Month: July 2021

By Mallam Musbahu Magayaki

Nigeria is hallowing in many annoying obstacles, but insecurity is one of the awful encounters of her recent havoc. Her citizens are now obstructed from undertaking their daily activities.

However, this series of sad incidence is induced by jobless youths as a result of unemployment. Many suspected criminals arrested claim that the primary root cause of their unlawful acts is joblessness.

Given the above sad stories, there is a need for the government to become exigent in providing jobs opportunities for our teeming youths and introducing skills acquisitions training schemes in all regions of the country. This can be actualised by collaborating with governors, senators, reps, and members of the state house of assembly.

Though, there are ongoing government programs meant for curbing the suffering of Nigerians, especially those not on government payroll through ministries of Youths and Sports and Humanitarians Affairs, Disaster Management. But these would not pave the way and solve our current predicament; instead, they would reduce it.

Furthermore, Nigeria needs to eliminate the escalating insecurity to employ unemployed youths, not necessarily with white-collar jobs but even black-collar one.

Nevertheless, giving full power and support to traditional rulers would also help in combating the insecurity. This is because these traditional rulers are closer to commoners than the government officials. As such, whoever is observed in every community exploiting unlawful acts worthy of investigating should be caught and brought to book.

More so, as you have publicly advised the security personnel to change tactics in the fight against insurgency, you have to furnish them with advanced weapons and motivational dues to enable them to confront the enemies of our country. But every years’ budget, a humongous amount of funds are approved and released for arms purchase to combat security challenges. Alas! Nothing positive is observed in eradicating the menace of insecurity. Nonetheless, our security agencies should be trained and retrained by experts in more strategic tactics in the war against terrorism. Even though this is ongoing, but there is a need for efforts redoubling.

In a nutshell, I would, therefore, like to urge you to adopt the remedies mentioned above if we honestly want to impede this challenge of security that is crippling our country.

Mallam Musbahu Magayaki writes from Sabon Fegi, Azare, Bauchi State (musbahumuhammad258@gmail.com).

Prof. Salisu Shehu, who is the Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilization and Interfaith Dialogue of Bayero University, Kano, in an exclusive interview with The Daily Reality (TDR), described how he emerged as the presiding judge of the dialogue between Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara and some Islamic scholars in Kano state.

“I want to believe that it was made by the grace of God. I know that several senior, elderly and important personalities were pencilled down and contacted, but some of them declined while others, unfortunately, were out of town. My name was among those that were suggested as options. And, by the grace of Allah, my name was anonymously accepted by the committee and therefore was presented to the Kano State Government. I received my appointment letter a day before the fixed date for this dialogue. I, too, have actually tried to decline because there are many people that are more deserving and competent. Still, the committee insisted and persuaded me to accept this appointment since State Government has approved it.”

There were speculations that those who rejected the offer to chair the session or refused to participate did that due to the gravity of the blasphemous remarks on the person of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). They, thus, and see the whole issue as needless and a waste of time.

“Of course, these are terrible, sacrilegious statements and utterances. And it is disturbing listening to them because they are horrible and disrespectful to the Prophet (S.A.W). But from the perspective of a jurisdiction maxim: “Addarurat tubihul mahzurat“, we have to do something to bring an end to it. And I have seen how this person has been boasting and bragging that all his claims are valid and no one can face him. So I felt it was necessary to accept and participate in this capacity to bring an end to his misguidance That was how I convinced myself,” Prof. Shehu said.

Sheikh Abduljabbar has complained about the time given and has tried several times to provoke you. How did you manage his provocations?

“You see, dialogue should not just be conducted for an unlimited time. We don’t have to stay the whole day. Unless there is no orderliness and good organisation, he was the only one complaining about time. You have all seen how one of the participants open about five books or more in his ten minutes. Abduljabbar had a system [mobile phone or laptop] with him together with two of his disciples. What was their function? Why did he bring them there? Why they were not opening the pages of those books, he was asked to? It was obvious. So it was quite challenging in the sense that you have to control yourself. You have to exercise a great deal of patience because one can easily be provoked.”

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

According to the highest body saddled with the responsibility of moon sighting in Nigeria (the sultanate council), Sunday the 11th of July 2021 was declared the first day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah in Nigeria.

The first ten days of Zhull Hijja (the last month on the Islamic calendar) are observed with reverence by Muslims worldwide. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him (PBUH), said: There are no days on which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than the days of Hajj.

Muslim faithful globally assemble in Meccah to perform one of Islam’s fundamental principles (Hajj). Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only Saudi nationals are allowed to perform the Hajj this year. However, those who cannot visit the holy land are not left behind to accomplish good actions. Those at home are admonished to thank their Lord frequently, seek forgiveness, intensify prayers and fast throughout the nine pivotal days or at least fast on the Arafat day.  Muslims are enjoined to make sacrifices on the tenth day to seek Allah’s pleasure. 

According to Islamic teachings, remembering Allah wipes away sins, cures problems, and eliminates calamities no matter how burdensome they may be. Speaking about difficulties and calamities, indeed Nigeria is a country in a critical period; now is the perfect time for our Muslim brothers and sisters to intensify prayers and seek Allah’s intervention to free the country from the shackles of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnappings, armed robbery, violent secessionists, domestic violence, and other forms of terrorism.

Sallah is in a few days, but ordinary Nigerians can no longer afford the Salla ram, thanks to inflation. So while it’s part of Sunnah to make sacrifices by slaughtering an animal at the end of the ten days, it is strongly advised that the fortunate among us should give aid to the less privileged. Doing so will increase their wealth and will please Allah, adding more blessings to their wealth.

 
Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Galadima Mahmud street, kasuwar-kaji Azare, Bauchi State.

El-Rufa’i Inaugurates Judicial Commission of Inquiry on NLC Warning Strike in Kaduna, May 2021.

The Kaduna State governor has formally inaugurated the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the NLC warning strike that took place in Kaduna State between 16th to 19th May 2021.

I have never seen the devil. In fact, my assumption is mortals do not get a chance to have a one-on-one chat with him. However, sometimes, I wish I could see him – even if it is only to call in a conversation. See, he’s misguided from the old and young, men and women, rich and poor, from all strata of life and social circles. Hence I wish it were possible to call him to order – you can imagine us sitting him down and telling him point-blank something like: “hey dude, you’ve caused enough havoc in this world, so leave us be, or some similar stuff”. But that is just on a lighter mode.

On a serious note, sometimes, we are quick to heap every blame for our wrongdoings on the devil. However, there are those of us who are headstrong, those who, if given a chance, could beat the devil at his turf when it comes to misleading people. We all witnessed a similar scenario this weekend when a united group of Kano Islamic Scholars took on M. Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara in a debate organised by the Kano State Government to put to bed some spurious claims Abduljabbar made against the Person of the Prophet (SAW) while making reference to some Hadith.

For the non-Muslims who could be reading this, I would like to explain that Islamic Jurisprudence is premised on four sources, and it is from there, the Shari’a (Islamic law) takes its root. They are:1- The Qur’an, which is the Holy Book revealed to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W); 2- Hadith, which are the sayings and deeds of the Holy Prophet, and that which met his silent approval; 3 – The Ijma’, which is the consensus of opinions of Islamic scholars on issues; 4 – The Qiyas, which encapsulates all that which sits right on the conscience.

 
From goings-on, what Abduljabbar is (was?) challenging borders on the authenticity of some Hadith. However, in the process, he ends up violating every right-thinking Muslim by making some unsavoury and disrespectful statements regarding the person of the Prophet and his companions. I have never taken out time to really listen to him outside the “gaba-gadi” rant he was famous for. So when the audio clips were played during the debate, like most Muslims, I was hurt and disgusted by his utterances, the sheer abundance with which he makes the claims, with mirth and confidence is belittling. Those utterances were abusive to all Muslims with a conscience. 

On this note, we must commend Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR, Khadimul Islam, the Governor of Kano State, who made the debate possible, and through it, made the Muslim Ummah a united family. Those young gentlemen and scholars who participated in the discussion, despite specific ideological differences, united in protecting the sanctity of the religion and the honour of the Prophet. May Allah reward you for your service to Islam. Every right-thinking Muslim, globally, should be proud of what you have done. 

As for the Government of Kano State, I’d say this is a significant breakthrough. Our Governor, the Khadimul Islam, stood in for us using wisdom and skill; the debate was organised down to every detail, security was more than adequate, especially for the participants, etc. But the most significant victory for the Governor is that the people appreciate this act of service to religion and humanity.  

To M. Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara, who is in fact the son of the late leader of the Kadiriyya movement, I hope this is a turning point for him. I hope this puts a stop to his skewed, misleading, contentious sermons. May Allah forgive him and us. May all our ailments heal. May our society be more prosperous. May Allah enrich our leaders with foresight. 
Masha Allahu la quwwata illa billah. 

Hajiya Binta Spikin is a Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation, Kano State. She can be contacted via bintaspikin@gmail.com.

By Prof. Yakuri Azare

I followed the entire debacle that lasted slightly over five hours with the attendant result from the moderator, Professor Salisu Shehu. It was thorough and the laid down procedural regulations were apt and full. I don’t intend to review what happened there; I intend to explain a phenomenon I viewed to have made Abduljabbar slipped. The entire dispute revolves around the concept of translation, which is seen as a primary machine that allows us to decipher messages encoded in another language. The whole concept of understanding religious principles is encapsulated in its translation into the language we fully understand. For any text to be wholly deciphered, there has to be suitable communicative translation and faithful in some instances—failure of translation results in catastrophe. As we often tell our students, a slight mistake in translation could trigger unrest. The case of Abduljabbar is one pointer.

Sacred texts should be translated with the uttermost caution to avoid pitfalls and possible uproar. Therefore, aspects of semantic addition and omission are not so much at the liberty of the translator. Of course, the translation author can be – and is – allowed to make additions or omissions, where necessary, to press meaning to the audience; however, in the case of sacred texts (mostly religious documents), such liberties are highly restricted. 

Overall, the whole saga was about Abduljabbar making unsubstantiated claims about certain prophetic traditions, which he claimed were mistakes by some of the finest scholars that history can never forget. He attributed certain heavy libellous statements to these scholars. Abduljabbar often reads the Arabic rendition with subsequent translation and exegesis of the tradition. This is a usual trend by all Ulamas intending to communicate across people of diverse linguistic backgrounds. What is worthy of noting here is how the original message is rendered and transmitted into the receptor language, in this case, Hausa.

Almost throughout the debate, there was a conspicuous absence of direct utterances of Abduljabbar in the original Hadith. This narrows down the accusing finger to Abduljabbar. No amount of denial or persistent argument would absolve him from the shackles of law and accusations. The exegesis cum translations here are, therefore, the root cause. Cultural nuances are essential to issues worthy of consideration when translating, as diverse cultures have varying ways of apportioning meaning to certain utterances. Abduljabbar was, quite evidently, never considerate of such slippery edges. Instead, he translated, explained and attributed conclusions to statements entirely out of context in the bid to attain heroism, demonstrate a more profound or better understanding of the scriptures.

Adding so much into translation in most instances has the tendency of making meaning obscure and or vague. Sacred texts are not only carefully knitted but are sometimes seen as dogmatic. In other words, religious texts express what they appear to have said. Making unnecessary additions may result in meaning change. Abduljabbar was attacked based on his utterances throughout, and in all the challenges posed to him, the central question is, where did you see this or that. Wrong translation understandably played a key role. In one such case, the moderator drew his attention to the contextual meaning and differences between “Haajaa and Shahawaa“. He explained that the former could not be given the contextual meaning of the latter. Each has its way of being expressed to denote what is intended.

Thus, between Hausa and Arabic, some cultural differences arise in how they attach meanings to ideas, subjects and so on; nonetheless, Abduljabbar was not so keen on that. Instead, he occupies the Arabic messages with haphazard translations that devour our cultural and religious context and, often, sensibilities. Both in our religion and culture, the place of the Prophet (SAW) is sacred, secure and untouchable. Therefore, making and creating controversial statements to his person is not only wrong but blasphemous. All the traditions cited by Abduljabbar and the other clerics, there was no one place, and I mean one place, that equates the heavy words of Abduljabbar in his Hausa explanation.

The central point here is, wrong and mismanaged translation played a significant role in this saga. It suffices to say, “Translation is a serious business and is not haphazardly done.” Understand, and master its art before engaging in it. Be vast in the cultural nuances of both languages, and understand that pragmatics is key to assigning meaning to words in certain situations. Also, know that sacred texts do not go with our whimsical preferences. Additions or omissions are made with caution to avoid slippery edges.

May Allah guide us always. May peace and blessings be on our most revered Prophet.

Prof. Yakubu Magaji Azare wrote from Bayero University, Kano. He can be reached via ymazare@yahoo.com.

The erstwhile senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Comrade Shehu Sani, has renounced his People’s Redemption Party (PRP) membership today in Kaduna.

The Daily Reality has seen Comrade Sani’s resignation letter from the party. He wishes them all the best, adding that he and the party “shall continue to relate in the spirit of our struggle, our shared history and common ideological principles.”

However, he did not mention any reason for his resignation. [Below is a copy of the letter.]

By Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Abdullahi

Abduljabbar wanted to hide behind some distorted and concocted sayings. Even if there are sources, he will not dare reveal their sources to discredit Bukhari, Muslim, and most prominent Muslim scholars and even the Prophet’s companions. He concocted naked lies against the Holy Prophet directly, but claiming that he was defending the Holy Prophet! What a twisted-childish mentality.

In reality, what he was trying to do was not a direct attack on the personality of the Noble Prophet; it was indirect. This is because he accused others of saying what he said. He was asked to SHOW just a SINGLE line, where such lies were reported, but he woefully failed to do that. This is the reason why some of his sympathisers feel like he holds some valid arguments.

The problem is that most Muslims have forsaken Islamic Studies for a long time. They resort to google-google is inadequate for in-depth learning – it is a teach yourself style. This cannot take a real Islamic student anywhere. Someone needs to go to a real school.

Abduljabbar has eventually met his Waterloo. He asked for it and got it. He said he was prepared to meet all the scholars in the world to defend whatever people find heretic in his sermons. Therefore, those who try to defend him are now telling us that he wasn’t prepared. He said he was ready at first lie; he later realised his fall and said he wasn’t. These blanket followers accept whatever rubbish he spat. I pitied him, but I pitied those who felt and hoped he would win. It is a clarion call to all of us not to delve into Islamic affairs anyhow. We try very hard to know our areas of specialisation but take Islamic teachings for granted, thinking that we can manipulate them the way we manipulate our followers.

Another point that shows the super-amazing-human-position of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) was that yesterday’s sitting was more of vindication to the most revered Islamic Muhaddithin – Bukhari and Muslim – who Abduljabbar sought to malign. He has been insulting them, the way I never heard anyone insulting his respected father, despite the sectarian differences. We still have respect for his father, whom even Sheikh Gumi admitted was a great scholar. May Allah have mercy on both of them. Abduljabbar thought he could go scot-free by insulting Bukhari and Muslim and even Anas bn Malik, not knowing that Allah will vindicate, protect and defend them. Allah says, “Inna lanansuru rusulana wallaziyna aamanu”, we will surely help our messengers and those who believe […]. Bukhari, Muslim and all those who Abduljabbar ignorantly and mercilessly abused were clearly assisted, defended and vindicated by Allah the almighty through his servants.

It was not only Abduljabbar who hate Islam/some Ahadith which stop them from doing bad. I am amazed by how these poor victims of Nigerian corruption think. With or without Bukhari and Muslim, they are already doomed. With or without Bukhari and Muslim, they are not enjoying life. Such people should focus on their insecurity and kidnappings, lack of good electricity, and then return to tarnish Islam’s image ignorantly.

It is now up to those who rant and insist on mischief even after seeing clear and undeniable proofs beyond any reasonable and even unreasonable doubts. Some accepted the truth wholeheartedly, while others insist on their mischief and being “strong-headed”. This shows the diversity of human understanding and the sincerity/insincerity of individual mortals. Some agree quickly, while others will never agree. Allah says: innal laziyna haqqat alaihim kalimatu rabbika layu’minuwn. Walau jaa’at’hum kullu aayatin hatta yarawul azabal aliym. Some will never agree until when they see real punishment and disastrous ending. 

To those who keep beating about the bush on the chairman of the occasion, the timing, lack of live broadcast, Abduljabbar wiping buckets of sweat, not allowing Abduljabbar to go and pee while he practically show the signs of that need and many other baseless and silly excuses should go and complain to Baba Ganduje. Such and some will never understand.

I am happy that many people accept this with transparent and open minds. Some hoped that Abduljabbar won. But, alhamdulillah, he didn’t, and he woefully failed. I am happy because I see the shameful end of two – most recent – people with blasphemous dispositions. One is in faraway France. He received a heavy and dirty slap which was equal to his position, while the other received a super intellectual blow which shattered his many years of madness.

The holy Prophet (S.A.W) is a human being like no other. Allah promised to protect his mention anywhere. Abduljabbar manipulated things beyond what can be accepted. And in this case, there is no “moderate” or “neutral” stand. It is like what Bush said, “it is either you belong to us, or you belong to the terrorists”.

May the Almighty Allah continue to help the truth even when everyone is against it, amen. Abduljabbar – the cave owner – dug his grave, and I hope he alone would fall into it. But, unfortunately, he failed, and wallahi, we are happy, alhamdulillah.

By Muhammad Muzdaleefa

The Euro 2020 Cup ended in Italian hands after the Azzurri defeated England at Wembley Stadium. What a journey it has been. The winning team has shown us that it is not what happens to you but rather how you react to it that matters. Some fall and stay down there; others fall and dust themselves off and rebuild. 

No doubt, it was a hotly contested final. Southgate’s team had got off to an impressive start with Luke Shaw’s goal after just two minutes. But the Italians equalised in the 67th minute through Leonardo Bonucci. After much anticipation, England’s dream was shattered as Italy won the match in penalty kicks. One thing is for sure; this loss will be seared into the national consciousness of English people for generations to come. It was simply nothing like it as a nation that treasures soccer fell in one of the most crucial matches in its football history.

The performance of both sides from the beginning of the tournament to the end was quite impressive. However, the defeat will remain a footnote. Few will remember that England played well, but many will recall that Italy won the final at the Wembley Stadium. The final was a great feat for Italian team manager Roberto Mancini. A man who attracted a lot of scepticism when he took over the reins of a team in a state of utter disrepair is the one who has masterminded its return to the top of European football and possibly world football. He did it silently and always with the smile and assured confidence of a stoic.

The coaching philosophy of both Mancini and Southgate must be saluted. The philosophy is that excellence can be achieved through hard work, which explains why they gave chances to their players as long as they are willing to put in the work and the stamina—everybody in their squad matters. As a result, many great players will surely emerge from both sides.

For now, Italy has conquered Europe and a big congratulations to the Azzurris for this important milestone.

Muhammad Muzdaleefa wrote from Kaduna. He can be reached via mohammedadamu736@gmail.com.

A leading member of the Coalition of Kano Ulama and an academic, Dr Muhammad Muslim Ibrahim, who also attended the dialogue between Sheikh Abduljabbar Kabara and representatives of the Coalition, said in an interview with The Daily Reality that Kano Ulamas had done their parts. The rest was for the Kano State government to make the final decision.

Dr Muslim said, “The debate was well-organized and was just. Each contestant was allocated ten minutes to present their argument, followed by an additional five minutes for clarification, etc. Malam Abduljabbar was aware of the questions to be asked. They were nine questions formed from his blasphemous translations and utterances on Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), his companions and famous Hadith books – Sahihul Bukhari and Muslim. He said all this in his lessons, preachings and sermons.”

In the dialogue held on July 10, 2021, Sheikh Abduljabbar persistently complained about insufficient time to answer questions. He further protested that he was not aware of the debate’s guidelines. However, Dr Muslim countered these claims.

“This is nothing but denial and a look for a way out. The questions had been with him for months, and he was the one who urged that this debate should be held. Thus, he had to be more prepared than any of these scholars. Similarly, nobody was aware of the specifics of the arrangement of the debate as everything was in the hand of the government. Of course, we also wanted to have equal time for both parties, but he had more.”

Dr Muslim emphatically added that “Our representatives should have more time than Abduljabbar because his task was to defend those blasphemous remarks, but the judge of the sitting outrightly rejected our demand.”

On his expectation as the dialogue was over now, the cleric responded thus, “There are many views. Some say the government intended to have a reasonable point with which Abduljabbar can be legally convicted for making those blasphemous statements. However, now that it has been confirmed that Abduljabbar fabricated all those statements, it is the Kano State government that will decide his fate. So though some say the punishment of blasphemy in Islam is killing, I don’t think it will be possible here in Nigeria. So we should not talk about it because we will end up wasting our time.

But what I expect from the Kano State government is to continue banning him from leading prayers, giving lessons and or posting on social media. It is none of our intent for Abduljabbar to be jailed; we are afraid that he will use this opportunity to corrupt the inmates. But, If we are to follow what Allah says, the only option for Abduljabbar is to either repent or be killed if he refused. How I wish he will repent,” concluded Dr Muslim.