ul Adha festival.
2. Look for new opportunities to distribute the clothes and other items.
3. Explore all opportunities available to us in raising funds as donations.
F. Breakdown of Clothes donated per outing
1. Okooko Village, Oyo State: April 17, 2022
i. 250 families benefitted
ii. Over 700 units of clothing distributed to over 250 families in four communities
iii. Estimate demography
iv. Children 80 plus
v. Women 100 plus
vi. Men 70 plus
2. Ogbakiri Village, Portharcourt Rivers State: April 22, 2022
i. Adult Clothes Donated: 5 Male / 5 Female
ii. Children Clothes Donated: 20 Male / 30 Female
iii. Total Clothes Donated: 60
iv. Non-Clothes Item Donated: 14 pair of shoes / sandals
v. Fifty (50) families benefitted
3. Shogunro, Lagos State: May 25, 2022
A. Donations
i. Adult clothes: Male 150 Female 400
ii. Children Clothes: Male 200 Female 450
iii. Total Donated items 1, 150 Clothes
B. Beneficiaries
i. Adults: Male 50 Female 130
ii. Children: Male 70 Female 140
iii. Total Beneficiaries 450

ABDUL-QADIR, ABDUL-RAFI ALHAJI POPOOLA ISHAQ
TEAM LEAD SECRCRETARY

HUMANITY FIRST NIGERIA COMMISSIONS NEW BOREHOLE

By
Yunus Omotayo
-
0

In line with the commitment of Humanity First to ensure access to quality water under her program ‘water for life’, Humanity First Nigeria (HFN) has recently commissioned another borehole in Agbede Community, Kogi state North Central Region of Nigeria

The Borehole which will by the Grace of God help ameliorate the acute water shortage being experienced by the inhabitants of the area was commissioned by the Chairman Board of Trustees of HFN, Dr. Habeeb.

While speaking at the Commissioning the Chairman expressed his gratitude to God for making it possible for HFN to contribute positively to the efforts of the Government to bring social amenities to the inhabitants of the Agbede community.
He thanked the sponsors of the project Mirza Baig And Noir Begum Walton of Lahore, Pakistan.
He further stressed the need for the community to ensure that they protect and take care of the infrastructure and all other infrastructures that are constructed for the use of the people of the community.

https://web.facebook.com/humanityfirstng/videos/585268592810869/

The Commissioning was witnessed by important dignitaries in the community including heads of religious organizations and political office holders among them was Mukarram Hafiz Yunus Omotayo, of the Ahmadiyya Community Agbede who in his speech tanked HFN and prayed that more projects will be done in the community to bring more succour to the inhabitants of the community

https://web.facebook.com/humanityfirstng/videos/704515197469470/

 

Global Khilafat: The Need to Hold Fast by the Rope of Allah

By
Yunus Omotayo
-
0
We are currently passing through a challenging time where humanity is stuck in precarious and tribulations-laden situations. Where, from Washington to Moscow, and from London to Beijing, the global world is rife with crisis of balance of power or power tussle among the domineering world leaderships and powers, pushing the world to the brink of a world war.
True, we are living in a disturbing time where inhumanity is trumping over humanity and materialism over spirituality. Where the forces of atheism, humanism and trans-humanism are seeking to ban the presence of God from the world He, Himself, created. And, ultimately, where the deepening global socio-economic and geo-political crises are deepening the experience of instabilities and deprivations and lack of peace and security across the world, from Palestine to Ukraine, to Mali, Nigeria, Yemen and Afghanistan, among others.
More particularly, it is such a difficult time where Al Ummah Al Muslimah (the Muslim world) – declared by the Quran as “the best community raised for the good of mankind” (3:13) – is, currently divided against itself, with each of its constituents at loggerhead with other. It is presently wallowing in the whirlpool of moral, spiritual, intellectual, social, economic and political crises. It is locked in devastating intra-religious ideological skirmishes, inter-state and inter-community feuds and wars and inter-sect rivalries and hostilities.
The curiosity over the cause of this abysmal scenario strikes the mind of this writer with the thought of the following Arabic proverb that illustrates thus:
قال الحائط للوتد: لم تشقني؟ فقال الوتد: سل من يدقني!
“The wall queried the peg, saying: “why are you piercing me?”
Retorting, the peg submitted: “Ask me not. Rather, ask the human being who is hitting me against you!”
Relating the above cause-finding proverb to the context of our discussion, one may curiously ask: why is our world, particularly the Muslim world, in disarray? And the answer, in the view of this writer, is not far-fetched: it’s, frankly, as a result of the absence of an Islamically established global leadership system.
No doubt, in a demanding time like ours, there is no gainsaying the fact of the relevance of having conversations on an important injunction of Islam: the need to hold fast by the rope of Allah. This is an absolutely apt and compelling desideratum whose imperativeness, in turn, serves to justify the rationale and relevance of this write-up.
Rope, in the language of the Holy Qur’an, translates to habl. And habl, according to authoritative Arabic lexicons, means a rope or cord or anything with which a thing is tied or made fast; a bond or cause of union or link of connection, such as a bond of love or friendship; mutual connection by such a bond; a covenant or compact; an obligation by which one becomes responsible for the safety of a person or thing; a promise or assurance of security or safety; an artery, vein or verve (Arabic-English Lexicon by E.W. Lane). It also means alliance and protection (Aqrab al-Mawarid by Sa’īd al-Khauri al-Shartūti).
In order to safeguard and protect the Muslim world against the type of the current abysmal state of its affairs, in the Holy Quran, Allāh enjoins the Muslims thus:
“And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allāh and be not divided; and remember the favour of Allāh which He bestowed upon you when you were enemies and He united your hearts in love so that by His grace you became as brothers; and you were on the brink of a pit of fire and He saved you from it. Thus dies Allāh explain to you His commandments that you may be guided” (Quran, 3:104).
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said that, “The Book of Allah (i.e. the Quran) is the strong rope of Allah which has been extended from the heavens to the earth” (Tafseer Ibn Jarir, vol. 4, p.30).
“Broadly speaking,” says Hazrat Mirza Bashirudeen Mahmūd Ahmad (ra), the Second Khalifah and Supreme Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, in his exegesis of the above Quranic verse, “there are three things which may be taken to have been here meant by the rope of God, by holding fast to which Muslims may remain united and be safe against disunion and disruption: (1) the Quran; (2) the Messenger of God; (3) the Successors to the Messenger of God” (The Holy Quran, English Translation and Commentary, 2002, Islam International Publications Ltd, UK, vol. 2, p. 433).
Of course, while the Holy Quran and the Sunnah (the practice) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) would continue to remain preserved till the end of life on earth, the continuity of the physical presence of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was not guaranteed by the law of death. Alternatively, however, through the wisdom and grace of Allāh, the Muslim world was destined to continue to feel the presence of the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) through the chosen Successors (the Khulafa) that would be appointed through the divinely established institution of Khilafat to lead an ideal Muslim temporal and spiritual hegemony which will be rife with peace, security and development, as long as the Muslims collectively fulfill the conditions set for its establishment. In this context, Allāh declares:
“Allāh has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; and that He will surely established for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear. They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. Then whoso is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious” (Quran, 24:56).
Furtherance to this promise of Allāh, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) predicted the following:
“Prophethood shall remain among you fir as long as Allāh will. He will then cause it to end. Then a Khilafat (Caliphate) will be established in the footsteps of prophethood which will last for as long as Allāh wills. He will then cause it to end. Kinghood will follow which will inflict great pain and misery on its subjects. Its rule will last for as long as Allāh wills. He will then cause it to end. After this, tyrannical monarchies will follow. Their rule will last for as long as Allāh wills. Then He will cause it to end. The Khilafat will be re-established in the footsteps of prophethood. Thereafter, the Holy Prophet (saw) became silent” (Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 5, No.17939).
It is thought-provoking to note that, based on the foregoing Quranic and Prophetic prophecies, in the wake of the event of the death of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the ensuing atmosphere of heart-rending fear and grief that gripped the Companions (ra), coupled with the heavy cloud of anarchy and uncertainties that had overshadowed the sudden headless state of the Muslim world of the time, the Companions (ra) did not let the day pass before electing a Khalifah Rasūl Allāh (Successor of the Messenger of Allāh).
The institution of Khilafat was, thus, established to succeed and sustain the blessings of the Prophethood of Muhammad (saw). Notably, beginning with the period of Abu Bakr (ra) and through those of Umar bn Khattab (ra), Uthman bn ‘Affan (ra) and Ali bn Abi Talib (ra), the affairs of the Muslim world were steered by a single world Khalifa who safeguarded their moral and spiritual tenacity, administered justice, settled internal disputes and conflicts, maintained law and order, interfaced in their international relations with other worlds and spread the Islamic religion across the then known world. The Muslim world lived in happiness, peace and security and gloried in prosperity, stability, development and progress.
It is indisputable that the above-noted historical fact, among other implications, clearly demonstrates a powerful point that underscores the necessity of Khilafat as a rope of Allāh to which the entire members of the Muslim world must always cling. This is because, not only does it serve to connect humanity with the divine, but it also facilitates the binding of the Muslim world in unity, solidarity and brotherhood under a divinely established leadership.
Sadly, the generations of Muslims that proceeded the golden epoch of the Rightly Guided Khilafat showed ungratefulness to and rebellion against the pristine Khilafat system earlier established. Consequently, the Khilafat on the footsteps of prophethood was replaced by the despotic kinghood, and decades later, by tyrannical monarchies which extended for centuries, in different nomenclatures (Khilafat, Imamate, Sultanate), forms, scopes and regions, until 1924 when the Turkish Uthmaniyya (Ottoman) Caliphate was abolished by Mustafa Kamal Ata Turk. Ninety-eight years since then, today, the mainstream Muslim world has continued to fail in their various efforts aimed at establishing Khilafat to bring back the ideal Islamic leadership system for the temporal and spiritual hegemony of Islam and for their unity, solidarity, brotherhood, prosperity, peace, security and development in the world.
At this juncture, it is instructive to note that, by the first decade of the 20th century – precisely on May 27, 1908 – when the sun of the ultimate collapse of the Turkish Caliphate was beginning to set on the horizon of its beleaguered empire, Allāh the Almighty caused the dawn of the re-establishment of the Khilafat on the footsteps of prophethood as earlier prophesized by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). However, this time around, the fulfillment was divinely materialized within the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – an Islamic revival and Missionary movement established in 1889 by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) in whose person the Quranic and prophetic prophecies of the advent of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi were fulfilled.
Ever since then, the world has continued to witness unbroken peaceful successions of five eras of the divinely chosen Khulafa (Caliphs), beginning with Hazrat Hafiz Hakim Nurudeen (ra) [1908-1914], followed by Hazrat Mirza Bashirudeen Mahmud Ahmad (ra) [1914-1965], then Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad (rh) [1965-1982], Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (rh) [1982-2003], and presently we are in the blessed era of the Fifth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba).
Importantly, within the past 114 years of the institution of this Khilafat, it has established Islam in all corners of the world with the establishment of Missions and Mosques across 220 countries and territories. It has translated the Holy Quran into, and published it in, over 75 world languages. In addition, thousands of Islamic literatures have been published in various languages.
In 1992, this Khilafat established the first Islamic satellite TV (MTA) in the world and, thereafter, an Islamic website (www.alislam.org) for the propagation of the pristine, peaceful teachings of Islam. It has built over 30 hospitals and clinics and over 500 schools across many countries. Its international humanitarian NGO – the Humanity First International – is recognized by the United Nations and has been rendering humanitarian services globally, irrespective of the religious, racial, ethnic, and political backgrounds of the recipients.
This Khilafat has continued to make its presence, influence and impacts felt across the world by constantly providing leadership direction to world governments, leaders and their citizens; proffering viable Islamic guidance aimed at solving contemporary issues; and establishing initiatives and schemes for world educational, religious, social, economic, political, communal, and environmental development, peace, security and progress. Above all, it has been striving vibrantly, and impactfully too, to re-instate the moral and spiritual values and reunite humanity with the divine, their Creator.
In light of this re-institution of Khilafat on the footsteps of prophethood for the contemporary Muslim world, and the positive impacts it is perpetually making within and outside the Muslim world, it is imperative that members of the mainstream Muslim world should earnestly hold fast by this rope of Allah in our time in response to the divine commandment that Muslims should cling to the rope of Allah and be not divided.
This imperativeness further becomes binding when considered in light of the following exposition and commandment of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw):
Hudhaifah bn Yaman [ra] narrated that: “The people used to ask the Messenger of Allah [saw] about good, but I used to ask him about evil lest it might overtake me. Once I said: “O Messenger of Allah! We were in ignorance and in evil and Allah bestowed upon us the present good [through you]; will there be any evil after this good?” He said: “Yes.” I asked: “Will there be good after that evil?” He said: “Yes, but it would be tainted with smoke [little evil].” I asked: “What will its smoke be?” He said: “There will be some people who will follow a method other than my tradition. You will see their actions and disapprove of them.” I said: “Will there be any evil after that good?” He said: “Yes, there will be advocates to the doors of Hell, and whoever accepts their invitation to it will be thrown in it [by them].” I said: “O Messenger of Allah! Describe those people to us.” He said: “They belong to us and speak our language.” I asked: “What do you order me to do if such a thing should take place in my life.” He said: “Adhere to the group [Jamaat] of Muslims and their leader [Imaam].” [talzim jama’ata al-muslimeena wa imaamahum] I asked: “If there is neither a group [of Muslims] nor a leader [what shall I do]?” He said: “Keep away from all those different sects, even if you had to bite [i.e eat] the root of a tree, till you meet Allah while you are still in that state.”[10] In another version of this Hadith, we have: If in these times any Khalifah of Allah is to be found, then you should obey him even if he were to cause you injury or appropriate your wealth.” [fa in kaana lillaahi ‘azza wa jalla yauma’idhin khalifatun daraba zhahraka wa akhadha maalaka fasma’ wa ‘ati’..] Mustadrak Imam Hakim, Kitab al-fitan wa al-malahim, vol. 4, p. 432-433)
It is instructive to note that, while prescribing the course of action for the Muslims, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) did not say Muslims should cling to the Book of Allah during such a turbulent time. Rather, he recommended holding fast by the Khilafat. This is because all of the leaders of the Muslim groups and sects existing at such a time would all be claiming that their rather misguided and misleading teachings, corrupted interpretations and un-Islamic actions are based on the Holy Quran.
Hence, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) very initiatively directed the Muslim public to follow the existing single Khalifa of the time, who will stand out pristinely orthodox and authoritative in his interpretations and preaching of the message and teachings of Islam.
Conclusively, from the foregoing, the contemporary Muslim world is fortunate enough to have the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim community being headed by a single global Imam or Khalifah and nothing should, therefore, be an impediment to their holding fast by this rope of Allah as enjoined by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw).
Al-Hafiz Yunus Omotayo is a Missionary and Journalist of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Muslim Writers Guild of Nigeria. He can be reached through: al-hafiz@thetruth.ng

The “Redlines” Conversation and the Side of Truth

By
Yunus Omotayo
-
0
‘There are three sides to an argument: your side, the side of your opponent, and the side of truth,’ declares the famous Chinese wise-saying, eliciting for humanity a viable principle of conflict resolution that worth its salt.
In this write-up, we shall leverage on this conflict-resolving principle to delineate the line that marks out the side of truth amidst the pros and cons sides of the argument on the ongoing, critical and burning issue of blasphemy that has continued to rock across Nigeria since last week from Sokoto in the north-west, to the north-eastern States of Borno and Bauchi, and to Osun State in the south-western part of the country.
Out of the plethora of mixed reactions that have trailed the May 12 gruesome killing and burning of Deborah Samuel by a mob of Muslim students of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto State of Nigeria for an alleged crime of blasphemy, the “redlines” conversation has emerged.
Perhaps the earliest report of the emergence of the “redlines” conversation which appeared barely twenty-four hours after the infamous gory incident was contained in a Twitter statement (that later went viral) made by Professor Ibrahim Maqari, the Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja. In the statement, the Imam declared:
“It should be known to everyone that we the Muslims have some redlines beyond which must not be crossed. The dignity of the Prophet (PBUH) is at the forefront of the redlines. If our grievances are not properly addressed, then we should not be criticized for addressing them ourselves.” (www.twitter.com/profmaqari)
Observably, this statement has been digested by many as not only contrasting the array of condemnatory statements that have been issued by various leaders, including His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari and His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar 111, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, but as also implicitly justifying and supporting the brutal murder, with a potential to incite more of such jungle justice from the Muslim public.
Notably, however, the strongest of such criticisms seems to be the latest condemnation issued by the Nobel Laurette, Prof. Wole Soyinka in an address entitled, In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier, delivered at an Abuja event on Saturday, May 21, 2022. In the address, Prof. Soyinka lamented that, “A glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier of the iconic Mosque of the nation’s capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value.”
Furthermore, while demanding that, “The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office,” he submitted that, “The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right…The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.” (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/…/531481-deborah-samuel…)
It should be noted that, in the wake of Prof. Maqari’s controversial tweet, a flurry of write-ups that spelt out the details of the redlines in Islam have since been going viral, concomitantly. The stated redlines – which when crossed, or to be explicit, when blasphemed, could or would result into either judicial or extrajudicial killing of the blasphemer – include blasphemy against paramount sacred symbols of Islam, namely, Allah, the Holy Qur’an, and the Holy Prophet, among other symbolic categories.
In short, the pros and cons arguments on the redlines of Islam have continued to trend ever since across all academic and media circles, and in the offline conversations at homes and on the streets, even as tensions have continued to heighten against the backdrop of the increasing report of further cases of blasphemy by Christian extremists and hardliners in a number of States.
Observably, those among Muslim intelligentsia and the common public who are on the side of death penalty for any blasphemer who crosses any or every of these designated redlines are further split into two groups. One tries to pose as law-abiding citizens through their advocacy that those guilty of crossing the redlines are to be reported to the constituted authority responsible for the prosecution of the blasphemer through due judicial process. The other group, however, poses extremely with the stance that, since the constituted authorities at various levels have often failed to ensure proper administration of justice, it is, therefore, justifiable or justified to apply jungle justice to anyone who crosses the redlines of Islam.
In the light of the Chinese proverb with which we opened this write-up, the justification or otherwise of the side of those advocating death penalty for blasphemers (whether judicially or extra judicially) can be exposed through determining the extent of its alignment to the side of substantial truth of Islamic teaching on blasphemy. And this will be done just through answering the following two questions: one, does Islam actually delineate redlines of blasphemy that should not be crossed? This writer can authoritatively answer with a hundred percent affirmative response that Islam, indeed, categorically and unreservedly condemns and prohibits every act of blasphemy not only against every or any of its sacred religious symbols, but even against those of other religions as well (Qur’an, 9:65-66; 6:109; 22:31, 33).
Of course, the rationale behind the condemnation and prohibition of blasphemy should ever be justified and appreciated by every civilized human being imbued with sound human rationality, reason and logic. This is because blasphemy is a sheer misuse or abuse of the freedom of expression which often hurts the sensibilities and sensitivities of those whose sacred symbols have been blasphemed, triggering avoidable havocs in the society. This is why, with the growing phenomena of pluralism and multiculturalism, every member of our global human family must imbibe the core values of mutual understanding, respect and tolerance.
Now, to the second question: does Islam legislate corporal punishment to be meted out (whether judicially by the constituted authority or extra judicially by Muslim mob) against anyone who crosses any line of blasphemy? Here, the writer can absolutely state with a hundred percent negative answer that, as a religion of peace, humanity and civility, beyond condemnation and prohibition, orthodox Islamic law does not prescribe any physical punishment for blasphemy, let alone arrogate the right of meting out the punishment for blasphemy to any Muslim constituted authority or mob. Unambiguously, orthodox Islamic law very categorically stipulates two levels of measures against anyone found guilty of blasphemy: one, human earthly response; the other, divine punishment.
Regarding human earthly response, the Holy Quran teaches that blasphemers should be treated by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his followers with either boycott (6:69; 4:141) and decent avoidance (73:11) or superior intellectual engagement (63:9), or demonstration of higher moral virtues, like patience, forbearance, clemency and forgiveness etc. (73:11; 52:30-32; 3:187; 41:44) which would stimulate introspection within the blasphemers, leading to their self-realization of fault, inner feeling of shame, repentance and possible conversion to the superior religious path of Islam.
Authentic Islamic history bears witness to the fact that, on numerous occasions, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) translated the foregoing Quranic teachings to affirmative action that resulted in, at least silencing of some blasphemers, or at best, in their repentance and even conversion, ultimately. And, in this, is an imperative lesson for the Muslims of our contemporary time to emulate with the required affirmative action.
However, in the case of unrepentant blasphemers, the divine measure becomes inevitable. And this has been unambiguously pronounced in the Quranic verdict thus: “Allah and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! You also should invoke blessings on him and salute him with the salutation of peace. Verily, those who malign Allah and His Messenger – Allah has cursed them in this world and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them an abasing punishment.” (33:57-58).
Having clearly made the side of truth known through the foregoing exposition, this write-up would have been given a full stop mark here, but, alas! That is not made possible by some fanatical elements who have delved further in their desperate effort at sourcing for possible justifying evidences for their advocacy of death penalty for blasphemers who cross the redlines of the Islamic law – a position that is not only jurisprudentially unorthodox to Islam, but also orthopraxically anti-Islam, anti-human and anti-God!
It is important to note that those Muslim holding the rather extremist position in the death penalty for blasphemy have resorted to some Ahadith (Traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw]) to weave justification for their indefensible position. They say, agreed that there is no evidence from the Holy Quran, but there are few instances reported in the books of Hadith where the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) had ordered the execution of some blasphemers or had them executed by some of his companions on his behalf.
Summarily, it is imperative to state that, of course, there are hundreds of traditions bearing hundreds of cases of Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) treatment of his blasphemers with forbearance and forgiveness of his blasphemers throughout the period that spanned his 23-year prophetic career.
Sadly, however, some Muslim holders of extreme view on the subject of punishment for blasphemy from among the contemporary Islamic jurists and scholars and who are modern students of some of the medieval Islamic scholars, like Imam Qadi Ayyad al-Yahsubi and Imam Ibn Taimiyya Taqi Ad-Din, have chosen to construct their law of blasphemy (death penalty) on rather extremely few and isolated reports which, majorly, have been proven by eminent Islamic scholars of Hadith as either fabricated (i.e. hadith of the murder of Asmā bint Marwān for blasphemy) or weak (i.e. hadith reported via Uthman Al- Shuhham about a blind man who murdered his concubine for blasphemy) or most of the individuals (i.e. Ka’b bn Ashraf etc) reported to have been executed for their blasphemies have, actually, been found guilty of graver crimes of murder, brigandage, treason and culpable felonies that had warranted and justified their execution.
However, due to the constraint of space, this writer would like to implore esteemed readers to watch out for another upcoming write-up that focuses on a detailed exposition on this particular aspect of the subject, deconstructing every of the weak Hadith evidences that have been advanced by the proponents of death penalty for blasphemers.
Importantly, justice cannot not be said to have been properly done to this write-up without briefly noting that, in joining the bandwagon of the redlines conversation, the Christians, too, are saying they, equally, have their redlines which should not be crossed.
Particularly, they’re saying that when Muslims refer to Jesus as merely a Prophet and not a son of God or as a part of the Godhead of the Trinitarian theology, they’re, in fact, blaspheming the Christian God, and by that, hurting Christians’ religious sensitivities and sensibilities, too. And, notably, in a holier-than-thou sense, such Christians are saying, “however, we peacefully restrain from revenging with killing on behalf of our God, as we are peaceful and believe God is most powerful to fight for Himself!”
With all sense of honesty and objectivity, it should be stated that Muslims cannot be adjudged as guilty of blasphemy, inasmuch as, in Luke 24:19 of the Bible’s New Testament, Jesus’ disciples on their road to Emmaus were reported to have referred to Jesus (as) as a Prophet. More so, it is important to state that there are many places in both the Old and New Testaments where death has been prescribed as punishment for blasphemy. (Leviticus 24:10-16; First King 21:10-13, Second Book of Samuel 16:5-13. More so, In the New Testament, we have in Matthew 12:32 and Luke 19:27, among others, where blasphemers against God, Holy Spirit and divine Prophets and Kings have been dealt with.
Finally, we care to remind our Christian brethren not to forget in a hurry the gory history of Christianity where hundreds of alleged blasphemers were reported to have been brutally and gruesomely murdered, lynched and burnt on the orders of various Christian leaders, ranging from the Papacy in Rome to the Inquisitions in France and that of Queen Isabela of Spain, among others. (http://www.unamsanctamcatholicam.com/…/596-scientists…)
Al-Hafiz Yunus Omotayo is a Missionary and Journalist of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria and the current National Chairman of the Muslim Writers Guild of Nigeria. Email: al-hafiz@thetruth.ng
123...26Page 2 of 26

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Copyright 2020 - The Truth Newspaper designed by Ef-Oneweb