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Tag: Muslims

  • JNI asks Muslims to increase generosity to poor

    JNI asks Muslims to increase generosity to poor

    As Muslims enter the last 10 days of Ramadan, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has enjoined Muslims on the need to be generous to the poor and to increase their spiritual efforts to attain righteousness and piety.

    Speaking in his message to Muslims on the Night of Majesty, JNI Secretary General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, in a statement yesterday, said Muslims should search for the most blessed night (Laylatul Qadr) which Allah said is more blessed than 1,000 months (83 years).

    Aliyu said: “Thus, they must use the increased rendition of the Qur’an not only in understanding it better, but in living in accordance to its tenets and guidance, which invariably facilitate the obtainment of Taqwa – being the cardinal objective of the institutionalisation of fasting. Therefore, the spirit of observing daily obligatory prayers, the Tarawih and Tahajjud, (emphatically recommended night prayers) should be sustained in these days and beyond.

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    “Muslims are implored to intensify their kindness in alms giving to the poor, the needy, the orphans and the handicapped in the society, especially that many families are living below the poverty line. We must also pray for overturn of such maladies. Muslims are reminded of the Zakatul Fitr (ordained food and/or almsgiving at the end of Ramadan fasting), which is supposed to be given out to the needy in the last three days of Ramadan or in the early hours of ‘Eid-el-Fitr day before the commencement of the ‘Eid prayer.

    “While wishing all Muslim faithful Allah’s pardon in these sacred days and after, we pray fervently for His benevolent acceptance of our Ramadan fasting, we urge all Muslims never to return to abominable acts after the Ramadan fasting.

    “We reiterate our call to the Muslim faithful to intensify prayers for our dear country, requesting Allah’s special intervention against the tide of economic recession, poverty and hunger, as well as the nagging insecurity challenge bedeviling Nigeria. Aamin.”

  • Don’t let Nigeria fail, MURIC tells Muslims

    Don’t let Nigeria fail, MURIC tells Muslims

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged Nigerian Muslims to do all within their power to ensure that the Nigerian project does not fail.

    Its Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, made the appeal in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    Akintola appealed to fellow Muslims across the country to work for national progress and shun all acts of economic sabotage.

    “Although only the spiritually inclined are fully aware of its closeness, Ramadan 2024 is now creeping up like an underwater swimmer. Its full manifestation on the surface is expected about five weeks from now.

    “Coming at a time when Nigeria’s economy is at its lowest ebb, with the naira in free fall and prices skyrocketing, 2024 Ramadan poses a potent challenge which the Muslims have no other choice than to grapple with.

    “Yet, it is a good opportunity for the Muslims to use the period to bring the nation’s ship, which is in turbulent water, to calm currents.

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    “This is exactly what is expected of good Muslims as Ramadan approaches and when it fully materialises. Good Muslims have no other choice. They cannot and should not join spoilers. They cannot and should not join violent demonstrators.

    “The Tinubu-Shettima administration was put in place by majority Muslim votes on February 25, 2023. Therefore, Muslims cannot and should not be the ones that will bring it down; neither should they be among those who would sabotage the economy.

    “This good Muslim majority can build a good Nigeria. Nay, it should be at the forefront of the mission to rebuild Nigeria.

    “A good majority Muslim population should translate into a good Nigerian people. That is why the Glorious Qur’an says: ‘Cooperate in the doing of goodness and piety, and do not cooperate to perpetrate evil and aggression.’ (Qur’an 5:2). This is what Islam instructs Muslims to do.

    “They must build their country. They must not be part of those who want to pull it down…”

  • NSCIA mobilises Ummah Cares Initiative to share palliatives among deprived Muslims

    NSCIA mobilises Ummah Cares Initiative to share palliatives among deprived Muslims

    The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has expressed concern about the current economic reality in Nigeria and the devastating impacts of the removal of petrol subsidy on Nigerians.

    To alleviate the suffering of many Muslims across the country, the council said it was mobilising its Ummah Cares Initiative to give succor to those it described as socially excluded members of the Ummah.

    In a statement by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the council said: “…Given this emergency situation, the initiative will mobilise resources across the country for the benefit of the socially excluded members of the Muslim community.

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    “After the exercise, the initiative will dissolve into Mission for Education, Society and Health (MESH), which will continue with its generic work of alleviating the suffering of the Nigerian Muslims, giving hope to the poor and providing the basic needs to the most vulnerable.

    “The specific objectives of the initiative are to: offer psycho-social support to Muslims facing natural and manmade disasters; advocate state response to the economic challenges that face the Muslim Ummah at the moment; give religious and educational guidance to the poor, the weak and the socially excluded so that they will cope better with life; serve as the link between the rich and the poor in order to make the former fulfill their obligations on the latter in line with the Islamic provisions that prescribe rights and responsibilities for Muslims; and cooperate with other stakeholders, governmental and non-governmental, in advancing the cause of the Initiative.

    “The strategy of executing this Initiative is based on a five-pronged approach of awareness creation, leadership structure, resource mobilisation, active volunteering and project execution.”

  • Akoshile seeks unity among Muslims

    Akoshile seeks unity among Muslims

    The Grand Khalifa of Tijaniyya for Lagos State, Sheikh Aminullah Abd’Salam Akoshile, has urged Muslims in Nigeria to close ranks and embrace dialogue for peaceful coexistence in the country.

    He said this in a message to delegates attending the 6th World Maulid Anniversary of Jam’iyat Asariddeen at-Tijjaniyya Nigeria at Tafawa Balewa Square, in Lagos.

    While noting the leadership role of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Khalifa Akoshile said the Maulid underscored the evergreen love the Muslims have for the noble Prophet Muhammad.

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    He emphasised the need for all Muslims to emulate the exemplary life of the Prophet, adding that unity is desirable for a harmonious coexistence.

    On citizens’ obligations to the nation, the Grand Khalifa said it behoves every citizen to pray for the leaders, to offer constructive advice, and make their meaningful contributions to national development.

    Sheikh Akoshile, who urged public office holders to display exemplary virtues of discipline, probity, and accountability, said the youth have a huge responsibility to prove their readiness for leadership.

    He urges all Muslims to be actively engaged in national peace-building, adding that the birth of Prophet Muhammad is a significant act of benevolence of Almighty Allah to humanity.

  • Muslims need more awareness on Waqf

    Muslims need more awareness on Waqf

    The Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib, has stressed the need for increased awareness campaigns on waqf in Nigeria.

    Dr. Shuaib said the lack of adequate public enlightenment on waqf is one of the factors responsible for the limited waqf projects in the country.

    He made this statement as the guest lecturer at a Waqf Awareness Seminar organised by the Zakat & Sadaqat Waqf Foundation on Saturday.

    The seminar which took place at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja, Lagos, had the topic ‘Understanding the Concept of Waqf as an Islamic Social Finance Instrument’.

    He described waqf as an instrument under Islamic social finance which can be undertaken by both the rich and the poor for societal development and public good.

    He said: “We need to step up our awareness campaign. We need to remove the fog in the eyes of those who are supposed to be the major drivers of this Waqf initiative. They need to understand the meaning of the concept; how it’s being applied in different climes; and to understand our own terrain so that we avoid those pitfalls that can make individuals or corporate organisations who want to thread the path of establishing Waqf derail or fall,” he said.

    The guest lecturer also noted that most people in Nigeria only give theoretical explanations on Waqf without having concrete understanding of its practical application.

    He advocated intensive cross-fertilisation of ideas among Islamic organisations so that more people would have the required expertise on waqf.

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    Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Z&S Waqf Foundation, Alhaji Ma’aruf Ahmed, said the foundation has achieved much in its two years of existence.

    Alhaji Ahmed said: “In the last two years, we’ve been able to gather some cash to start hostel projects that will enhance accommodation for students at a cheaper rate, and still bring in revenue.

    “We already have an acre of land at Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode. The objective is to get a hostel accommodation for students that will be affordable and also generate revenue to develop more of such project. We also have a building we want to secure in Sagamu.

    It is very close to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, where medical students can have access to as accommodation.

    “We have a building donated by a philanthropist. In Waqf, you can be specific. So, when he was donating that building, he said he wants us to use it for school. The school should generate revenue that will take care of a specific number of orphans. We have started the school this session. We hope the school will grow so that we meet the aspiration of the donor.”

    He stated that the foundation is targeting a diagnostic centre project for which fundraising is ongoing.

    “Most people die today not because of the severity of the ailment, but for not knowing they have the ailment in time, which would have assisted them in tackling the ailment. They can’t access diagnosis because of the cost. So, we are targeting to build a diagnostic centre where people can get cheaper rates. We have raised about 50 million for the project. However, since the fund we need is yet to complete, we have invested the one on the ground in Sukuk. The value of the capital must not diminish. By the time we get enough funds we can sell the certificate and build up.”

    Chairman on the occasion, Dr. AbdulGaniy Shopeyin, said the Waqf projects of the foundation are already transforming the society.

    Shopeyin, the former Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) advised the foundation to include virtual programmes in the awareness campaigns on Waqf.

    “We must ensure that we do not limit our enlightenment campaigns and lectures to people working for the foundation alone. We can even engage Christians. This is a technology oriented world. We can have virtual programmes on it so that everybody will know. A lot of Muslims still do not know the meaning of Waqf. I have learnt a lot today. I believe so many people out there too need to learn. It is not difficult. It is a simple thing that everybody can do,” he said.

  • Why Muslims must follow Prophet Muhammad’s traditions, by Sheik Raji

    Why Muslims must follow Prophet Muhammad’s traditions, by Sheik Raji

    In a heartening address to the Muslim community, the renowned Nigerian Islamic scholar, Dr. Sharofudeen Gbadebo Raji, has emphasized the imperative significance of Muslims embracing the teachings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

    He made this known on Sunday, October 29, in Lagos at the quarterly Ter’biyah class organised by Rightpath Arabic School on the topic: “Modeling the Ter’biyah in the period of the prophet and guided Khalifahs.”

    The Sheik’s inspiring message underscores the importance of unwavering love and devotion to the beloved prophet’s path.

    He passionately urged Muslims to wholeheartedly follow the traditions of the Prophet, asserting that it is an obligatory act of faith for all believers.

    He called upon parents to play a pivotal role in guiding their children to emulate the footsteps of the Prophet.

    The Islamic scholar emphasized that true faith necessitates an unwavering commitment to the Prophet’s traditions, declaring that those who disregard these timeless teachings can never be considered devout followers of Allah.

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    His call to parents is a resounding reminder of the vital role they play in nurturing the future generation of Muslims.

    He stressed the importance of teaching children about the Hadiths of the Prophet and encouraging them to memorize these cherished sayings.

    The scholar also expressed his concern that many Muslims do not truly understand the profound significance of the Prophet’s life and his teachings.

    He added that particularly in the Yoruba region, there is a prevalent lack of awareness regarding the Prophet’s Hadiths.

    Dr. Raji highlighted the importance of nurturing love and respect for all of the Prophet’s companions, as he firmly reminded his audience of the Prophet’s warning against any form of abuse directed at them. He emphasized that it is equally essential to show reverence to the Prophet’s family.

    Beyond this, Dr. Raji encouraged parents to ensure their children are well-versed in reading and memorizing Al-Qur’an, the holy book of Islam.

    He noted that the Quran, the word of Allah, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad to guide humanity.

    He described the Quran as a “passport to paradise,” urging all Muslims to not only read it but also ponder over its profound messages and actively implement its teachings.

    According to him, those who memorize and impart the Quran’s wisdom to others are considered among the best of humanity.

    Citing verses from Al-Qur’an, Dr. Raji beautifully elucidated the transformative power of reciting and contemplating the divine book.

    Following the teachings of Al-Qur’an, he argued, leads to a life filled with blessings and ultimately, eternal paradise.

    Understanding the Quran, he concluded, not only enriches one’s spiritual life but also strengthens one’s faith and fear of Allah.

    He cautioned against following the ways of unbelievers and encouraged parents to raise their children in alignment with the teachings of Al-Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet.

    In his closing remarks, Dr. Raji drew attention to the remarkable stories of prophet’s companions like Abdullahi bn Abass, Al-Imam Shaafih, and Al-Imam Nawawiy, who memorized the Quran at a young age.

    These stories serve as a testament to the incredible potential and rewards of nurturing a deep connection with the Quran from childhood.

    Dr. Raji’s enlightening words serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement for Muslims, urging them to rediscover the beauty of their faith through a profound connection with the teachings of the Prophet and the wisdom of Al-Qur’an.

    Addressing the audience, Ustadh Yunus Al-Imam, the founder and proprietor of RightPath Arabic School and RightPath Academy Management, stressed the  importance of knowledge for all Muslims. 

    He outlined a range of valuable programmes, catering to both religious and Western education needs: 

    1. Comprehensive Western and Arabic/Islamic Education with full Quran memorization

    2. Complete Memorization, along with Shariah courses and ICT.

    3. Ihdaadiy program with Quran, Hadeeth, and Mutoon memorization, coupled with ICT.

    4. Thanawiy program with Quran, Hadeeth, and Mutoon memorization, along with ICT.

    5. Weekend Arabic and Islamic Education for both children and adults.

    6. Marriage Counseling services.

    7. Regular and daily lectures.

    8. Quarterly TERBIYAH Classes focusing on parenting and child upbringing and education.

    9. Online madrasah for both adults and children.

    10. Sale of Islamic educational books and materials, as well as IT accessories.

    11. Engagement in various other Islamic and Dawah activities.

    He urged the interested individuals to follow the link: https://wa.me/message/7DLGW4OOMV75N1 or call +2348056628764 or +2347032630506, for further enquiries. 

  • Scholar advises Muslims on sustenance of Islam mission

    Scholar advises Muslims on sustenance of Islam mission

    Ex-dean, Faculty of Art, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Afiz Oladosu, has advised Muslims to strive for the realisation and sustenance of Islam mission for humanity.

    He said the mission of Islam could not be separated from prosperity, hence the need for Muslims to uphold it.

    Delivering a lecture titled: “Creating A Pathway for Sustainable Development: Muslim on Call”, organised by Political Awareness Group (PAG), at the 2023 Delegates’ Conference/Inauguration of New Executive Council in Ibadan, Oladosu, represented by the Head, Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, UI, Prof. Ibrahim Usman, said Muslims were the custodians of sustainable development.

    He called on Islamic organisations and individuals to ensure there was compulsory universal education for Muslims, to banish poverty in the society and ensure decent living.

    He urged parents to equip their children with knowledge, to enable them take their rightful positions in future.

    The chairman of the occasion, Sen. Kola Balogun, represented by Alhaji Haruna Adebayo, advised the new PAG executives to run the affairs of the association with fairness, justice and equity.

    The Chairman, PAG Board of Trustees and former Secretary to Oyo State Government, Alhaji Waheed Olajide, called on the newly- inaugurated executives to work towards taking the association to greater heights.

    The Secretary, PAG BOT, Prof. Abideen Olaiya, tasked the PAG executives on improving on the achievements of their predecessors and focusing on the objectives of good governance and welfare of Muslims.

    The newly-inaugurated PAG Chairman, Oyo State chapter, Dr. Luqman Fasasi, promised to be devoted to the service of Ummah in collaboration with the national body of the association.

  • Firm donates rice to Muslims

    The producer of Okun Rice, HYST Global Business Limited, has donated rice to Muslims at the Nigerian Air Force base, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The company’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Biodun Onalaja said Ramadan is an ideal period to engage in philanthropy.

    The gesture, he said, was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    He said: “It is part of our social responsibility to reach out to the less-privilege and those who could not afford to buy our product.

    “Ramadan is the perfect time for everybody seeking for God’s blessing. So, my team decided that we should be donating our product to mosque around Lagos every Friday throughout the month of Ramadan. Today happened to be the third Friday, we are reaching out the Muslim. And also for them to benefit from our home-grow rice that is nutritious and full of fiber .”

    Onalaja urged Nigerians to desist from eating polished rice because it is less moisture and poisonous.

    He explained that polished rice refers to rice which has been milled to remove the husk, bran, germ, and vitamins, leaving a starch-rich grain.

    He warned that polished rice can also increases the risk of diabetes due to its long stayed on water and must have been preserved with chemical before importing it to the country.

    He appealed to the government to use all the security agencies to combat the smuggled rice into the country.

    This, he said, will help grow local rice industry and the economy.

  • Dangote distributes materials to Muslims in Ebonyi

    Dangote Foundation (DF) has donated relief materials worth several millions of naira to Muslims in Ebonyi for Iftar.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items were distributed to no fewer than 500 beneficiaries in Abakaliki.

    The relief items include: 250 cartons of pastas; 500 bags of 1kilogramme each of salt, 500 bags of 1kilogramme each of sugar, 500 bags of 5kilogramme each of Samolina and 250 bags of 10kilogramme each of wheat.

    Mr Ndagi Ahmed, the field officer of the foundation, supervised the distribution.

    He said the feeding programme was an initiative designed to help and encourage needy Muslims to take part in the Ramadan.

    Ahmed said: “The gesture is in fulfillment of a part of the teachings of Islam which encourages helping the poor and the less privileged in the society by the wealthy Muslims. And in this month of fasting, we encourage the needy and the poor among us to fast and we provide them with relief materials in form of food items to break their fast.

    “I am happy that the entire exercise was successful and that those who deserved to receive the materials were those that collected the materials. You can see how happy the beneficiaries are; and whosoever receives this, prays warmly for the continuous success and progress of Dangote and the foundation. They look forward to receiving more in the years to come.”

    Chairman of the Da’wah and Guidance Bureau of Nigeria (DGBN) and the leader of the Muslim community in Ebonyi, Dr Haroun Aja, commended the foundation.

    He said the month of Ramadan was a month of fasting where every Muslim is expected to fast.

    He said that besides the ‘sadaqat’ was for the poor, the wealthy Muslims were expected in this month to consider the have-nots and the less privileged in terms of their wealth.

    “It is provided in the Qu’ran that if you can feed a person that is fasting out of your own, you will have equal reward like the reward due to the person who is fasting.

    “So, in this dispensation, so many Muslims get involved and we have established what we called ‘Ramadan feeding programme’.

    “The materials delivered to us will be distributed among the various segments of Muslim communities in Ebonyi,” he added.

     

     

     

     

  • Firm urges Muslims on nation building

    A foremost foam and mattress firm, Mouka Limited, has advised the Muslims to promote the spirit of nation-building across the country.

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Raymond Murphy urged them to use the season of fast to pray for peace and unity in the country.

    “It is our hope that the virtues associated with engaging in this divine obligation would be the reward of all Muslims,” he said.

    Murphy enjoined the faithful to remember the essence of the sacred exercise and ensure its reflection in all their dealings beyond this holy month.

    “As a company committed to nights of quality sleep, Mouka admonishes Muslims to remember to have a healthy sleep culture during this period to prepare them for each day’s holy task. It is hoped that this Ramadan will indeed yield its essence and enhance the faith of all Muslims as they diligently observe this fast and undertake this divine assignment,” he added.