₦airaland Forum

This year, Eid falls on a Friday — a special and unique situation in Islam. It brings ease in the religion, but also requires proper understanding.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

«قَدِ اجْتَمَعَ فِي يَوْمِكُمْ هَذَا عِيدَانِ، فَمَنْ شَاءَ أَجْزَأَهُ مِنَ الْجُمُعَةِ، وَإِنَّا مُجَمِّعُونَ»
“Two Eids have come together on this day of yours. Whoever wishes, the Eid prayer will suffice him from Jumu‘ah, but we will still observe Jumu‘ah.”
(Abu Dawud)

What does this mean?

If you attend the Eid prayer, then:

You are permitted not to attend Jumu‘ah

But you must still pray Dhuhr at its time


However:

It is better to still attend Jumu‘ah if possible

The Imam must still establish Jumu‘ah for those who wish to attend


This concession is a mercy, not an excuse for negligence.
Do not turn it into a reason to abandon both prayers.

If you skip Jumu‘ah, do not skip Dhuhr.
If you can attend both, that is more rewarding.


Islam is a religion of balance and ease.
It gives room, but it also encourages striving for more reward.

May Allah accept our Eid, our prayers, and our fasting, and grant us many more in good health and faith.
Eid Mubarak.

Ramadan has come and gone… but the question is: has our goodness gone with it?

In Ramadan, we gave ṣadaqah generously.
We recited the Qur’an daily.
We stood in the night for Qiyām.
We controlled our tongues, our eyes, and our actions.

Now that Ramadan has ended, should all these end too?

Allah says:

وَاعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَكَ الْيَقِينُ
“And worship your Lord until there comes to you certainty (death).”
(Qur’an 15:99)

The Lord of Ramadan is the Lord of every other month.

If we were able to leave sins for 30 days, then we are able to leave them beyond Ramadan.
If we found time for Qur’an in Ramadan, we can still find time now.
If we gave charity then, we should not become miserly now.

One of the signs that Ramadan was accepted is that good deeds continue after it.

Let Ramadan not be a temporary change.
Let it be a turning point.

May Allah accept our deeds, keep us firm upon goodness, and allow us to witness many more Ramadans in faith and good health. Ameen.

Today is the 24th day of Ramadan. As Ramadan draws to an end, let’s remind ourselves of an important obligation—Zakatul Fitr.


Zakatul Fitr is a compulsory charity that every Muslim who fasted must give before Eid prayer. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"The fast remains suspended between heaven and earth until the Sadaqat al-Fitr is paid." (Hadith - Abu Dawood & Ibn Majah)

This means Zakatul Fitr purifies our fasts, erasing any shortcomings or mistakes we may have made while fasting.

WHAT SHOULD BE GIVEN AS ZAKATUL FITR?

The Prophet ﷺ instructed that Zakatul Fitr should be given in the form of staple food, such as:

- Rice
- Wheat
- Dates
- Corn
- Millet and
- Other local staple food

One person must give one Sā’ (approximately 4 mudus or 12 cups/tins of grain).

Scholars advise against giving money directly, but money can be given to trustworthy organizations who will purchase food and distribute it accordingly.

WHEN SHOULD IT BE GIVEN?

Before the Eid prayer—if given after, it is just an ordinary charity, not Zakatul Fitr.

It should be given early enough so that the needy can benefit from it on Eid day.


Let’s fulfill this obligation properly, ensuring our fasts are complete and bringing joy to the less privileged on Eid.

May Allah accept our fasts, prayers, and acts of charity. Ameen!

The Prophet ﷺ instructed us to seek Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights.

تَحَرَّوْا لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ فِي الوِتْرِ مِنَ العَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ
Meaning:
Seek Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
(Bukhari)

These nights are likely to be the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights of Ramadan.
If Allah allows us to witness these nights, the Prophet ﷺ taught us a special supplication to say frequently:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Transliteration:
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuḥibbul ‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni.
Meaning:
O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and You love to forgive, so forgive me.
(Tirmidhi)

Let us prepare ourselves now by increasing our Qur’an recitation, night prayers, charity, and sincere repentance. These nights are few, but their rewards are immense.
May Allah allow us to witness the last ten nights, grant us Laylatul Qadr, accept our deeds, and forgive our sins. Ameen.

PS: Remember to recite Suratul Khaf

Today marks the 17th day of Ramadan, which means the best and most blessed days of this month are fast approaching — the last ten nights. These are the nights the Prophet ﷺ treated with special seriousness and devotion.

It was reported:

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رضي الله عنها قَالَتْ: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ إِذَا دَخَلَ العَشْرُ الأَوَاخِرُ شَدَّ مِئْزَرَهُ وَأَحْيَا لَيْلَهُ وَأَيْقَظَ أَهْلَهُ

Meaning:
Aishah (RA) said: When the last ten nights of Ramadan began, the Prophet ﷺ would tighten his waist cloth, spend the night in worship, and wake his family.
(Bukhari & Muslim)

These nights carry a treasure that cannot be matched — Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree.

Allah says:

لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ

Meaning:
The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.
(Qur’an 97:3)

This means that worship on that night is better than worship of more than 83 years.

So as these blessed days approach, let us prepare ourselves by increasing:

Qiyām al-Layl (night prayers)

Recitation of the Qur’an

Du‘ā and seeking forgiveness

Charity and good deeds

Sincere repentance


Do not let these nights pass like ordinary nights. Many people who fasted with us last year are not alive to witness this Ramadan again.

May Allah allow us to reach the last ten nights, grant us Laylatul Qadr, accept our worship, and forgive our sins.

اللهم بلغنا ليلة القدر ووفقنا لقيامها إيمانًا واحتسابًا.

What Should We Say Before Breaking Our Fast? A Forgotten Sunnah

Every day in Ramadan, we wait eagerly for that beautiful moment when Allah permits us to break our fast. Hunger disappears, thirst ends, and relief comes. But sadly, many of us rush to eat without remembering Allah at that critical moment.

Yet, that moment is one of the most powerful times for du‘ā.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

ثَلَاثَةٌ لَا تُرَدُّ دَعْوَتُهُمْ … وَالصَّائِمُ حَتَّى يُفْطِرَ
"Three supplications are not rejected… and the fasting person until he breaks his fast."
(Tirmidhi)

This means just before breaking your fast is a moment when your du‘ā is highly likely to be accepted.

One of the authentic supplications the Prophet ﷺ used to say when breaking his fast is:

ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ، وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ

Transliteration:
Dhahaba adh-dhama’u, wabtallatil-‘urooq, wa thabatal-ajru in shā’ Allāh.

Meaning:
"The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills."
(Abu Dawud)

Imagine this: after fasting for long hours, instead of immediately rushing to food, you pause for a few seconds, remember Allah, and make du‘ā. That moment connects your hunger, your patience, and your worship directly to your Lord.

Brethren, do not waste this golden moment.

Before you take that first sip of water, raise your hands. Ask Allah for forgiveness. Ask Him for Jannah. Ask Him to solve your problems. Ask Him for a good ending.

This moment comes only once each day of Ramadan. Do not let it pass without remembering Allah.

May Allah accept our fasting, our du‘ā, and grant us immense rewards. Ameen.

There was a time when the early Muslims and our forefathers in Yorùbá land would raise their hands in deep humility and say:

“O Allah, elevate Islam and the Sunnah, and disgrace innovations (bid‘ah).”

They made this du‘ā not casually, but with pain in their hearts. They witnessed practices introduced into the religion that the Prophet ﷺ never taught, and they longed for a time when people would return to the pure Sunnah.

Today, as we reflect during this blessed month of Ramadan, we see clear signs that Allah has answered those sincere prayers.

Not long ago, it was common in many places to see prescribed schedules of specific nafilah prayers assigned to each night of Ramadan — with fixed numbers of rak‘ah, specific recitations, and special supplications for each night. These were often presented as if they were part of the religion itself. People followed them sincerely, thinking they were drawing closer to Allah.

But Alhamdulillah, today the situation has greatly changed.

Now, the vast majority of Muslims have embraced the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. They understand that voluntary prayers in Ramadan are open and flexible, not restricted to invented formats. They follow what the Prophet ﷺ taught, and they avoid introducing new acts into the religion.

Hardly will you find mosques today enforcing those fixed night-by-night innovations. Instead, you see people focusing on:

Qiyām al-Layl based on the Sunnah

Recitation of the Qur’an

Sincere du‘ā

Seeking Laylatul-Qadr

Following authentic teachings


This is not a coincidence. It is the fruit of sincere du‘ā, sincere teaching, and sincere sacrifice by those who came before us.

Allah says:

وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ٱدْعُونِىٓ أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ
"And your Lord says: Call upon Me, I will respond to you."
(Surah Ghafir 40:60)

Our forefathers called upon Allah, and today we are witnessing the response.

May Allah be pleased with them for their sincerity, their patience, and their struggle to preserve the Sunnah.

And this should remind us of an important lesson: du‘ā changes reality.

If their prayers transformed communities, then our prayers too can transform our homes, our children, and our society.

Let us increase our du‘ā in this blessed month. Let us ask Allah to preserve the Sunnah, protect us from innovation, and keep our hearts firm upon the truth.

May Allah make us among those who follow the Prophet ﷺ sincerely and grant us acceptance. Ameen.

One of the mistakes many of us make during Jumu‘ah often without realizing it is talking while the Imam is delivering the Khutbah on Jumuah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“If you say to your companion, ‘Be quiet,’ while the Imam is delivering the sermon, you have engaged in idle talk.”

[Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim]

SubḥānAllāh! If merely telling someone to “keep quiet” invalidates your reward, what then is the fate of the one who actually talks, chats, or even answers phone calls during the Khutbah?

The Jumu‘ah Khutbah is part of the act of worship itself which is a moment when we are commanded to listen silently and reflect. Yet, some of us treat it like ordinary talk time.

Please, my brothers and sisters, let’s fear Allah and be attentive during Jumu‘ah. Turn off your phones, avoid distractions, and lend your full attention to the Imam.

May Allah accept our Jumu‘ah, forgive our shortcomings, and make us among those who listen to His words and follow them with sincerity.

Āmīn.

Now that we are in Ramadan, it is very important to know what invalidates the fast, so that we protect our worship properly.

Here are the major things that invalidate fasting (from Fajr until Maghrib):

1. Eating or Drinking Intentionally

If someone eats or drinks deliberately, the fast is broken.

But if a person forgets and eats or drinks unintentionally, the fast is still valid. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever forgets while he is fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it was Allah who fed him and gave him drink.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)

2. Intentional Vomiting

If someone forces himself to vomit, the fast is invalid.

But if vomiting happens unintentionally, the fast remains valid.


3. Sexual Intercourse

Intercourse during the day of Ramadan invalidates the fast and requires both making up the fast and expiation (kaffarah).

4. Ejaculation Caused Deliberately

If ejaculation occurs due to intentional stimulation (e.g., masturbation), the fast is invalid.

But involuntary discharge (like a wet dream) does not break the fast.

5. Menstruation and Post-natal Bleeding

If a woman begins her menstrual cycle or post-natal bleeding during the day, her fast is invalid and must be made up later.

6. Intention to Break the Fast

If someone firmly decides in their heart to break the fast (even without eating), many scholars hold that this invalidates it because intention is the foundation of fasting.


Important Reminder

While these invalidate the fast legally, there are things that destroy the reward even if they don’t invalidate it technically:

Lying

Backbiting

Insults

Watching haram

Cheating

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)


Ramadan is not just hunger — it is purification.

May Allah protect our fasting from invalidation and from losing its reward. Ameen.

The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee received reports from various Moonsighting Committees across the Country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan 1447AH, on Tuesday, 17th February, 2026 which is the 29th day of Sha'aban 1447AH.

2. His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has accepted the reports and accordingly declared Wednesday, 18th February, 2026 as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH.

3. His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with the Nigeria Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah's guidance and blessings. The Sultan while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the Country he also wishes all Muslims a happy Ramadan Kareem. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, amen.

Episode 98


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJhYhNqMJ5E

In this episode (Episode 98, page 1033), I continued my explanation of first-order differential equations. I demonstrated how to form differential equations from arbitrary constants and how to solve them using the method of direct integration and the method of separation of variables.

Brethren, please us to reflect on how deeply obsessed we have become with our phones—even to the point of bringing them into the mosque. This obsession has reached a level where it distracts us during acts of worship, diminishing the sanctity of our relationship with Allah.

Imagine this: In front of a parent, teacher, or elder, we dare not press our phones, knowing it is a sign of disrespect. Similarly, no one would check their emails or scroll through social media while standing before a judge in court. Yet, we find it acceptable to do this in the house of Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Where is the fear and reverence due to Allah?

It is now common to see people, right after the Tasleem (concluding the prayer), immediately take out their phones to check WhatsApp messages or emails instead of engaging in Adhkar (remembrance of Allah). Worse still, during the Friday Khutbah, a sacred moment when we are commanded to be silent and attentive, many are distracted by their devices.

This behavior contradicts the essence of Ihsaan, as described by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who said: "Ihsaan is to worship Allah as though you see Him, for even though you do not see Him, He sees you."

(Reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

The question is: if we truly reflect on the fact that Allah sees us, would we still dare to disrespect Him in His house by prioritizing our phones over our devotion?

HOW CAN WE CURB THIS HABIT?

1. Leave Your Phone at Home or in the Car: If your phone is not absolutely necessary, avoid taking it into the mosque. This will eliminate the temptation to check it.

2. Switch Off Data or Put the Phone in Airplane Mode: If you need your phone for emergencies or for Quran apps, turn off notifications to avoid distractions.

3. Fear Allah’s Watchfulness: Remember that Allah sees us and knows what is in our hearts. Reflect on the reverence and focus required during worship.

4. Reflect on the Rewards We Are Missing: By neglecting Adhkar and not listening attentively to the Khutbah, we are missing out on immense rewards and blessings.

5. Remind Ourselves of the Disrespect: Think about how inappropriate it is to prioritize a device over Allah, the Creator of all things.

Let us strive to regain the focus and humility required in the house of Allah. The mosque is a place for worship, reflection, and submission—not a space for worldly distractions. May Allah guide us to worship Him with sincerity and devotion

Today is the 25th of Sha‘bān. In just a few days — depending on the sighting of the crescent and the official announcement by the Sultan — Wednesday or Thursday may mark the first day of Ramadan.

SubḥānAllāh… how quickly time flies.

Ramadan is not an ordinary month. It is a month Allah chose above others. A month in which the Qur’an was revealed. A month in which gates of Jannah are opened, gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained. If something is special, it must be treated specially.

So how do we prepare?

First, sincere tawbah. Enter Ramadan with a clean heart. Forgive people. Seek forgiveness from Allah. Drop grudges.

Second, settle unfinished obligations. Whoever still owes fasts from previous Ramadan should hasten to make them up. Do not carry debt into another blessed month.

Third, adjust your routine. Begin reducing unnecessary screen time. Train yourself for night prayer. Revive your relationship with the Qur’an from now.

Fourth, purify your earnings and intentions. Ramadan is not only about hunger; it is about taqwa.

Fifth, unity. We must wait for the official announcement of the beginning of Ramadan by the recognized Muslim authority in our land. This is from the Sunnah — fasting begins with confirmed sighting and proper leadership. No rebellion. No self-declared dates. Unity is part of our strength.

Let us not enter Ramadan casually.

Let us enter it prepared. Prepared hearts. Prepared homes. Prepared schedules.

May Allah allow us to witness the glorious month in peace, piety, unity, and harmony. May He grant us the ability to fast, pray, give, and be forgiven.

Āmīn.

Shaykh Salih (rahimahullaah) gives the solution to sadness, depression and grief:

“Indeed the Legislation orders us to keep away from everything which causes regret. Allaah سبحانه said:

“Secret counsels (conspiracies) are only from Satan, in order that he may cause grief to the believers. But he cannot harm them in the least, except as Allaah permits.” [Mujaadilah, 58:10]

And Allaah تعالى only told us this so that we keep away from it, it was not merely a piece of information telling us that the Devil wants to cause us grief, no, what is meant is that we keep away from everything which causes grief. And for this reason the Prophet ﷺ said, “When there are three people, two should not converse together to the exclusion of the third.” [Agreed upon]

So everything which brings about sadness in a person is forbidden …

The Prophet ﷺ ordered a person who saw a dream that he disliked to dry-spit to his left three times and seek Allaah’s Refuge from its evil and the evil of the Devil and to then turn to the other side [to sleep on] and not to tell anyone about it and to perform ablution and pray—all of this so that a person can drive away all of these things [grief etc.] …

And that is why the Companions said that we used to see dreams and become ill because of them, but when the Prophet of Allaah ﷺ told us this hadith … i.e., they relaxed and no worry remained.

So the Legislator wants us to avoid everything which brings about worry, grief, and sadness, and for this reason Allaah تعالى said:

“So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj.” [Baqarah 2:197]

Because disputes make a person defend himself and his thoughts change for the sake of the argumentation, and he will became worried and it will distract him from worship.

The point is: Always keep in mind the fact that Allaah عزوجل wants you to be happy all the time, far from grief.

And in reality a person has three situations:

A past situation;
A present;
Aa future one.
The Past

A person forgets the past and the worry that it had because it and what it contained is over, if it was a calamity, then say:

اللهُمَّ أَجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي، وَأَخْلِفْ لِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَا

“O Allaah, reward me for my affliction and give me something better than it in exchange for it,” [Muslim]

…and forget about it.

And for this reason He forbade wailing over the dead, why? Because it renews the grief and reminds one of it.

The Future

As for the future, its knowledge is with Allaah عزوجل, rely on Allaah and when issues come to you then seek their solution, but those things which the Legislator has ordered you to prepare for then prepare for them.

The Present

It is the present time which it is possible for you to deal with, try to keep away from everything that causes worry, grief and sadness so that you can always be relaxed and have an open breast, dedicating yourself to Allaah and worshipping Him and [dedicating yourself] to your worldly affairs and those connected to the Hereafter.

When you try this, you will relax.

As for tiring yourself over what has passed or worrying about the future in a manner the legislation has not allowed, then know that [if you do so] you will become exhausted and lose out on much good.”

Source: JamiatKZN

Assalamu Alaykum

My brothers and sisters, Ramadan is just a few days away, less than two weeks. A guest is approaching us. A guest that carries forgiveness, mercy, and freedom from the Fire. Many who were with us last Ramadan are no longer alive today. Allah chose us to witness it again. That alone deserves reflection.

Preparation for Ramadan does not start on the first night of Taraweeh; it starts now.

Prepare your heart before your body. Mend your relationship with Allah. Let go of sins you have been postponing repentance from. Clean your tongue from backbiting, your eyes from the haram, and your heart from hatred and envy.

Prepare your schedule. Ramadan is not a month to “fit Islam into our routine”; it is a month to build our routine around Islam—Qur’an, salah, du‘ā’, charity, and good character.

And an important reminder:
Whoever still owes fasts from previous Ramadans should hasten to make them up now, before this Ramadan enters. Delaying without a valid excuse is a serious matter. This is a debt owed to Allah, and debts to Allah deserve priority.

Do not say, “I will sort it out later.” Later is not guaranteed. Many planned to fast “next year” but never reached it.

Ramadan is a training school. Enter it with sincerity, preparedness, and humility so that you may leave it forgiven and transformed.

May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan, help us prepare for it properly, forgive our shortcomings, and accept our fasting and worship. Ameen.

The Virtue of Shaʿbān and the Prescribed Acts of Worship

Shaʿbān is a blessed month that serves as a bridge between Rajab and Ramaḍān. The Prophet ﷺ gave it special attention, even though many people neglect it.

It is authentically reported that the Prophet ﷺ did not fast any month in full apart from Ramaḍān, but he fasted most of Shaʿbān. Some narrations describe it as though he fasted all of it, meaning the greater part of the month. This reflects balance, consistency, and adherence to what is legislated.

Why fasting in Shaʿbān is emphasized

Shaʿbān is a month that many people are heedless of. It is also the month in which deeds are raised to Allah, and the Prophet ﷺ loved that his deeds be raised while he was fasting. In addition, fasting during Shaʿbān prepares the soul and body for Ramaḍān.

Prescribed acts of worship in Shaʿbān

There is no special or unique act of worship legislated exclusively for Shaʿbān, but the Sunnah encourages increasing general acts of obedience, especially:

1. Voluntary fasting
This is the most emphasized act of worship in Shaʿbān. Fasting most of the month, without singling out specific days with special beliefs, is from the Sunnah.

2. Regular prayers and extra nawāfil
Guarding the five daily prayers and increasing optional prayers helps build consistency before Ramaḍān.

3. Recitation of the Qur’an
Many of the Salaf would increase Qur’an recitation in Shaʿbān as preparation for Ramaḍān, without fixing a specific amount as obligatory.

4. Dhikr and seeking forgiveness
Abundant remembrance of Allah, istighfār, and sending ṣalāh upon the Prophet ﷺ are recommended at all times and especially beneficial in this month.

5. Sincere repentance
Shaʿbān is an opportunity to cleanse the heart from sins, grudges, and negligence before the arrival of Ramaḍān.

Conclusion and reminder

Shaʿbān is a month of preparation, not innovation. It is a time to revive the Sunnah, increase voluntary worship, and ready the heart for Ramaḍān. Whoever plants well in Shaʿbān will harvest ease and reward in Ramaḍān.

May Allah grant us tawfīq to use Shaʿbān wisely and accept our deeds.

SALAFIS ARE NOT TAKFEERIS

By
Ibn Abdillah As-sudaisiy Al-Iloori
29th June, 2020

Linking Salafiyyah or Salafis to Takfeer is one of the most unjust positions I have seen in recent times. It is true that some takfeeris wrongly ascribe to Salafiyyah. But they are far from it. The scholars have clarified this severally in their work from time immemorial.

Even with the fitnah we are going through, go to any reliable Salafi gathering, scholars are busy teaching the foundations of Islām as they teach the Qur'an. They explain the deviations of the various deviant sects in a way that will be very clear and unambiguous, using the works of past scholars; such as Imām Ahmad, Imām ul-Barbahaaree, Ibn Taymiyyah, Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Abdilwahhaab رحمهم الله and so on.

So, the reality of the takfeeris is not hidden. They are well known to any serious salafi and it is an area many students of knowledge always run away from. They have their origin in the way of the Khawaarij (those who remove people from Islām due to sins or bid'ah of lesser grade). Even as glaring as the evils of the Sufis, Shi'as, ikhwaanees etc. are, you cannot find any salafi scholar making blanket takfeer of them. Now, compare this with the gatherings of Muhammad Awwal Ali Jabata and his gullible followers who remove people from Islām without justification. They only teach their followers what they can use to remove people from Islām, based on their distorted explanation of the verses of the Qur'an and hadiths. That is why to them, the only condition for being a Muslim is for you to be part of them.

According to their dangerous Takfeeri ideology, once you are not following the fikrah (thought) of Muhammad Awwal Ali Jabata, then you are not a Muslim. They have even made takfeer of all Sunnis that are not with them. So, how can they be linked with Sunnah or Salafiyyah? This is not Salafiyyah, it is ignorance and thuggery of the highest order. The Sunnis have called on the Ulamaa in Ilorin severally to take decisive action on this people before they grow into another Boko Harām as their ideology is not far from that of Muhammad Yusuf and his followers. Intead of taking action on this, some people are shielding him due to his origin. The Sunnis have called for his programs on radio to banned, yet some radio stations are still entertaining him. It is very sad.

Linking Salafis to Takfeer is like linking Islām with terrorism just because Al-Qaeda, As-shabab, Boko Haram etc are Muslims. These are some of the prominent Khawaarij groups in our time. They might be Muslim depending on the extent of their deviation, but there is no doubt about the fact that they do not in any way represent Islām. They do not represent the Sunnah. They are going against the roots and foundations of Islām in many ways. They are misguided and they misguide their gullible followers.

© Ibn Abdillah As-sudaisiy Al-Iloori .

A Muslim lives between hope and fear i.e hope in the mercy of Allah and fear of meeting Him with a bad ending. This balance is necessary, especially when we reflect on the frightening warning in the well-known ḥadīth.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Indeed, one of you may do the deeds of the people of Paradise until there is only an arm’s length between him and it, then what has been written overtakes him and he acts with the deeds of the people of Hell and enters it…”

This ḥadīth should humble us. It teaches that what matters most is how we end, not how we begin or how people see us today.

Because of this, the Sunnah teaches us to constantly ask Allah for a good ending. Among the beautiful supplications is:

اللَّهُمَّ أَحْسِنْ عَاقِبَتَنَا فِي الْأُمُورِ كُلِّهَا، وَأَجِرْنَا
مِنْ خِزْيِ الدُّنْيَا وَعَذَابِ الْآخِرَةِ

Allāhumma aḥsin ʿāqibatanā fī al-umūri kullihā, wa ajirnā min khizyi ad-dunyā wa ʿadhābi al-ākhirah.

“O Allah, grant us a good ending in all our affairs, and protect us from the humiliation of this world and the punishment of the Hereafter.”


So let us not rely on our past deeds.. Let us persist in repentance, humility, and du‘ā.
Let us frequently ask Allah for ḥusn al-khātimah.

May Allah grant us a good ending and cause us to meet Him while He is pleased with us.

Who Do You Turn to When You Are in Need?

When you need money, who comes to your mind first? A wealthy man.

When hunger strikes, who do you think of? A friend or neighbour.

When you need a job, where do you run to? Politicians, connections, influence.

But how many of us first turn to Allah?

Where is our tawakkul?

Sadly, some even ask with doubt: “Is it really possible that Allah will do this for me?”
Yes — it is not only possible, it is certain.

Allah says:

وَمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى اللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا
“There is no creature on earth except that its provision is upon Allah.”
(Qur’an 11:6)

And we say in our du‘ā:

اللَّهُمَّ لَا مَانِعَ لِمَا أَعْطَيْتَ، وَلَا مُعْطِيَ لِمَا مَنَعْتَ
“O Allah, none can withhold what You give, and none can give what You withhold.”

If Allah opens a door, no human can close it.
If He withholds, no connection, wealth, or influence can change it.

This does not mean we sit idle. Tawakkul is not laziness.
It means: rely on Allah first, trust Him completely, then take lawful steps knowing that the outcome is in His Hands, not in people’s pockets.

Let us correct our hearts.
Ask Allah before asking people. Trust Allah before trusting means.

May Allah strengthen our tawakkul and grant us provision with barakah.

PS: Please don't forget to recite Suratul Khaf today

Recently, some people have been spreading misinformation that one can evade tax by simply using the narration “gift” on every transactions made.

Even the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele has clarified that tax authorities do not randomly deduct money from people’s accounts and that the system is not as careless as some are making it sound.

More importantly, Islam does not permit deception. Deliberately misrepresenting income, lying about transactions, or disguising earnings to avoid responsibility is harām. This falls under falsehood and dishonesty, which Allah strictly forbids.

Allah says:
“And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know.”
(Qur’an 2:42)

Trying to escape tax by lying is not wisdom rather it is disobedience. A believer should never seek provision through deception, even when the system appears unfair.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise.”
(Bukhārī & Muslim)

If something is unjust, it should be addressed lawfully and responsibly, not through lies that stain one’s integrity and faith.

Let us fear Allah in our dealings, speak the truth, and earn only what is halal. Wealth gained through dishonesty carries no blessing.

May Allah grant us honesty, wisdom, and protection from wrongdoing.

Wth the recent discussions around the new tax law in Nigeria, it is important for us as Muslims to understand the difference between tax and zakāh, because many people tend to mix the two or assume one can replace the other.

Zakāh is an act of worship. It is an obligation commanded directly by Allah and mentioned repeatedly alongside Ṣalāh in the Qur’an. It is taken from specific types of wealth, at a fixed rate, and given only to specific categories of people mentioned in the Qur’an. Zakāh purifies wealth and the soul, and it is a right of the poor upon the wealthy.

Allah says:
“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.” (Qur’an 9:103)

Tax, on the other hand, is a civic responsibility introduced by governments to run public affairs such as infrastructure, security, healthcare, and administration. It is not an act of worship, nor does it replace Zakāh, even if one pays a large amount.

Paying tax does not remove the obligation of Zakāh, and paying Zakāh does not exempt one from lawful taxes imposed by the government, as long as they do not contradict Islamic principles.

Zakāh is paid seeking the pleasure of Allah.
Tax is paid to maintain societal structure.
One cannot substitute one for the other.
As Muslims, we must be balanced: fulfill our religious duties sincerely and also act responsibly within the society we live in. Islam does not promote lawlessness, nor does it allow us to neglect obligations owed to Allah.

Let us be careful not to confuse acts of worship with civic duties, and let us fear Allah in how we handle wealth because we will surely be questioned about how we earned it and how we spent it.

May Allah grant us understanding, sincerity, and acceptance of our deeds.

Nigeria First: A Call for Fairness in Our Media

It is deeply painful to witness how some media houses in Nigeria handle sensitive issues, especially when Muslims are involved. Recently, a tragic bomb blast occurred in a mosque in Maiduguri. According to reports, lives were lost and many were injured. This alone should have moved every conscience.

Yet, what made the situation even more disturbing was how some media outlets chose to report it.

For example, a headline from Channels TV read:
“Many Feared Dead As Bomb Blast Rocks Maiduguri On Christmas Eve.”

This headline is misleading. It subtly creates the impression that Christians were targeted during Christmas, without clearly stating that the incident occurred inside a mosque and that Muslims were the victims. This is not just poor journalism — it is unfair, insensitive, and dangerous.

Sadly, this is not the first time such a pattern has appeared. When victims are Christians, headlines often clearly state it. But when Muslims are affected, the language becomes vague or carefully framed in a way that distorts public perception.

Where is the justice?
Where is the professionalism?
Where is the humanity?

Journalism is meant to inform, not inflame. It should unite, not divide. A journalist must rise above personal beliefs and sentiments. Lives are lives — Muslim or Christian — and pain does not have a religion.

It is even more troubling that credible bodies like the NSCIA have reportedly raised concerns that some media houses reject Muslim-sponsored programmes, even when willing to pay, which clearly goes against ethical broadcasting standards. This should worry every fair-minded Nigerian.

Before we are Muslims or Christians, we are Nigerians.
Before religion, there is humanity.
Before bias, there must be truth.

Nigeria cannot heal when truth is selective and empathy is conditional. Media houses must do better. We must all do better.

May Allah grant justice to the oppressed, guide our leaders and institutions, and heal our nation.

Leadership Is Not Prestige, It Is an Amānah

Many people today chase leadership because of the title, the seat, the escort, the respect, or the influence. Few ask themselves what leadership truly means before Allah. Yet Islam is very clear: leadership is not honor, it is responsibility.

The Prophet ﷺ warned us with strong words:

“Leadership is a trust, and on the Day of Resurrection it will be disgrace and regret, except for the one who takes it with its right and fulfills its duties.”

This warning is not only for presidents and governors. It applies to fathers in their homes, leaders in mosques, community heads, traditional rulers, office holders, and anyone placed in charge of others. Every authority is an amānah, and every amānah will be questioned.

Look around us today—corruption has eaten deep into our society. Public funds are stolen, trust is abused, people suffer while leaders sleep comfortably. Many hold positions but refuse to wake up to their responsibilities. They enjoy the privilege but abandon the burden.

Ask yourself:
– If leadership is taken away today, what record will speak for you?
– Are you leading to serve, or leading to be served?
– Are the people under you safer, better, and more just because of you?

Wallāhi, prestige will vanish. Titles will be stripped away. Convoys will stop. What will remain is accountability before Allah.

Let those who desire leadership only for fame and status pause and reflect. And let those already in leadership fear Allah, return to justice, and fulfill their trusts—before leadership turns into "disgrace and regret" on the Day no soul will help another.

May Allah grant us leaders who fear Him, and may He protect us from leadership that leads to disgrace and regret.

Are You a Miser?

When we hear the word miser, we often think of someone who refuses to share food, hides water from others, avoids helping the poor, or suddenly becomes stingy after Allah blesses them with wealth.

Yes, those are signs of miserliness but there is one type that many ignore, and it is far more serious.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

«البخيل من ذُكِرْتُ عنده فلم يُصلِّ عليَّ»
“The true miser is the one in whose presence I am mentioned and he does not send blessings upon me”.

SubhanAllah.
A person may give charity, help others, and appear generous — yet still be counted among the worst misers if he keeps silent when the Prophet’s name is mentioned.

A single (Allahumo soli ala muhammad) اللهم صل على محمد brings mercy, reward, and a connection to him ﷺ on the Day of Judgment.

Ask yourself honestly:
Are you generous with salawat? Or stingy with the simplest act of goodness?

Make salawat a habit. Fill your home with it. Teach your children to say it with love.

But as we increase in salawat, we must also be careful about how we send it. The Prophet ﷺ taught us the recognized forms especially Ṣalāt Ibrāhīmiyyah and other authentic versions reported in the Sunnah.

Any invented formulas or unverified patterns should be avoided, because they fall under bid‘ah and do not bring the reward we seek.

May Allah fill our hearts with love for His Messenger, make our tongues alive with authentic salawat, and protect us from every act of miserliness outward and hidden.

Marriage today faces many challenges: misunderstanding, impatience, ego, and a lack of commitment to the duties Allah has placed on both spouses. Yet, our faith has given us timeless guidance to build peaceful homes.

The Prophet ﷺ once spoke to a woman and said:

«فَانْظُرِي أَيْنَ أَنْتِ مِنْهُ، فَإِنَّهُ جَنَّتُكِ وَنَارُكِ»
“Pay close attention to your relationship with your husband, for he is your Paradise or your Hell.”

This is not just for women alone; the spirit of the message applies to both sides. A peaceful home requires effort, patience, and sincerity from the husband and the wife.

A husband must fear Allah in how he treats his wife by showing kindness, leadership, mercy, and responsibility.

A wife must fear Allah in how she responds to her husband showing respect, cooperation, and support.

When each partner fulfils their duty, the home becomes a garden of tranquillity. When ego replaces humility, and rights are ignored, the home collapses.

Please let’s revive patience, respect, and mutual responsibility in our marriages. Let’s fear Allah in how we treat the person closest to us. Also, let's let’s build homes that lead us to Paradise, not the opposite.

May Allah bring peace to our homes, mend our hearts, and guide us to fulfill our responsibilities with sincerity.

Hadith: Five Before Five

Life is moving faster than we realise, and every passing day silently reminds us that time is slipping away. Before we blink, years are gone, opportunities lost, and regrets begin to grow. That’s why the Prophet ﷺ warned us to value five things before five overtake us.

1. Your youth before old age
Today you can stand, walk, think clearly, plan, strive, and worship with strength. Tomorrow your back may bend, your knees may weaken, and energy may fade. Youth is not permanent — use it before it flies.

2. Your health before sickness
Right now you breathe freely, eat comfortably, walk with ease, and sleep in peace. A single diagnosis can change everything. Worship Allah with your strength before weakness comes.

3. Your wealth before poverty
Today you can spend, give, donate, help others, support your family, and uplift the needy. Tomorrow, circumstances may flip. Spend while you still have the ability — charity never reduces wealth.

4. Your free time before preoccupation
Everyone thinks they’re busy… until a time comes when they realise they used to actually have time. Before life overwhelms you with responsibilities, invest your minutes in Qur’an, Salah, learning, and goodness.

5. Your life before death
This is the greatest reminder. Once death arrives, your book is closed. No more repentance, no more good deeds, no more second chances. Only what you sent ahead will remain.


Look around you — friends, colleagues, and even young people are dying suddenly. None of us knows when our chapter will end. So ask yourself today:

What am I doing with my youth?

How am I using my health?

Where is my wealth going?

What fills my free time?

And if death meets me today, am I ready?


Let’s return to Allah sincerely. Let’s use these five blessings wisely before the next five come knocking.

May Allah help us value our time, bless our actions, and grant us a beautiful ending. Ameen.

A believer's rest is only in Jannah. So strive until end

From the moment we opened our eyes to this world, life has never stopped demanding effort from us.

When we were just three years old (some even younger), our parents dressed us up and sent us off to school. We spent long hours away from home, returned tired in the evening, and for many of us, still went to madrasa afterwards and only came back at night.

But that struggle never really ends.
We grow up, go through primary, secondary, and tertiary education. We stay up late to study, stress over exams, and pray for graduation thinking that life will finally become easy.

But no. It only changes shape.

If you go further to pursue a Master’s or PhD, you face new waves of deadlines — proposals, ethics approvals, conferences, grant applications, publications, and teaching with little or no reward.

If you decide to stop at your first degree and work, you are still met with deadlines upon deadlines, targets to meet, and bills to pay.

If you are a trader, you wake up early every morning, open your shop, chase customers, deal with suppliers, face fluctuating prices, and return home exhausted only to repeat the same routine the next day.

If you are a housewife, your day begins before dawn — preparing breakfast, getting the kids ready, cleaning, cooking, caring for your husband, washing, attending to visitors, and before you know it, the day is gone. Tomorrow brings the same cycle.

This is life — a constant motion. A cycle of effort that only ends with death.

That is why Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:

“Competition in worldly increase diverts you,
until you visit the graves.
No! You are going to know.
Then no! You are going to know.
No! If you only knew with certain knowledge,
you would surely see the Hellfire.
Then you will surely be asked that Day about all the pleasures (you enjoyed).”
(Surah At-Takāthur, 102:1–

The scholars explain that “certain knowledge” (ʿIlm al-Yaqīn) here means the truth that finally becomes clear at the moment of death when the veil is lifted and there is no more denial.

So, my brethren, life will never stop being demanding. The only true rest is after death. may Allah make it a rest in His mercy, not in regret.

With all the daily stress and responsibilities, we must not postpone righteousness.
Don’t say:

“I’ll start praying properly after retirement".

Don’t say “I’ll give more charity when I’m rich".

Don’t say “I’ll seek forgiveness when I’m older".

Because the deadlines of this world will never end but the deadline of life surely will.

While we live, let’s balance our hustle with worship.
Let’s make Qur’an part of our mornings, dhikr part of our breaks, and Salah part of our schedule not something we squeeze into it.

May Allah ease our burdens, bless our efforts, grant us steadfastness in worship, and make our final rest one of peace and forgiveness.

DMCA:
it's an ethnic cleansing and religion targeting agenda

That's far from being true.

It is hypocrisy to say that only Christians are affected by the insecurity in Nigeria. Let’s be objective, please!

Building Peaceful Homes: Four Timeless Principles for Couples

Divorce is sadly becoming rampant in our homes today.
Sometimes, the husband is at fault; sometimes, the wife.
But most often, the root cause is impatience and loss of understanding from both sides.

Scholars of Islam have reminded us that a home will be peaceful and filled with mercy if these four principles are upheld sincerely by both spouses.
(Inspired from Shaykh Sulaiman Hamzah’s lecture on “The Rights of Spouses”).

1️⃣ Taqwa (Fear of Allah)

Let Allah be the center of your marriage. If both husband and wife remember Allah in their words and actions, they will hardly wrong each other.

When a man fears Allah, he will treat his wife with kindness and compassion.

When a woman fears Allah, she will obey and respect her husband as an act of worship to her Lord.
Taqwa is the foundation of a happy home.

2️⃣ Leadership and Respect

Allah says:

“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women.” — [Qur’an 4:34]

The husband is the leader of the home — not a tyrant, but a shepherd accountable before Allah for his family.
Leadership in Islam means responsibility, care, and sacrifice.

Likewise, the woman should see her husband as her leader — her ameer in the home and support him, not compete with him.

Sadly, we now hear some women say things like:

"I can’t cook again”,
“We are equal; he’s not my boss”.

This is not the attitude of believing women.
Even the most intelligent and independent women of the Prophet’s time such as Khadijah and Aisha respected their husbands with dignity.
True strength for a woman lies in her humility, patience, and respect.
And true love for a man lies in his gentleness and fairness.


3️⃣ Acceptance and Contentment

No one will ever find perfection in a spouse.
The Prophet ﷺ said:

"A believing man should not hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her traits, he will be pleased with another.” — [Sahih Muslim]


Stop searching for perfection even you are not perfect.
Focus on gratitude, not comparison.
Patience and appreciation bring peace; complaints and unrealistic expectations destroy homes.


4️⃣ Accountability


Each spouse has duties before Allah. The husband should provide, protect, and lead with wisdom.
The wife should support, nurture, and maintain her home with love.
Each will stand alone before Allah to answer for their role not for the other’s.

In Conclusion, marriage is not a battlefield but a trust (Amanah).
It thrives on Taqwa, respect, acceptance, and mutual accountability.

When both husband and wife live with these principles, peace will descend upon their homes, and love will grow even in hardship.

May Allah bless our marriages, guide our hearts, and make our homes dwellings of mercy and tranquility.

Before Halal Becomes Haram

The Tinubu administration signed a partnership agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on how Nigeria can benefit from the global halal economy valued at above 7 trillion dollars. Since that news broke, some persons have written to express their fears and suspicion, some others see it as an islamization( a word many people now bandy about without substantiation)strategy.

Halal means "permissible" in Islam, as against "haram" which means unlawful or bad. Halal is an Islamic principle that governs what Muslims eat, drink, how they are prepared. It has extended to businesses and finances too. Broadly speaking, it is an Islamic ethical principle that guides a range of things.

Let's use meat as example. A meat is halal if it is slaughtered and prepared following specific guidelines. Part of the guidelines says the animal must be cut incisively and decisively such that it's death is instant, the blood must be drained. Any animal subjected to some torture or pain before it's death becomes haram. This is to avoid animal cruelty.

Halal is also about forbidden things like pork, alcohol. Under the halal principle, a Muslim avoids alcoholic drinks and products that contain alcohol. Let's assume that panadol for pain relief has alcohol in it, a Muslim will see it as haram. Yet, Muslims do need pain relievers, so they invest in pharmaceutical companies that make pain relievers without alcohol, and that is regarded as halal. Same goes for food products. Islamic financiers and governments will invest in businesses that produce food commodities that avoid ingredients considered haram.

In financing, Islam forbids playing the usurer, so you have Islamic banks that share profits rather than lend money based on interests, Islamic banks are interest free, all these are part of the halal principle. Now, what I have done so far is to explain what halal means from my own understanding, you can Google and do more research.

The federal government didn't collect loan from Saudi Arabia for halal, the federal government signed a partnership with Saudi Arabia on how to boost halal in Nigeria so that Nigeria can also benefit from it, it is a staggering 7 trillion dollars global economy.

What this means is that if any group of people decide to open a beverage or meat processing factory that uses the halal guidelines, they will receive capacity building, expertise and maybe funding too from Saudi Arabia. Their products will have access to the Saudi market among other things.

Brazil is not just a Christian country, it is almost totally a catholic country until recently when non catholic denominations started making some inroads there. Yet, Brazil is the highest exporter of halal meat in the world. It means that Brazil slaughters cows in a halal way and exports them to Muslims across the world and smile to the bank. That's halal economy and economics.

You don't have to be a Muslim to run a halal business, you also don't have to eat halal products to sell them to those who eat them. It is business or economics and not religious pilgrimage.

Countries register halal businesses. Britain is the global leader in Islamic banking. Australia, the USA and many others recognize halal businesses both on individual levels and corporate levels.

I know that in Nigeria, ordinary animal easily becomes a spiritual or demonic being once we call it 'bush baby' and we are told it will rip your hearts out. A cobweb becomes demonic attack. The human like cries of cats elicit holy ghost fire. In Nigeria, normal and natural things become strange and spiritual.

That's why I'm sharing this with you before your WhatsApp group and social media warriors turn halal into haram. In Jeswish religion, halal is kosher, it started with the jews and as Christians, we share scripture and traditions with the jews.

This is not a defense of a government policy, it is an elucidation of a global phenomenon. Whatever you make of it is yours.

By Rev. Fr. Chinenye John Oluoma

Live in this world Like a Traveller

We’ve all had short stays somewhere, maybe visiting loved ones, transiting through a city, or attending a conference. In such cases, do we carry loads of bags? Do we build a house or buy a car? Of course not since it’s just a short stay.

Would you think of marrying, starting a massive business, or fighting for land there? Unlikely. Because deep down, you know: this is not home.

This is exactly how the Prophet ﷺ advised us to live in this world. He said:

"Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveller".

(Sahih al-Bukhari)

But let's be sincere to ourselves, how many of us are truly living like this?

Today, we see people planning their lives for the next 20 years when they don’t even know what the next minute holds. We see people amassing wealth they may not even spend 1% of. Families, friendships, and even faith are destroyed over possessions that will fade away when death strikes.

Wallāhi, death is closer to us than we all imagine. Every day, we hear of friends, relatives, and even young, vibrant people leaving suddenly. People we never expected to die are gone. Who knows, maybe tomorrow, it could be us.

Brethren, let’s live like travellers. Take this world lightly. Don’t chase what isn’t yours. Don’t take what doesn’t belong to you illegally. Do good every hour, abstain from sins, and remember you will leave everything behind except your deeds.

Ask yourself honestly: Would I love death to meet me in my current state? If yes, then continue in that goodness. If no, then repent now, for as long as you are alive, Allah still gives you the chance.

May Allah grant us a good ending, forgive our sins, and have mercy on our departed loved ones.

Aameen