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Tag: islam

  • Islamic cleric sentenced to death by hanging

    Islamic cleric sentenced to death by hanging

    A High Court in Ilorin on Thursday sentenced an Ilorin-based Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Bello, to death by hanging for the murder of a final year student of the Kwara College of Education, Ilorin, Hafsat Lawal.

    Delivering judgment, Justice Hannah Ajayi, discharged and acquitted  Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman and Abdulrahman Jamiu of the murder charge.

    Ajayi, who described the offence committed by the prime suspect as the highest degree of human wickedness and cruel act, held that his defence in court showed that he had the intention of killing the victim for money making ritual.

    She also held that the confession of love by the prime suspect for the victim with the intention to marry her, as said in his defence, was all concocted lies to deceive the court.

    The judge also said that attitude of the convict after committing the crime and before his arrest by law enforcement officers, showed that it may not have been his first time of engaging in the act.

    The court also held that video and written evidences taken by the officers of the DSS and police from the convict duly complied with law of the state.

    It also held that no evidence showed or substantiated beating of the convict or blood stain sustained due to police beating.

    The judge said that the convict did not show himself as a witness of truth, “because all what he said to deny allegations against him were afterthought”. as a book containing secret of money making charms was found in his apartment.

    Justice Ajayi, advised members of the public to be wary of the bad influence of social media.

    ”The victim would have been alive if she had informed members of her family, friends or relatives of her movement or visit to a Facebook male friend before she was killed,” she said.

    Bello was also charged with rape, an offence punishable under section 283 of the Penal code CAP P4, Laws of Kwara.

  • BREAKING: Renowned Islamic leader, Jafaru Makarfi is dead

    BREAKING: Renowned Islamic leader, Jafaru Makarfi is dead

    Alhaji Jafaru Makarfi, a respected Islamic leader and  retired public servant has passed away in Kaduna State at the age of 93.

    Alhaji Suleman Abdulkadir, who announced the death on behalf of the family, in a statement on Saturday in Kaduna, said he passed away on Saturday night.

    Abdulkadir, who is also the Garkuwan Zazzau, said Makarfi was the Chairman of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna State.

    He was a prominent figure in the Nigerian Muslim community and he served as a Commissioner in the defunct Kaduna State.

    Abdulkadir said, “A veteran of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC),Makarfi joined the corporation in 1950 and had a distinguished career spanning over four decades.

    ”He was the first Northerner to hold the position of District Superintendent in the Western District of the NRC.”

    He said the  funeral prayer would be held on Sunday at 1:00 pm at the Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna.

    Abdulkadir added, ”Makarfi is survived by six children. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, JNI, and the entire Muslim community”.

  • Why I love traditional religion compared to Christianity, Islam —Soyinka

    Why I love traditional religion compared to Christianity, Islam —Soyinka

    Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has revealed why he is in love with traditional Orisa worshipping to Christianity and Islam.

    He said the deepness of faith in Islam and Christianity doesn’t match that of Orisa worshipping for him, adding that Orisa fascinated him a lot more.

    According to him, Orisa worshipping is one of the African religions that eschews violence and is more creative.

    “I was fortunate to be born in two worlds – the Christian world and traditional Orisa worshippers. My grandfather, until he – poor man – also got converted – he was an Orisa person and a chief, and his (grandfather’s) side (of Orisa) fascinated me a lot more,” the playwright told CNN’s Larry Madowo, during an interview.

    He added, “For me, it (Orisa worshipping) was more artistic, creative, and also more mysterious. I don’t find much of the mysterious in Christianity and even less in Islam and that is for a simple reason that I didn’t grow up in a Muslim environment.

    “Orisa is open, and very ecumenical and that is why these foreign religions were able to penetrate it and even distort the truth. Because of the generosity of this spirit (Orisa), it is not violent. It is one of those African religions which eschew violence.

    “I don’t believe in the Islamic or Christian God and for the adherents of these religions if that makes me an atheist, so I say, I am an atheist. I insisted that all human beings have a certain spiritual core in their being, I believe myself to be a more spirit-sensitive person.”

    The literary icon also revealed that he said he doesn’t like to watch anything adapted from his life or works.

    “Let me put it this way, turning anything in my life into what other people can watch pains me. It makes me extremely uncomfortable. It’s wrong to say it’s terrific, let me just say I’m detached from it.

    “It takes me a while to bring myself to watch me.”

  • Tinubu is neither anti-North nor anti-Islam – Shettima

    Tinubu is neither anti-North nor anti-Islam – Shettima

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima says contrary to speculations in some quarters, President Bola Tinubu is neither anti-north nor anti-islam.

    Shettima said this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by representatives of media practitioners from the northern part of the country at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said that President Tinubu has reflected that in appointments to key positions in Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    Shettima, therefore, solicited the support of Nigerians for the actualisation of the programmes and policies of Tinubu’s administration.

    The vice-president insisted that President Tinubu means well for all Nigerians.

    He said current statistics of appointments into MDAs show President Tinubu’s choice of northerners for key areas such as agriculture, security, communications technology, health and allied services, among other positions in the federal government.

    Shettima maintained that the present administration has genuine intentions to transform the lives of many in the North through laudable initiatives geared toward addressing the issues confronting the people.

    He cited the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC) and the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as good example’s of Tinubu’s commitment to better the lives of Nigerians.

    “President Tinubu means well for the North. Let us disabuse the minds of our people who have been misinformed that the President does not like the North.

    “Who was instrumental in signing the North-West Development Commission bill into law, and who created the Ministry of Livestock Development.?

    “It is this same President. He gave the approval for the launch of the RSPIC Initiative, a non kinetic approach to the crisis in the northwest region by building an entire ecosystem for victims of the crisis.

    According to Shettima, these policies will have a direct and positive impact on the northern people.

    “I want to reiterate this fact, and I am saying it because I know the President’s disposition towards the north. He is a good and just man.

    “He loves the north and is working for its transformation,” he said, and emphasised the need for the media to rally around the present administration.

    On the planned nationwide protest, Shettima acknowledged the right of citizens to protest.

    He, however, said that it has its own demerits that are not pleasant.

    “Today, if they say there will be a protest, it will amount to a lot of losses. Protest is the right of the people, but let it be known that historically, it has been hijacked by unscrupulous elements.”

    The vice-president said that taking to the streets to protest will not guarantee any form of development for the region.

    “I am appealing to you to unite and support the development of our region by this present government led by President Bola Tinubu.

    “I am really soliciting your prayers and support for us at this time in the history of our country. This is not the time to protest.

    “We in the north need to promote actions and ideals that are critical to the development of our country; we cannot allow things to degenerate.”

    He appealed to the media practitioners to mobilise people of the region to leverage all of the opportunities offered by the federal government to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people.

    The vice-president stressed that Tinubu has shown his love for the North as reflected in his appointments where people of northern extraction are occupying sensitive positions.

    He called on northerners to give their support to the current administration under President Tinubu in order to enhance development in the region.

  • Acceptable Hajj sure path to paradise – Sheikh Gadon-Kaya

    Acceptable Hajj sure path to paradise – Sheikh Gadon-Kaya

    Sheikh Abdallahi Gadon-Kaya, one of the famous Islamic scholars, says an acceptable Hajj (Hajj Mabrur) is a sure and genuine path to paradise.

    He stated this while presenting a lecture on rituals of Hajj to the Kebbi pilgrims at Hotel Number One in Qudai, Makkatul Mukarrama, otherwise known as Kebbi House on Monday.

    The cleric quoted the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as saying: “Acceptable Hajj (Hajj Mabrur) has no reward except paradise.”

    Gadon-Kaya, who summarised the entire Hajj exercise in ten steps, observed that every pilgrim that had the opportunity to come to perform Hajj, “God Almighty wants him to enter paradise with ease.

    He said, “Therefore, just feel in your mind that after the completion of your Hajj exercise, you will become a companion of paradise. So, we should be happy for this great opportunity from our creator.”

    The cleric recalled that many famous Islamic scholars who published numerous books didn’t have the opportunity to perform Hajj, citing Sheikh Uthman Danfodiyo as an example of such scholars.

    “Hence the need for you to appreciate God Almighty for this great opportunity,” he said.

    Gadon-Kaya enumerated the ten steps to include; intention after wearing of Ihram, entering Makkah, circumambulation (Dawafil Ifadha/Dawafil Hajj), farewell circumambulation (Dawafil Wadah), trekking between the mount of Safa and Marwa (Sa’ayi) and going to Muna.

    Others according to him are; standing at mount of Arfat, going to Munzalifa, stoning of Jamrat with pebbles, slaughtering of animal (sacrifice) for those pilgrims that perform Tamatu’i or Qirani form of Hajj, while the last and the tenth is cutting of hair.

    While advising the pilgrims to hold on to the steps for smooth and easy exercise, Gadon-Kaya urged them to be orderly and ensure respect for constituted authority towards a successful Hajj operation.

    He said the entire Hajj exercise was being conducted in just four or five days, from 8th to 13th of Dhul-Hajj, advising that pilgrims should use the knowledge acquired from different clerics to put the steps into practice.

    The cleric reminded the pilgrims that standing on the Day of Arfat remained the vital organ of Hajj, recalling that the Prophet (PBUH) said : “Hajj is Arafat (Al-Hajju Arafat)” meaning without Arfat there would be no Hajj at all.

    “The Prophet (PBUH) said Allah (SWT) accepts supplication on Arfat day and the best of supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat.

    “Supplication on Arafat day starts by Zuhur prayer after pilgrims jointly prayer Zuhur and Asr prayer in a short form (qasru). The Prophet raised his hand after Zuhur prayer supplicating to Allah, he did not bring down his hand until after Magrib,” he said.

    Gadon-Kaya cautioned the pilgrims against wasting time doing nothing on Arafat day, saying, ”instead, they should devote their time for supplication, begging God Almighty to bless them with good here and good in the hereafter.”

    He also urged them to pray for their leaders to be able to fix the nation’s economy, urging, “you should also pray for prevailing peace across Nigeria.”

  • Marriage Counsellor cautions couples against anal intimacy

    Marriage Counsellor cautions couples against anal intimacy

    A marriage counsellor, Dr Aisha Adaviruku, has cautioned Muslim couples against anal intimacy as it is prohibited in Islam.

    Adaviruku made the call at the Ramadan Weekly lecture titled, ” Preparing Our Children for Marriage: Islamic Approaches” organised by the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, on Saturday in Abuja.

    She said that the Islamic legal system taught Muslims everything about life, including how couples should have intimacy and train their children.

    The counselor noted that parents had a very huge space in ensuring that their children understood the true essence of marriage.

    Adaviriku therefore, implored parents to enroll their children in premarital counseling especially those who were due for marriage.

    “As parents, we are good role models for what an Islamic marriage should look like. The first thing that we should remind our children about marriage is belief in God.”

    The counselor also cautioned Muslim couples against going outside the fold of Islam in search of solutions to their marital problems or challenges.

    Adaviruku emphasised that marriage in Islam was an act of worship, saying “we do marry only to seek for the pleasure of Allah.”

    She particularly advised married women to be grateful to their spouses whenever they discharged their responsibilities to them.

    Earlier, Sheikh Shuaib Agbarere said ” if we don’t get married right, we can’t get our nation right.”

    Agbarere, who is a legal practitioner, also warned against premarital sexual intercourse.

    ”Let us tell our young daughters that a man should not say because I have known your father and mother we are in marriage already we can do anything.

    “No, you cannot do anything until when the wedding is pronounced,” he said.

  • Ramadan: Muslim women can delay menstrual cycle to fast – Cleric

    Ramadan: Muslim women can delay menstrual cycle to fast – Cleric

    Malam Salaudeen Abdulkadir, the Chief Missioner of Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Forum, says Muslim women who don’t want to miss their fasting,  can medically delay the menstrual cycle.

    Abdulkadir made the statement in Ilorin while delivering the Annual Ramadan Lecture,  organised by the Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Forum, National Headquarters.

    The chief missioner emphasised that as long as the process did not endanger the lives of the women, they could alter their cycle to fast the complete month of Ramadan.

    He explained that Islam was applicable in every era or situation, adding that experts on Islamic Jurisprudence had researched and reached the conclusion that a woman could delay her cycle if she so desired to do so.

    He stated that Allah had mandated Ramadan fasting on believing Muslims, adding that this was for health and spiritual rejuvenation.

    Abdulkadir,  who is also the Chief Imam of Olanrewaju Mosque, reminded that Allah did not overburden man beyond his capacity.

    The cleric warned Muslims against following cultures against the practices of Islam, adding that screaming, shouting or calling Almighty Allah’s name in vain is totally prohibited.

    “You do not shout the name of Allah or call his name in vain. Allah has taught us ways on calling on him and getting nearer to him.

    “When you obey Allah, He will hold you in high regards. You must folow his injunctions to become nearer to Allah,” he advised.

    Similarly, Abdulkadir emphasised the importance of reading the Holy Quran, adding that “Ramadan is the month of the Quran”.

    He pointed out that Ramadan was not prescribed for the very sick, and that if life was threatened due to fasting, then they were excused from the obligation.

    He added that though other culutres came with their own form of fasting, Ramadan fasting was unique as it was prescribed by Allah, who instructed Muslims on its process.

    Also, Alhaji Nasuredeen Ibrahim, the National President of the Association, enjoined Muslims on the remembrance of Allah and being grateful to him at all times and circumstances.

    “Our gratefulness to Allah must be deep, because He is bountiful,” he said.

    According to him, “Ramadan fasting is like taking a car for repair to the mechanic, as we need Annual renewal of spiritual rejuvenation and vigour.”

    Commenting on the economic situation in the country, he asvised that this was the best time to get closer to Allah for all challenges.

    “We should do the little we can. Allah has not overburdened us and He will accept. But you cannot reduce the mandated Ibadah,” he said.

    Ibrahim explained that the Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Association started 30 years ago with the mandate to create unity and togetherness among people of the area.

    He added that though there were challenges, the association was reaching out to youths and other well meaning Muslims association for development and propagation of Islam.

  • Omah Lay speaks on converting to Islam – Omah

    Omah Lay speaks on converting to Islam – Omah

    Nigerian singer, Stanley Omah Didia, fondly called Omah Lay, has opened up on the reason he became laid back about converting into Islam.

    In a recent interview with Wunmi Bello, Omah Lay revealed that he once considered converting to Islam but decided against such religious practices after attaining wealth.

    He said, “The artist said he believes in God, but “does not enjoy religion anymore. As soon as I made money I just switched, I just believed in God and respected God, and then I became more human than just religion. I just do not enjoy religion anymore and I grew up in a Christian home and spent a lot of time in church.

    “At a point, I even wanted to convert to Islam, but I am now at this point where it is just me and God, no religion. I really do not know anything and that is the problem, it is just these books and everyone is saying this and that but in no way does it sound true.

    “These are just books that I cannot find evidence that this was written by God or his servant himself, so I feel like I do not know anything. In as much as I know the Bible, I know Jesus, and I know Allah.”

     

  • Methodist Prelate calls for calm over bill seeking to regulate Christianity

    Methodist Prelate calls for calm over bill seeking to regulate Christianity

    The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Aba has urged Nigerians to be calm over the bill seeking to create a National Centre for Christian Education (NCCE) in Nigeria.

    Aba made the call at a press briefing marking the end of the 40th Annual Council of Methodist Bishops held in Enugu on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the bill which has passed second reading in the Senate is said to regulate and set standards for the practice of Christianity in Nigeria.

    It was sponsored by Sen Binos Yaroe, representing Adamawa South Senatorial District.

    Aba said when some members of the Christian faith were against it, he reached out to a Christian Association of Nigeria Leader in a state who told him not to be afraid of the bill.

    “He told me that the bill will be good for all Christians in Nigeria, adding that the whole idea was brought by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    “So let every Nigerian be calm and let us see what will become of it,” he advised.

    Speaking during the opening of the council’s meeting, the Chairman, CAN, Enugu Chapter, Rev. Emmanuel Edeh told newsmen that the bill would benefit all Christians in Nigeria.

    He explained that the intent and purpose of the bill was not that the Federal Government would be granting Christians permission to preach or tell anybody about Christ.

    Edeh noted that there was a big misconception about the bill, adding that the bill never came from the government but from CAN.

    “The truth is that many Christians and Clergy have not understood what the bill is all about.

    “As a member of the National Executive Council of CAN, many media houses have published the impression so far from the content of the bill.

    “It is a Christian affair that there should be a board or commission that represent them at the national level,” he said.

    The chairman said the commission or board should be a way of guiding and checkmating activities of christians in the nation on some of the activities and practices.

    He further explained that the bill would not take away from any denomination their in-house educational arrangement.

    “Catholic, Anglican, Methodist Churches and others have their own education commission and if the bill is allowed to see the light of the day, the smaller churches struggling to have schools can have boards to run to.

    “Just like CAN stood their ground when President Buhari in 2020 signed into law Company and Allied Matters bill conferring Corporate Affairs Commission to regulate Christians and Charity Organisations.

    “If it was fought on individual denomination, nobody would have won the battle.

    “So I see this bill as a way of Christians coming together to coordinate and see that the theological content and some other teachings/activities are coordinated on what the Bible provided for,” he added.

  • Why I chose Mohammed as my Islamic name – Jay Jay Okocha

    Why I chose Mohammed as my Islamic name – Jay Jay Okocha

    Former Super Eagles midfielder, Jay Jay Okocha, has explained why he adopted the Islamic name, ‘Muhammed’ while playing for the Turkish side, Fenerbahce.

    Okocha played for Fenerbahce for two seasons from 1996 to 1998 after joining the Turkish giants from German club Frankfurt in a €1 million deal.

    In an interview with Hurriyet, Okocha said, “I spent two years in Turkey and it was a really good time for me. People loved me very much. Our fans were amazing.

    “As for this kind of offer, I received Turkish citizenship without thinking. I didn’t want to change my religion, but I got this name because I knew that Muslims loved the name, Muhammad.”

    He added, “I accepted this name because it’s very sacred and very important for Muslims. Our facility manager was Yavuz. He was very sympathetic, he would make us laugh a lot.

    “I asked him and put my lineage Yavuz. So my name was Muhammed Yavuz.”