₦airaland Forum

On the authority of Abu Dharr al-Ghifaree (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) from his Lord, that He said:

O My servants! I have forbidden dhulm (oppression) for Myself, and I have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another. O My servants, all of you are astray except those whom I have guided, so seek guidance from Me and I shall guide you. O My servants, all of you are hungry except those whom I have fed, so seek food from Me and I shall feed you. O My servants, all of you are naked except those whom I have clothed, so seek clothing from Me and I shall clothe you. O My servants, you commit sins by day and by night, and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness from Me and I shall forgive you. O My servants, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm Me, and you will not attain benefiting Me so as to benefit Me. O My servants, if the first of you and the last of you, and the humans of you and the jinn of you, were all as pious as the most pious heart of any individual amongst you, then this would not increase My Kingdom an iota. O My servants, if the first of you and the last of you, and the humans of you and the jinn of you, were all as wicked as the most wicked heart of any individual amongst you, then this would not decrease My Kingdom an iota. O My servants, if the first of you and the last of you, and the humans of you and the jinn of you, were all to stand together in one place and ask of Me, and I were to give everyone what he requested, then that would not decrease what I Possess, except what is decreased of the ocean when a needle is dipped into it. O My servants, it is but your deeds that I account for you, and then recompense you for. So he who finds good, let him praise Allah, and he who finds other than that, let him blame no one but himself.

On the authority of Abi malik al-Harith ibn Aasim al-Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallaAllahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

“Purification is half of faith. The phrase al-Hamdulillah (‘All praise be to Allah’) fills the scale. The phrases Subhanallah (‘High is Allah above every imperfection and need; He is pure and perfect’) and al-Hamdulillah (‘All praise be to Allah’) together fill – or each fill – what is between the heavens and the earth. Prayer is a light. Charity is a proof. Patience is brightness. The Qur’an is either an argument for or against you. And everyone goes in the morning and sells himself, thereby setting himself free or destroying himself”

Allah instructed the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the believers to remember Him in the morning and the evening in over 15 āyāt of the Qur’ān. Allah says:

يٰٓأَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيْرًا. وَسَبِّحُوْهُ بُكْرَةً وَّأَصِيْلًا
“Believers, remember Allah often and glorify Him morning and evening” (33:41-42)

Here are the few Adhkars in the light of the Quran and Sunnah which is recommended to pray in daily life.

Reciting Ayat ul Kursi
Reciting Ayatul Kursi (Verse of the Throne) in the morning and evening adhkars holds great significance in Islamic practice. Ayatul Kursi is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah in the Quran and is revered for its profound meaning and spiritual benefits. By reciting it, Muslims seek refuge in Allah from all forms of harm, evil, and negative influences that they may encounter during the day or night.

Reciting the Muawwithat
Muawwithat means the last three Surahs of the Quran, Surah Ikhlas, Surah Falak, and Surah Nas.

Abdullah Bin Khubayb al-Juhanī (RA) reported that he went with other men on a dark and rainy night seeking the Prophet (SAW) to lead them in prayer. When they met him, the Prophet (SAW) said to Khubayb, “Say!” Not knowing what to say, Khubayb remained silent. The Prophet (SAW) made the same demand two more times. On the third time, Khubayb said,

“O Allāh’s Messenger, what should I say?”

The Prophet (SAW) replied:

“Say: “Qul how-Allāhu ahad” and the Mu’awwithātān, three times in the evening and the morning. This should protect you from all (harmful) things.”

Seek Forgiveness
The Prophet (SAW) said that Whoever says it with certitude in the morning and dies during the day before the evening, will reside in Jannah. And whoever says it with certitude in the evening and dies during the night before the morning, will reside in Jannah.

Significance of adhkar for morning and evening
The adhkars (remembrances) recited in the morning and evening play a crucial role in a Muslim’s daily routine. They are a means for Muslims to remember and seek blessings from Allah (God). These adhkars consist of supplications, verses from the Quran, and phrases that serve as reminders of Allah’s presence and guidance throughout the day.

Morning Adhkars:
Morning adhkars begin with expressions of gratitude to Allah for granting another day of life. Muslims acknowledge and thank God, cultivating appreciation and humility. They also seek Allah’s blessings, protection, and guidance throughout the day. It may include specific Quranic verses that act as a shield against evil and harm. Muslims believe that reciting these verses protects them from negative influences, temptations, and adversity.

Morning adhkars allow believers to spiritually prepare themselves before engaging in daily activities. They help focus the mind, seek spiritual strength, and invoke Allah’s assistance in facing challenges and fulfilling responsibilities.

Evening Adhkars:
Evening adhkars often contain supplications for protection during the night. Muslims seek Allah’s safeguarding from nightmares, evil spirits, and any harm that may also provide an opportunity for self-reflection and soul-searching. Muslims reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness from Allah for any shortcomings or sins committed during the day.

Evening adhkars may include verses that remind believers of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. Muslims understand that regardless of their mistakes, Allah’s mercy is vast and accessible to those who sincerely seek it. This provides solace, comfort, and hope for a better tomorrow.


Etiquettes of morning adhkars and evening
To enhance the adhkar experience and derive maximum benefit, consider the following etiquettes in your mind,

- Set a time in the morning and evening that works best for you to recite adhkar consistently.
- Choose a peaceful and clean space for your adhkar, free from distractions.
- Focus on the meanings and let your heart and mind be present in the supplications.
- Familiarize yourself with the morning and evening adhkar recommended by scholars or spiritual guides.
- Begin by reciting a few adhkar and gradually increase the number as you become more comfortable.
- Take the time to understand the meanings behind the supplications and reflect upon their significance in your life.
- Repeat adhkar regularly to make them a habit and benefit from their profound effects.

According to the University of Ilorin, they either pay an additional N1 million transfer/clearance fee in addition to all other tuition payments imposed by the institution or ship out. Others are asking for over N500,000, while some unconfirmed reports by the students put the request at N2.5 million.

This is the fate of over 500 university students studying nursing, medicine, computer science, Sharia Law and food science, among various other disciplines, who recently returned to Nigeria from various universities in Sudan following the war that broke out in the northeastern African country.

After their successful evacuation from the war-torn country, the affected students subsequently scaled the hurdle of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which confirmed their admission status, only to be told to pay the sum of N1 million each before they could resume their studies at the University of Ilorin.

One of the affected female students, name withheld, while narrating their ordeal to Daily Trust, said it has been a double tragedy.

“They told us to pay N1 million, apart from the school fees, which we learnt is a little less than N200,000. Some of us whose parents can afford it have already started paying after the school refused to consider our plea, but the majority are at a crossroads.

“Even the few that have paid the money and the majority that can’t afford it have been told that we can only be admitted starting from 200 level, irrespective of whether we were in our final year or not, when we were forced to relocate from Sudan.

“For now, I don’t even know what to do, as dropping out of the programme is just staring us in the face. But we have also been making inquiries at other institutions to see if they would consider us, but we have yet to hear anything.


“Not all universities accept us ‘refugees’, so we look for those that do so through a group that we created and submit our CVs to their portal if they would consider us for admission.

“For now, the situation is very worrying; we are not from Ukraine for God’s sake; we are Nigerians; why will our transfer fee be N1 million? The money is too much. We are not supposed to be subjected to this kind of treatment in Nigeria after what we went through in Sudan.

“Before we applied, we were told the transfer fee was N350,000. But after we were given admission and wanted to pay the acceptance fee, UNILORIN brought up the issue of N1 million. Initially, we thought it was an error until we saw screenshots of payments made by some parents who could afford it.”

The students said they have written “several letters to people in authority within and outside the school, but nothing has come from them.

Also speaking, another affected student said the issue is really disturbing, and “we don’t know why they insist we pay N1 million just for the transfer/clearance fee.

“We are hoping they will reduce it, and if not, the other alternative is to seek admission elsewhere, but this is not fair and is grossly difficult to comprehend. After we scaled the hurdle of returning home from war, this one is equally a big one for us to cross,” he added.

An academic adviser for some of the students, Mr Gafari Lukman, confirmed to Daily Trust that he had written several letters to the Vice Chancellor of UNILORIN, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, through email, adding that apart from an auto-response, he had yet to hear from the school.

According to two of the letters sighted by Daily Trust, in which he also copied the JAMB Registrar, Lukman expressed “deep concern over the development that requires immediate attention and intervention”.

“These students have faced incredible challenges during their time in Sudan and are now looking to transfer to the University of Ilorin to continue their education.

“However, the recent requirement of a N1 million clearance fee has placed an immense financial burden on them. It is essential to emphasise that many of these students were recipients of scholarships in Sudan, and they do not possess the means to meet this substantial financial demand.

“Some of these students are now on the verge of being out of school for another year due to their inability to raise this amount. It is crucial to understand that these students are not financially privileged; they gained admission to their current universities in Sudan solely through scholarships, showcasing their commitment to education and their potential for academic success.


“In light of the above, I kindly request your immediate intervention and attention to this matter. The emotional distress faced by these students, who have already endured challenging circumstances abroad, is palpable. Your support and consideration in addressing this issue would go a long way in alleviating their hardship and ensuring that they can continue their education in Nigeria and possibly at UNILORIN.”

Speaking on the issue, Hajiya Asmaa Yarima, one of their coordinators whose two children are also affected, told Daily Trust that “initially, when we opened the university transfer portal, N350,000 was shown as clearance after admission was given.

“But to our greatest surprise, it showed N1 million after admission.

“Out of curiosity, I called the school to complain about the change, and I was told it was a mistake from the portal that the initial amount was an old fee charged for inter-university transfer, even after making some efforts to see if it could be reduced.


“Most of the students are on scholarships, which are at times sponsored by the university in Sudan.

“The issue is that most times, once agents in Nigeria get such opportunities, they call home to the less privileged to get some token for themselves as agency fee and facilitate the admissions for the students to get the scholarship.

“Others are on scholarships sponsored by the state governments. But those sponsored by the school in Sudan find it more difficult to continue.

“So for me, there was no choice but to pay N2m for my two children because they said the fee was there before we came for their university transfer.

“So people are very concerned, and one of the students who also applied to the University of Ilorin recently lost her father, and we have to open a contribution box for her with only over N500,000 realised so far through other parents.

“But we were not able to get the N1 million because the plan was to help her raise the transfer money and let her relatives take care of accommodation and other tuition and fees.

“Most of them don’t just have the means of paying that amount because the money is not just there. Asking somebody on a scholarship to pay N1 million is not easy, unlike those of us already paying our students’ tuition. But sincerely, I don’t know what will happen because most of them told me they have lost hope.

“I reached out to the DVC academics at UNILORIN, who told me it’s a management decision. But going forward, maybe we can try to open a discussion on how the school can assist the less privileged, as you have suggested. Most of the affected students cannot even pay N500,000,” she said.

Why we are charging N1m as clearance fee – VC

Speaking on the issue, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, told Daily Trust that the situation was not one of exploitation, contrary to some narratives.

“I want to restate the fact of our commitment to access to education, and that is why we were the very first university that gave indication to absorbing them.

“But because of the admissions process, we discovered that we will be incurring a number of costs and the normal transfer fee of N350,000 was no longer going to be enough because there are some hidden costs that are not apparent to many.

“In the last 15 years or thereabout, we have been charging N350,000, and we must appreciate the fact that whatever we charge them cannot be sustainable in 2023.

“The N1 million is less than a thousand dollars, and where they are coming from and other schools outside the country, none of them paid less than a thousand dollars.

“The impression is that the University of Ilorin is just exploiting them, asking them to pay N1 million after they have suffered so much.

“So, it is because of the circumstances that we found ourselves in terms of the facility and distribution of other things,” the VC added.

On the authority of Abu Abdullah Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him):

A man questioned the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and said: "Do you think that if I perform the obligatory prayers, fast in Ramadan, treat as lawful that which is halal, and treat as forbidden that which is haram, and do not increase upon that [in voluntary good deeds], then I shall enter Paradise?" He (peace be upon him) replied, "Yes."

If a person has one apple and thereafter buys another apple, how many apples will he have? The answer is obvious – two apples. Similarly, if a person has one child and is then blessed with another child, he will now have two children. This elementary concept of one-plus-one-equals-two is so basic that even kindergartners (pre-school children) have ‘mastered’ it and understand that two sweets are better than one!

However, there is one occasion when even the most intelligent of people can forget this concept and thus lose out – the occasion of ill-treatment.

When someone shows us bad behaviour and ill treats us, there are a number of ways in which we can react. Some people break down into tears, some simply ignore the offender and walk away, and others retaliate. However, as Muslims, the question we need to ask is, “Which response will please Allah Ta‘ala?”

In this regard, the Quraan Majeed teaches us that forgiving and overlooking is closer to taqwa and piety. By treading the path of pardoning people, we will be emulating the blessed example of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) who forgave even the worst offenders. This will undoubtedly earn us the happiness and pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala – a prize with which nothing can equate.

Many people choose to retaliate and ‘prove a point’ to the one who has offended them – and this is where we fail to remember our pre-school addition. If we are shown bad behaviour, and we retaliate with bad behaviour, then the result is a double dose of bad behaviour, it’s simple maths! Hence, instead of improving the situation, we have worsened it. Instead of displaying exemplary character and emulating Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), we have stooped to the level of the offender and emulated his behaviour.

When a person retaliates, he enjoys a brief moment of satisfaction. However, in the long run, he knows that he missed a golden opportunity to earn huge reward. Thus, soon thereafter, his short-lived euphoria (happiness) fades and is replaced with a lasting feeling of wretchedness and emptiness.

To forgive and forget when faced by an offensive person may be a bitter pill to swallow. However, after the initial bitterness fades, it will be replaced by a feeling of happiness that stems from practicing on the sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and pleasing Allah Ta‘ala. This person will have no regrets and excess baggage weighing him down as his heart will be clean and free of grudges.

Finally, when retaliating, one is forced to tread a fine line, as it is not permissible for one to retaliate by doing more than the offender had done. Unfortunately, most people fail in this regard. In response to ten words of abuse, they reply with one hundred words, and post it online to be ‘liked’ and ‘re-tweeted’ for good measure.

So, the next time someone treats us badly, let us be the bigger person by rising to the character of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) instead of belittling ourselves by stooping to the bad behaviour of the offender.

"LIAR!” – From all the accusations that could be leveled against a person, this is definitely among the worst. This word is not a mere accusation – it is a sword that slices through one’s integrity, honesty and truthfulness, leaving them no more. Once a person is branded a liar, people are reluctant to trust him and view him with suspicion. In short – he loses all honour and respect.

Lying is a very dangerous habit as it has a ‘snowball’ effect. If a person makes a snowball and rolls it down a hill, then as the snowball progresses downward, it gathers more snow, growing in size, until it becomes too big to control. Similarly, when a person speaks a lie, he sparks off a chain reaction. In order to cover-up for the first lie, he will be forced to speak a second lie, and then a third, and so on, until he is eventually caught and the entire chain of lies is revealed.

However, this evil trait has absolutely no place in Islam and the lives of Muslims. On one occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was asked, “Can a believer be a coward?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “Yes.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was next asked, “Can a believer be a miser?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “Yes.” Finally, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was asked, “Can a believer be a liar?” To this, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “No.” (Muwatta Imaam Maalik pg. 732)

Throughout Islam and even before Nubuwwah (prophethood), Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was renowned for his qualities of truthfulness and honesty. It was for this reason that many people chose to keep their valuable belongings with him in trust. The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), being the ardent followers and companions of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), maintained the highest level of truthfulness in their lives, and thus Muslims were a people who were once known for their honesty and truthfulness.

Truthfulness, in every facet of our lives (be it speech, actions or even our thinking), is something to strive for and is a quality that leads a person to Jannah. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “Indeed truthfulness leads to piety, and piety leads to Jannah. And a person continues to be truthful until he is recorded as a ‘Siddeeq’.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #6094)

The quality of truthfulness is one that is even cherished and prized by the disbelievers. Hence, when a Muslim is dishonest and deceitful, whether in the business place before an associate or at home before the domestic worker, he tarnishes the entire image of Islam. The disbelievers, instead of labeling the individual a liar, will often say, “Muslims” are dishonest people.

May Allah Ta‘ala assist us all in the endeavor to acquire truthfulness, in all facets of our lives, to the highest level – aameen.

Death is a harsh and fearful reality faced by everyone who lives. No one has the power to avoid it, nor does anyone around a dying person have the ability to prevent it. It is something that happens every moment and is something encountered by the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak. They are all the same in that they have no plan, nor any means of escaping it, no means of intercession, no way to prevent it, nor to delay it.

Allâh – the Most High – says:”Say: Indeed, the death from which you flee will surely meet you, then you will be sent back to Allâh, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. And He will then tell you what you used to do.” [Sûrah al-Jumu’ah 62:8] “Every soul shall taste death. And We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us will you be returned.” [Sûrah al-Anbiyâ 21:34-35].

Indeed it is death which causes fear in the souls, and with it one’s actions are sealed, and what comes after is even more fearful and fear-inducing. For is there a place one can flee to in order to escape from the constrictions suffered in the grave? What will our reply be when we are questioned in the grave? Indeed, not a single one of us knows where we will end up. Will it be Paradise whose width is like the heavens and the earth, or shall it be the Fire whose fuel is of men and stones?

Ibrâhîm ibn Adham said, when he was asked about the verse: “Call upon Me and I will respond to you.” [Sûrah Ghâfir 40:60] They said: We call upon Allâh, but He does nor respond to us. So he said:

“You know Allâh; yet you do not obey Him.
You recite the Qur’ân; yet you do not act according to it.
You know Shaytân; yet you continue agreeing with him.
You claim to love Allâh’s Messenger(Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam); yet you abandon his Sunnah (guidance and way).
You claim to love Paradise, yet you do not work for it.
You claim to fear the Fire; yet you do not stop sinning.
You say, Indeed death is true; yet you have not prepared for it.
You busy yourselves with the faults of others; yet you do not look at your own faults.
You eat the sustenance that Allâh provides for you; yet you are not grateful to Him and
You bury your dead; yet you have not heeded its lesson.” [Khushû’ fis-Salâh, Ibn Rajab]

So this – O noble reader – is the reality which must be firmly established in one’s heart; the reality that life in this world is limited and has an appointed end, and that this end will surely come …

The righteous will die; And the wicked will die. The warriors who fight jihâd will die; And those who sit at home will die. Those who busy themselves with correct beliefs will die; And those who treat people as their slaves will die. The brave who reject injustice will die; And the cowards who seek to cling to this vile life will die. The people of lofty-goals and ambitions will die; And the wretched who live for cheap enjoyment will die.
“Every soul shall taste death.” [Âl-‘Imrân 3:185].

So keep in mind the point of death, and of one’s passing on to the next life, and the number of sins that one has committed and the small amount of good that one has done. Think of the good that you would earnestly like to do at that time – then bring that forward and do it today. And think of all those things which you would desire to clear yourself of- then clear yourself from them now.

‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates the following incident:

A certain Sahaabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once encountered a male jinn. On meeting the jinn, the Sahaabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) engaged him in a wrestling match and beat him!

After beating the jinn, the Sahaabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) remarked, “I find you to be small and thin. Your small forearms seem to be the forearms of a dog! Are all the jinn like you (i.e. weak and thin) or are only you like this?”The jinn replied, “By Allah! I am actually one of the strong jinn! Let us wrestle a second time. If you beat me again, I will teach you something that will benefit you.”

The Sahaabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) agreed and beat the jinn once again. As the jinn had promised to teach the Sahaabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) something that would benefit him, he asked the Sahaabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), “Do you recite Aayatul Kursi?” When the Sahaabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied in the affirmative, the jinn responded, “You will not recite Aayatul Kursi in any home except that Shaitaan will leave that home while expelling wind (in fright) as a donkey expels wind. Thereafter, Shaitaan will not be able to enter that home until the morning.” (Sunan Daarimi #33381)

It has similarly been narrated that ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) once wrestled a jinn and beat him. The jinn begged ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to release him saying, “Free me, and I will teach you something through which you will gain protection from us (the jinn).” When ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) released the jinn, he said, “You will gain protection from us through reciting Aayatul Kursi.” (Tafseerul Qurtubi vol. 4, pg. 263)

Lesson:

When the topic of troublesome jinn is broached, many people feel that the solution and remedy will only be effective if it is complicated and exotic. They think that something as simple as reciting Aayatul Kursi is exactly that – too simple to have effect. This notion could not be further from the truth. After all, it takes only one small and simple bullet to bring down even the strongest of lions. Similarly, the power and effectiveness of Aayatul Kursi should not be underestimated on account of it being short and easy to recite. On the contrary – the ease with which it can be recited actually contributes to the benefit that a person will derive from Aayatul Kursi, as he can easily recite it multiple times daily, at home, at work, and at his ease

CaptainAyub:
Can a female enter your mosques without covering her head?
Do Islamic laws supercede Nigerian constitution?

DavSagacity:
The FUNAAB law allows students to practice their religion. But in modesty and in accordance with the institution's laws, rules and regulations guilding religion.
If any student is not satisfy with the schools rule on Hijab then he/she can leave FUNAAB and register with Crescent university in ABEOKUTA where the Use of Hijab is COMPULSORY for every female student.
Its as simple as that. Issues like this ought not to cause protest or unrest in academic environment. This Laws are boldly written in the school handbook.
Why look for unnecessary trouble when u Can dress in full hijab in CRESCENT University located in the same City.

paramakina202:
If hijab wearing muslim students stay away from christian missionary schools noone will care.

iamtardey:
Identify I guess

On the authority of Abi Amr – and it also said Abi Amrah – Sufyan ibn Abdillah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: “I said, “O Messenger of Allah, tell me a statement about Islam such that I will not have to ask anyone other than you”. He answered, “Say, I believe in Allah and then stand firm and steadfast to that.

What to say before sexual intercourse
اللهم جَنِّبْنَا الشَّيْطَانَ وَجَنِّبِ الشَّيْطَانَ مَا رَزَقْتَنَا

Transliteration:
Allahumma jannibna ash-shaytana wa jannib ash-shaytana ma razaqtana.

Translation:
O Allah, keep Satan away from us and keep Satan away from what You have blessed us with.