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Tag: Khalid Abubakar Aliyu

  • Insecurity, poverty on the increase, says JNI

    As Muslims entered the third day of Ramadan fasting, the apex Islamic body, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has raised concerned that, insecurity and poverty have been on the increase in Nigeria.

    It therefore asked Muslims all over the country to be fervent in prayers for restoration of security, peace, stability, progress and development of the country.

    JNI in a Ramadan statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu also called on leaders at all levels to deliver programmes that will reduce the public outcry against them.

    According to JNI, “Overtime, JNI has been calling on Muslims to fervently pray for the restoration of security, peace, stability, progress and development in Nigeria. We once again reiterate same call, as the situation seems to be deteriorating with armed banditry, kidnappings, theft and abject poverty in the increase.

    “Similarly, JNI uses this medium to remind leaders at all levels that success shall only come their respective ways when they rollout friendly policies to the citizenry. At the moment, the outcry is loud and clear! Therefore, this period should be a sober reflection time for us all and make the necessary amend, in order to seek Allah’s pleasure.

    “Governments at all levels as well as individuals who have the wherewithal are called upon to extend benevolent gestures – such as alms giving and supports to the indigents in severe need, as well as millions of IDPs spread across the country. This is the most appropriate time to show compassion and of course, the needy would want to see such assistance now. Moreover, it is more rewarding,” It said.

    Read Also: Nigeria in worst period of insecurity- Dogara

    Speaking further on Ramadan, the statement read that, “following the successful commencement of Ramadan fasting two days ago, JNI under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, as it was very pleasing that Allah (SWT) made the commencement in harmony. Alhamdulillah.

    “JNI as usual uses this medium to call on the Nigerian Muslims to redouble their respective efforts in being more God-conscious through punctual observance of the five daily and Taraweeh prayers congregationally, frequent recitation of the Glorious Qur’an, ardent supplications, as well as continued remembrance of Allah (SWT).

    “Certainly, Ramadan is a month of servitude and dedication to Allah, the Most High, self-restraint and patience, thus we must collectively strive to earn Allah’s pleasure, and forgiveness in this blessed month. Slacking in performing good deeds is the enemy of time. Therefore we must be more dedicated to the worship of Allah now and beyond, as there is no better time than the month of Ramadan.

    “Ramadan being the month of Tafseer (Exegesis) of the Glorious Qur’an, respected Mufasseerun (scholars engaged in the exegesis of Glorious Qur’an) are urged to put the citizenry on the pedestal of goodness and be reminded of the consequences of vices.

    “In addition, the Mufasseerun are implored to conduct their respective Tafseer sessions in line with the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Noble Prophet, using courteous language and kind words. They should as well shun bad preaching during the Tafseer sessions.

    “By and large, JNI wishes all Muslim faithful an accepted and rewarding Ramadan. Aamin,” It read.

  • Buhari vows to tackle insecurity, injustice raised by religious leaders

    Buhari vows to tackle insecurity, injustice raised by religious leaders

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday assured religious leaders, and all Nigerians, that his administration will address rising concerns of corruption, insecurity and injustices in various parts of the country.

    Buhari gave the assurance when he received a Christian delegation led by the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle and a Muslim delegation led by the Secretary General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, in separate meetings at the State House.

    According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President told the CAN delegation that he had already given instructions for the submission of all the names of heads of parastatals in order to address the allegations of lop-sidedness in appointments.

    “On the question of one-sided appointments, we will look at it. I have given instructions that a list of all heads of parastatals be submitted to me and I know they will not delay in doing that,’’ he said.

    President Buhari said his administration would ensure reform of the police and judiciary, describing both institutions as critical for the security and stability of the nation.

    He said: “There is no way we can be comfortable in our country unless we are lucky to have a good police force and judiciary.

    “We need a good police force and judiciary to really maintain the legitimacy and the confidence of the populace in governance,” the President added.

    On the fight against corruption, the President assured both CAN and the JNI leaders that his administration would always be guided by the rule of law and constitutionality in prosecuting all those that had been accused of corruption.

    Buhari explained to the JNI delegation that corruption in the country had taken a cultural dimension, urging all religious leaders and Nigerians to join in the fight in order to reverse the trend.

    “When something becomes a culture, it is more difficult to stop, but collectively we will prevail,’’ he assured the leaders.

    In his remarks, Rev. Ayokunle commended the President’s achievements in the fight against corruption, empowerment of the military to flush out Boko Haram terrorists and the recovery of some of the kidnapped Chibok girls.

    The Secretary General of JNI appealed to the President to pay more attention to the yearnings of Nigerians, urging him to continually walk in the fear of God.

  • JNI cautions Muslims on burial

    JNI cautions Muslims on burial

    The apex Islamic body in the North, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has cautioned the Muslim ummah to be cautious when burying the dead, to avoid contracting the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

    JNI said Nigeria had joined the league of West African nations with the deadly disease, following the death in a Lagos hospital of a Liberian-American, Mr. Patrick Sawyer.

    In a statement yesterday in Kaduna by its Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the Islamic body urged Muslims to protect themselves to curb the spread of the virus.

    It advised Imams to educate their followers on the dangers of the disease and the preventative measures they should take.

    The statement reads: “Our masajid (mosques) managers must maintain a high level of sanitation for the teeming congregation of worshippers. Worshippers, on the other hand, must cooperate in maintaining the sanitary condition of the masajid.

    “Most specific areas where the sanitation and or preventive measures are needed are the surroundings of the masajid (mosques), the toilets/bathrooms and, above all, the funeral/burial of our dead ones must be conducted with caution.

    “As confirmed by medical experts, the disease was first discovered in monkeys and contacted by those who eat monkeys and other bush meats. Alas, in Islam, eating of monkeys has already been discouraged (Makruh), according to many scholars of Islamic jurisprudence. Thus, we should continue to uphold this verdict as it also serves as a preventative measure.

    “The culture of personal hygiene as well as proper sanitation must always be emphasised. Thus, Islam is a religion of cleanliness: ‘Cleanliness is half of faith’, as reported in a sound Hadith.”

    JNI listed the symptoms of the disease to include fever, sore throat, muscle pains, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and severe internal and external bleeding, at the advanced stages of the disease.

    IT advocated prompt medical attention for the sick.

  • End insurgency, JNI tells Fed Govt

    End insurgency, JNI tells Fed Govt

    The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has appealed to the Federal Government to seek ways of addressing insecurity in the country.

    In a communiqué at the end of its national conference on practical steps in uniting the Nigerian Muslim ummah, the group appealed to Nigerians to follow the path of truth and justice for peace to reign.

    Signed by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. S.W. Junaidu and the Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, JNI advised leaders to abide by the rules of accountability and justice.

    They lamented that apart from the challenges faced by Muslims in Nigeria, disunity seems to be the greatest challenge that prevents the Muslim Ummah from harnessing its immense potentials and moving on the path of development and progress.

    The communiqué observed that ignorance and personal interest are among the vices that aggravate disunity among Muslims, adding that “It is Allah’s divine will that humans will always have diversity and differences in their understanding and interpretation of religious issues”.

    They observed that Nigeria was undergoing difficult times with belligerent insurgency, incessant killings, maiming and abduction of innocent citizens, especially in the Northeast.

    The communiqué stressed that the diversity and heterogeneity in the country should be seen as sources of strength by all Muslims rather than basis for mistrust and hostility.

  • JNI: Nigerians must unite against insecurity

    JNI: Nigerians must unite against insecurity

    The umbrella body of Muslims in the North, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), rose on Monday from its Central Council meeting with a call to Nigerians, irrespective of religious or tribal affiliation, to cooperate with the government to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

    The body is headed by the Sultan of Sokoto.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the body, the council regretted that Nigeria was gradually becoming a theatre of bloodbath.

    It criticised the increase in street begging by young and vulnerable children in the name of Qur’anic education and promised to collaborate with the government to run almajiri schools in the North.

    The communiqué, which was signed by JNI’s Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, reads: “The country is being turned into a theatre of bloodshed, which requires putting heads together to end the menace of senseless violence and killings.

    “The phenomenon of street begging by young and vulnerable children in the name of Qur’anic education still thrives and remains an eyesore and a menace that continues to tarnish the image of the Muslim ummah (community).

    “While education is one of the most important tools for national development, it has not received the desired attention and commitment. For any organisation to function effectively, especially in the modern world, it must have reliable and sustainable sources of financing its activities.

    “The inclusive leadership style of His Eminence, the Sultan (of Sokoto) has gone far in uniting the Muslims in Nigeria and promoting among them the culture and spirit of mutual respect, tolerance and understanding.”

    The organisation urged governments at all levels to provide security to the citizens by working with traditional rulers and religious leaders.

    It advised Nigerians to avoid sentiments and confront the spreading insecurity pervading the land through concerted efforts.

     

  • Sultan launches fatwa committee, 12 others

    Sultan launches fatwa committee, 12 others

    The Muslim umbrella body, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), inaugurated yesterday the Fatwa committee, which is saddled with interpreting Islamic jurisprudence and recommending appropriate sanction against offenders.

    The fatwa committee was among 13 committees, majority of which are headed by traditional rulers in the North, inaugurated by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, at the national headquarters of the body in Kaduna.

    Speaking at the event, the Sultan said setting up the committee was as a way of uniting Muslims, pointing out that it was important for Muslims to come together as one.

    He said: “The work of Islam should be taken seriously, as our religion has problems and we should fight towards embracing peace and unity amongst ourselves to achieve what has been before.

    “I urged the appointees to be proactive as they accept this wondrous task to serve in the different committees, and make sure that you discharge you duties diligently.”

    The Secretary-General, Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said the JNI has gone a long way in propagating the ideals of Islam, unity of the Ummah and protecting the overall interests of Muslims since its inception in 1961.

    Aliyu added that the committees are to collaborate with stakeholders to source for support or counterpart funding and further articulate a blue print for the JNI.

    JNI’s spokesman Umar Zaria said the Fatwa Committee was set up to look into current Islamic issues that do not have clear interpretations in Islamic Jurisprudence.

    The committee, Zaria said, has the power to proffer advice, even the passing of a death sentence on an individual.

    He said: “The Fatwa committee will look into areas of modern times and Islam. It would be saddled with the interpretation, for example, whether or not it is Islamically right to eat with fork, spoon or not.

    “It would look into current trends as they concern Muslims and decide on the kind of judgment they would get.

    “This would be more practical in areas where Sharia law is now being practised.

    “Yes, on the passing of a death sentence, even if it is on a non-Muslim, the Fatwa Committee is capable of doing that.

    “But, as I said, it all depends on whether the issue in question is in Islamic Jurisprudence. But the Fatwa committee is strictly on individual behaviour and not a communal committee. And Muslims are the most affected.”

  • Why insecurity thrives in north – Muslim leaders

    Muslim leaders in the north on Tuesday said the inability of religious adherents to stand up to their responsibility in terms of teaching and disseminating sound knowledge and giving effective leadership and social responsibility was partly responsible for the current security challenges in the country.

    The Islamic leaders also appeal to members of the Boko Haram sect to accept the offer of amnesty being offered by the Presidential committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution on the security challenges in the region.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of a conference on the role of Muslim scholars in fostering unity, peace and security organized by the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), they also blamed the government for abdicating its responsibility by failing to prosecute those found to have perpetuated acts of violence in the country.

    The communiqué which was signed by the Chairman of the drafting committee, Prof. S. Junaidu and the Secretary General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu also frown at the increasing cases of corruption in the country and asked government to do everything possible to address the situation.

    The communiqué reads in part: “The prevailing security challenges are partly as a result of the individual and collective inability of the Ulama’ to stand up to their responsibility in terms of teaching and disseminating sound knowledge and giving effective leadership in community and social responsibility.

    “That government’s refusal to institute judicial process of inquiry or prosecution as the case may be, against people arrested and are accused of perpetrating violence is an abdication of cardinal leadership responsibility that smacks of insensitivity in governance.

    “”That since unity of Muslims is a cardinal obligation, the Conference implored the scholars to uphold, foster and promote it and that scholars must stand up to their rightful position as heirs of the Prophets to shun vices and tread the path of piety and righteousness in order to discharge their obligation of guiding the Ummah duly and effectively, especially as it pertains to the issue of unity.”