The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Ramadan continues, Sallah holds on Thursday, says NSCIA

    Ramadan continues, Sallah holds on Thursday, says NSCIA

    By Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

    The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs(NSCIA) yesterday said the Eid-il Fitr festival will hold on Thursday.

    It asked Muslims in the country to observe Ramadan fast today.

    The NSCIA, which made the clarifications in a statement in Abuja, said the crescent has not been sighted to end Ramadan.

    The statement was signed by the Deputy Secretary-General, of NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu.

    The NSCIA said: “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) – under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, wishes to inform the Nigerian Muslim Ummah that there was no proven report of the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal, 1442 AH on the 29th of Ramadan, 1442 AH. Ramadan fast will, therefore, continue tomorrow Wednesday, 12th May as the 30th day of Ramadan.

    “Consequently, Thursday 13th May, is hereby declared as 1st of Shawwal, 1442 AH and the day of Eid-il-fitr.

    “The Council prays that Almighty Allah accept our fasting and other virtuous acts in Ramadan and grant us all peaceful and blissful Eid celebrations.”

  • Sultan to Muslims: watch out for new moon tonight

    Sultan to Muslims: watch out for new moon tonight

    By Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims to look out for the crescent (moon) of Shawwal, 1442 AH tonight.

    He gave the directive in a statement issued by NSCIA Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Salisu Shehu.

    The sighting of the moon of Shawwal, according to Islamic tradition, ends Ramadan and ushers in Eid-al-Fitr.

    “If the crescent is actually sighted by informed persons on Tuesday night and His Eminence is so advised by the experts, he would address the press to declare Wednesday, May 12, as the first day of Shawwal (Eid day).

    “If, however, the crescent is not sighted on Tuesday night, Thursday, May 13, automatically becomes the first of Shawwal, 1442 AH (Eid day),” he said.

    The Sultan encouraged the faithful to keep praying for peaceful co-existence in the country.

  • Zakat: Scholar, expert say payers’ siblings can benefit

    Zakat: Scholar, expert say payers’ siblings can benefit

    By Tajudeen Adebanjo

    The Grand Mufti of Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’I and Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, Dr Abdullahi Shuaib, yesterday said Zakat can be paid to one’s siblings.

    Zakat is an obligatory charity which a Muslim with adequate means must pay once a year to the rightful beneficiaries.

    The eight categories of people Allah mentioned in the Quran as beneficiaries were the poor, needy, zakat administrators, those whose hearts are inclined to Islam, those in bondage, debtors, in the cause of Allah and the wayfarers.

    Sheikh Shafi’I said payers of Zakat can give it to their siblings who fall into any of those categories.

    Such siblings, he said, must not be the people whose livelihoods are being catered for by the payers.

    “If payers are directly involved in catering for the wellbeing of those siblings, they cannot benefit from the Zakat. If otherwise, they could. More so, paying Zakat to siblings will also foster family unity which Islam strongly recommends,” he said.

    The revered scholar noted that the payers’ parents cannot be among the beneficiaries.

    Dr Shuaib said “the payment to one’s siblings should be governed by certain conditions such that provided you are not obligated in Islam to provide for their living expenses; that your siblings fall under the eight Zakat beneficiaries as stipulated in Q9:60 and that the Zakat given to them is a one-off and not to be repeated annually. Otherwise, one should utilise the windows of Sadaqah (ordinary charity) and awqaf (ongoing charity – endowments) to support them frequently.”

    Such siblings, he said, must have projects for the fund.

    He added: “You can’t just say my brother is broke or out of job or poor and give him Zakat. No, it doesn’t work that way, such a person must have a business idea or use it to upgrade his/her business because the essence of Zakat is to empower people and banish poverty. However, it is important to state clearly that the Islamic schools of jurisprudence of Imam Hanbali, Maliki, Sha’fi and Abu Hanifah all posited that one can pay Zakat to one’s siblings. Even, Ibn Qudamah, also held the same view. Let me also add that Prophet Muhammad was reported to have said ‘Sadaqah to the needy is merely sadaqah, while it is both sadaqah and kindness to kin when given to relatives (That is, it is commendable twice in the sight of Allah.’ “Furthermore, Ibn Abbas also said ‘one should give Zakat to relatives in need.’ A renowned Qur’an commentator, Mujahid, said ‘One’s Zakat is not accepted if it is given to others when one has needy relatives’.”

     

  • Winners get N5m scholarship in Qur’an competition

    Winners get N5m scholarship in Qur’an competition

    By Lateefat Raji and Toyosi Olufemi

    Winners of the first edition of Penckers School Qur’an competition have won scholarships worth N5 million.

    Out of over 200 participants, six winners emerged in various categories.

    In the first category, Awwal Ishaq finished first with N500,000 cash prize, Abdullah Abdul Azeez finished second with N250, 000 cash prize while Abdullah AbdulGaniy came third with N150, 000 cash prize.

    In the second category, Ahmad Aliyu Adam emerged first, winning N1million cash, Umar AbdurRasheed came second, winning N500,000 cash while AbdurRahman Abdul Ganiy came third, winning N250, 000.

    All six winners won N5million worth of scholarship in Penckers

    The competition was held in honour of the late Alhaja Wasilat Olaronke Anifowose, daughter of Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1). It was sponsored by Otunba Bayo Olasoju of Ileri Oluwa Organisation.

    The founder, Penkers School, Faisal Zuglool, said the inspiration behind organising the Quran competition was buoyed by the zeal to propagate Islam and encourage the learning of the Quran.

    “This is a time when the learning of the Quran is fading, losing its popularity in terms of values. When Quran competitions are organised, tokens are attached to it compared to other worldly competitions. This will encourage children to learn the Quran,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the family of the honouree, the Vice Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Bayo Olasoju, said the late Wasilat’s attitude towards charity and her love for the Quran wass the reason the competition was organised on her behalf.

    He said: “I am delighted to sponsor the competition in honour of the late Wasilat, not only because it’s an opportunity to remember her but a chance to continue her legacies by transmitting her values.”

    Senator Ganiyu Solomon lauded the initiative, saying that the competition would aid the children to exhibit their talents.

    “Penckers is known for its steadfastness when it comes to competition among pupils. If children between ages 10 and 15 or even below were reciting portions of the Quran off-hand, it should be encouraged because if they understand the Quran, they will not go astray.”

    Solomon advised parents to bring up their children in a religious way.

  • 27 get N2m Zakat in Ibadan

    27 get N2m Zakat in Ibadan

    No fewer than 27 indigent Muslims have benefited from N2 million Zakat distribution in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

    The gesture was aimed at relieving them of their financial constraints.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 26 of the beneficiaries received N75,000 each while one person got N50,000.

    Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is 2.5 percent of one’s total wealth that must be paid to the poor by wealthy Muslims once in a year to reduce poverty among Muslims and the society in general.

    The anchor of the zakat distribution, Mr Ismail Saka, said the N2 million zakat was handed over to him in trust by an individual who preferred to remain anonymous.

    Saka said the beneficiaries were grouped into five categories comprising the aged, widows, students, poor and those with health challenges.

    He said he decided to share the N2 million among the 27 beneficiaries so that each of them would receive a substantial amount that could be used to start a business or tackle their personal challenges.

    Saka said sharing the money among large number of people would drastically reduce the amount to be benefited by the beneficiaries and defeat the aim of setting up Zakat.

    He said the purpose of ordering payment of zakat by Allah was to make the beneficiaries independent, reduce poverty and make them rich so that they could also become givers of zakat in the future.

    In a lecture at the occasion, Prof. Moruf Oke, said neglecting the payment of Zakat by wealthy Muslims was responsible for high rate of poverty among Muslims and the society.

    Oke said payment of zakat would reduce poverty and insecurity, and bring peace into the society.

    He, therefore, called on Muslims to shun acts that could deter them from obeying Allah’s commandments.

    Chairman on the occasion, Justice Tajudeen Abdul-Ganiy, called on the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money so that they could also become givers of Zakat in future.

    Abdul-Ganiy called on wealthy Muslims to emulate the donor, adding that doing so would curb insecurity and other challenges in the country.

  • Foundation’s chief adopts 50 indigents at Ramadan lecture

    Foundation’s chief adopts 50 indigents at Ramadan lecture

    By Tajudeen Adebanjo

    The Founder of Ojo Ibukun Foundation, Mr Shamsideen Adekunle Adeniyi, has adopted 50 indigent pupils of primary school in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos.

    He made this known at a Ramadan Tafsir held at Lanre Odubote Hall, Odo-Shiwola, Eredo, to commemorate his 50th birthday.

    Adeniyi, who launched the Indigent Pupils Adoption Programme at the event, said the gesture was to lift people out of poverty.

    According to him, his foundation has captured over 300 less privileged pupils all through their primary education over the years.

    While thanking God for giving him the grace to attain 50, Adeniyi, the former Secretary to Eredo LCDA, stated that he was decisive in marking his birthday with a program that would put a smile on the faces of his people.

    He thanked many people including Mr Wasiu Odeyemi (aka WASTAB) for their supports since inception.

    The Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, hailed Adeniyi for the initiative.

    The monarch described Adeniyi as a blessing to Eredo, Lagos State and humanity.

    Oba Ogunsanwo pledged to sponsor 10 additional pupils and also provide cash support for the foundation.

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Lanre Odubote, lauded Adeniyi for giving the kids a new lease of life.

    In his lecture, Sheikh Akanni Lawal called on well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Adeniyi.

    He said if not given equal opportunities to thrive with the advancement in technology, the young minds without would likely take to crime in a bid to survive.

    Controller, Current and Public Affairs, Television Continental (TVC), Mr Babajide Kolade-Otitoloju urged wealthy Nigerians to help the needy.

    Kolade-Otitoloju, who also applauded the initiative, said the project, would reduce out-of-school children.

    The project, he said, would reduce the financial burden on the beneficiaries’ parents.

    He said: “He has chosen to bless the school kids with the way he has done, there are many families that need to be supported in our society, many of them can’t even pay examination fees for their children, they can’t afford to buy the JAMB form. People are going through a lot in our country, so, we need as many people as possible who has been blessed by God to show kindness, to offer hope and this is what I see that Adeniyi has done.”

  • Buhari joins prayers for unity, peace

    Buhari joins prayers for unity, peace

    By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday joined worshippers for the closing session of the Ramadan Tafsir at the State House Mosque.

    According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, the session offered prayers for Allah’s protection upon the nation, its people and the leaders.

    The President and worshippers listened to the final round of the daily interpretation of the Quran delivered by Sheikh Abdulwahid Abubakar Sulaiman, the Chief Imam, which they had done throughout the fasting period.

    In today’s episode, the Imam reviewed the virtues of Ramadan and prayed against disunity, unrest, anger and crimes. He also prayed to God for peace, harmony and security for the nation and its people.

    In a short sermon to commemorate the end of the exercise, Sheikh Abdulwahid said “we desperately need God’s peace in view of the challenges facing the nation and urged all citizens to do justice to one another and seek restoration through repentance, humility and love.”

  • YCA installs new patrons

    YCA installs new patrons

    By Sampson Unamka

    The Youth Christian Association (YCA), last Sunday installed Professor Amos Ifeolu Akinwande and Mr Felix Ilesanmi Fadayomi as new patrons of the Association.

    The installation ceremony which took place at the Ebenezer Praying Band (C & S) Church, Aguda-Surulere had a good number of its members in attendance.

    The State President, YCA, Chief Mrs Funke Laniyan after her brief address, decorated the new patrons with a medallion.

    “On behalf of the State Council of YCA Lagos, I hereby install you as a Patron of the Association to the glory of God in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  It is your duty to guide and support the Association all the time in achieving the set objectives. May God help you,” Laniyan said while decorating the new patrons.

    Prof. Amos Ifeolu Akinwande who became the latest YCA patron was born on June 21, 1942, in Ondo South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. He was educated at Imade College, Owo for his West African School Certificate and Loyal College, Ibadan for his Higher School Certificate.

     

  • ‘Why Nigeria has not done well in infrastructural development’

    ‘Why Nigeria has not done well in infrastructural development’

    The Presiding Archbishop of Calvary Kingdom Church (CKC), Lagos and the Chairman, State Inauguration Committee, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Joseph Ojo, who celebrated his 72nd birthday recently, took time out to talk with Adeola Ogunlade about the state of nation, challenges of governance and insecurity in Nigeria. Excerpts:

    How is life at 72?

    Life at 72 is a new experience. I’m grateful to God that he kept me alive, strong, healthy, at the age of 72. I think life at 72 is a life of continuous gratitude to God, because it’s not everybody that lives that long; not because they sinned or did one thing or the other, but for us, we are just enjoying the grace of God.

    When you look back at the Nigeria of then and that of now, what difference do you see?

    The difference is too much. The gap is not bridgeable; you cannot bridge the gap between then and now. I think maybe it’s the inability of our leaders to begin to develop with the increase of population. When we had independence in 1960, Nigeria’s population was less than 50million (about 46/48 it was then). But, now we are talking about 200 million plus. If they have been developing gradually as the population exploded,  I’m sure we wouldn’t be in the state we are in now.  Those days, roads were done by reputable construction companies. Some of the roads in Edo State where I come from, were done in 1975 during Gowon and Ogbemudia’s regime – the roads are still motorable with little or no patches. But now, they do roads; three years it’s been washed away because of the level of greed and corruption.

    I think Nigeria has not done too well in infrastructure because the leaders lack the vision. They are so selfish – they want to en masse wealth for themselves and their family, which they will regret when they get to wherever they are going; whether heaven or hell. We really cannot compare it. I remember in 1983, I went to the U.S. for school – my return ticket was N1500 and naira was stronger than the U.S. Dollar. My first flight from Benin to Lagos was 15 naira. So, we can’t compare it because we are in a place (world) we never envisage. We thought things would be better. I bought a brand new Volkswagen car N1700, so you can’t imagine it.

    But there is this argument that a larger percentage of people in your generation who enjoyed the good old days are also responsible for the decay in the system. What is your take on that?

    I wouldn’t argue with the people of that school of thought because the majority like you said (larger percent) of these people don’t know God. Those who know God have the fear of God. Most of the leaders we have today are people who don’t know God; yes some have coloration of religion, but religion is not the same thing as the knowledge of God. You can’t know God and not fear him – you can’t know God and fail to realise that you are a servant; whether in the church or in the secular leadership – we are all servants of the most high God. We are to serve the people; it’s just that we have many of the leaders today, both church and secular, who don’t fear God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Those days, even people who didn’t go to church knew God – they fear God, they pray to God, but today the difference is that many of them don’t know God. They are just pursuing their selfish ends – those who know God are strong and are still doing exploits.

    Can you tell us the assignment given to you by the PFN leadership?

    My responsibility and assignment given to me by the PFN as the chairman for the State Inauguration Committee. Like I told you a few days back is that, all the states in the country, including Abuja; when the tenure of the excos expire, new elections are done,  I’m the one who go and swear them in and also sign their certificate – the instrument of office that validates; without it, any election or handover is nullified. And by God’s grace, God has given me knowledge to do it to my own understanding.; I  handled that position for eight (8) years. That was the position I held throughout Omobude presidency and it’s because the new president knew I did a credible job being the deputy president then, he elected to have me handle it again.

    The problem of insecurity in Nigeria is becoming an over- flogged issue; what do you think the government should do differently at this time?

    I think the government is overwhelmed because without fear or favour, this government wanted to wrest powers by all means possible from Jonathan’s administration. All we need now is a government that is courageous to fight insecurity.

  • Warri-based Prophet sets to splash over N20m on pastors, members

    Warri-based Prophet sets to splash over N20m on pastors, members

    By Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

    Founder of God’s Delight Gospel Assembly, alias Free Indeed, Warri, Delta State, Prophet Johnmark Ighosotu, is set to gifts pastors and members car gift, scholarship, support small scale business owners in the church with over N20 million ahead of its seventh year church anniversary.

    In a viral video trending on social media, Ighosotu said he wants to financially empower faithful and dedicated members, workers of the ministry, small scale business owners, students struggling to pay their tuition fees with scholarships, pastors to be gifted Toyota Corolla each while pastors/ministers wives to be given monthly allowance and more.

    This show of kindness and affection by the Prophet will take place during the seventh anniversary programme of the church coming up on Monday, 17th – Friday, 21st May, 2021.

    The presentation of cash gifts, cars to beneficiaries will be on the Sunday, 23rd May, 2021.

    Prophet Johnmark Ighosotu’s philanthropic giving is one of its kinds as he has restored crippling businesses financially, transforms thousands of lives and career.

    No doubt he’s one of the friends of the poor and downtrodden especially in Delta State and its environs.

    He loves to put smiles on faces of needy, members, depressed etc gladly with a joyful heart.