₦airaland Forum

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

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.

PS: Don't forget to recite Suratul Khaf today

When Will We Truly Learn Tolerance?

Yesterday, a disturbing video went viral showing a female student in Ilorin (a Federal Government school, for that matter) being barred from entering her school simply because she wore a hijab.

Honestly, one cannot help but ask: When will we learn to tolerate one another in this country?

Has the Nigerian Constitution suddenly changed to deny people the freedom to profess and practice their faith openly? What happened to the Supreme Court judgment that explicitly affirmed the right of Muslim girls to wear hijab in schools if they so wish?

Even more ironic this happened in Ilorin, a city with a rich Islamic heritage and majority Muslim population. If such acts of intolerance can happen there, what should we expect elsewhere?

But then again, what exactly is the problem?
If my daughter wears a hijab, or my wife chooses to wear a niqab, have I forced it upon anyone’s daughter? Why then should it become a national issue?

The truth is, until we begin to genuinely respect each other’s faith and freedom, peace and unity will remain elusive in this country. Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that freedom must mean the right to live our beliefs, not just declare them.

Even in some Western countries, with a much smaller Muslim population, women are allowed to wear hijab or niqab freely in schools and public spaces. So, what exactly is our excuse here in Nigeria, a country that proudly claims to uphold religious liberty?

Let’s be honest, this isn’t about dress code. It’s about tolerance, respect, and justice.
And until we uphold these, we’ll keep failing as a truly united people.

PS: Don't forget to recite Suratul Khaf

From the onset, the Yoruba people, before the advent of Islam and Christianity, practiced traditional religion centered around various deities such as Sango, Ogun, Yemoja, and others. These practices are generally referred to as “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.”

However, it is important to distinguish between Yoruba culture and Ìṣẹ̀ṣe worship. Yoruba culture is rich in values that all of us regardless of faith can and should uphold: good manners, elegant dress (like agbada), respect for elders, hospitality, and love for knowledge. These are cultural virtues, not acts of worship.

The challenge arises when the Ìṣẹ̀ṣe (traditional religious) elements are made compulsory for anyone aspiring to Yoruba kingship. Traditionally, those who want to become kings are expected to undergo certain rites that include worshiping or pledging allegiance to these deities. This practice effectively excludes Muslims and Christians, even if they are rightful heirs to the throne because it compels them to act against their faith.

This is an injustice and a clear contradiction of fairness and religious freedom. No Yoruba person is “more Yoruba” than another because of their religion. Being Yoruba is a matter of heritage, not worship.

The recent controversy following the passing of the Awujale of Ijebu, a devoted Muslim until his death shows how deep this misunderstanding runs. His burial according to Islamic rites sparked criticism from those who believe every Yoruba king must adhere to traditional rituals. But this should not be so. A Muslim king should be buried as a Muslim; likewise, a Christian as a Christian.

It is time for the government and traditional councils to revisit these outdated customs. Laws or declarations should ensure that any qualified Yoruba person: Muslim, Christian, or traditionalist can ascend the throne and live and die according to their faith.

Let us continue to celebrate our culture—our dress, food, language, and good morals but not impose Ìṣẹ̀ṣe as a religious condition. Promoting Yoruba culture should never mean forcing one form of worship upon another.

Our diversity is our strength. Let us protect it.

PS: Don't forget to recite Suratul Khaf

Pride and arrogance are among the most destructive diseases of the heart. They erase piety, corrupt faith, and open the door to many other vices. The Qur’an and Sunnah repeatedly warn against it, yet many of us take it lightly. Below are four calamities that arise from pride:

1. Deprived of Truth
Arrogance blinds the heart from guidance. Allah says:

“I shall turn away from My revelations those who show pride in the world wrongfully.” (Qur’an 7:146)

2. Allah’s Wrath and Displeasure
Allah does not love the proud (16:23). The Prophet ﷺ described such a person as abusive, shameless, miserly, and of bad character.

3. Disgrace in This World
The arrogant are often humbled before death—disgraced even among their own people—showing the futility of false pride.

4. Hellfire in the Hereafter
In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah says: “Pride is My cloak and grandeur My garment. Whoever disputes with Me in either of them, I will admit him into the Hellfire.”

In conclusion I, no sin should be taken lightly, especially pride. The Prophet ﷺ warned:
“Whoever has in his heart an atom’s weight of pride will not enter Paradise.” (Muslim)

We must therefore purify our hearts, humble ourselves before Allah, and remember that Islam itself means submission. Any trace of arrogance distances us from Allah’s mercy and from Jannah.

May Allah cleanse our hearts of pride, protect us from arrogance, and admit us into His mercy. Āmīn.

Lessons from the Death of the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, His Eminence Shaykh Abdul Aziz ibn Abdullah Al Al-Shaykh

The news of the passing of one of the most prominent scholars of our time, the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has struck the Muslim world deeply. Until his death, he served as a guiding light of knowledge and a beacon of the Sunnah.

From his death, we can take several lessons, beautifully highlighted in Ashaykh Dr Sharoffuddeen Gbadebo Raji and Ashaykh Professor Abdrasaq Alaro’s tributes to him:


1. Death is inevitable. Just days ago, when we mentioned him, we would say “ḥafiẓahullāh” (may Allah preserve him). Now, we say “raḥimahullāh” (may Allah have mercy on him). Death changes everything in an instant. Indeed, it can strike any of us at any time. The question remains: are we preparing for it?

2. Attachment to the Qur’an. Shaykh Abdul Aziz used to complete the recitation of the entire Qur’an every three days. Subḥānallāh! How many of us have not even completed the Qur’an once in three years? His dedication should remind us of the endless blessings of reciting and reflecting upon Allah’s Book.


3. Accessibility and humility despite authority. Despite being blind, the Shaykh discharged his responsibilities with full dedication. He was humble, approachable, and hospitable. Dr. Sharafudeen Gbadebo Raji narrated how, when he and a friend visited him in his office around 2004, the Shaykh received them warmly, addressed them by their names in friendly manner, gave them several valuable books, and even took down their contact numbers. This is a powerful lesson for all in positions of authority: leadership is about service, humility, and accessibility not arrogance.

4. Respecting other scholars even with differences. For roughly thirty years, Shaykh Abdul Aziz was the one who delivered the khutbah on the Day of ‘Arafah, meaning he performed Hajj every year. On many occasions, he made the intention to perform Hajj or ‘Umrah on behalf of deceased scholars not only those he admired, but even those he differed with in opinion. This is a profound lesson: intellectual disagreement should never erase the bond of brotherhood. We remain one Ummah, tied by faith and mutual respect.


Shaykh Abdul Aziz is no more, and like all of us, he will be judged based on his deeds. What remains are the good works he left behind and the countless lives he touched.

Let us reflect: What will people say about us when our time comes? Will they remember us for goodness, humility, and service or something else?

May Allah forgive Shaykh Abdul Aziz ibn Abdullah Al Al-Shaykh, illuminate his grave, raise his rank among the righteous, and grant him Jannatul-Firdaws. And may Allah forgive all deceased Muslims and grant us the tawfīq to leave behind a legacy of righteousness.

PS: Don't forget to recite Suratul Khaf today. BaarakaLlah feekum!

Allah says:
“…And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.”
(Surah al-Mā’idah 5:2)

Let us take this challenge seriously. Locate the Sajdah verses, perform the Sajdah, and let the Qur’an be our companion, healer, and intercessor.

🤲 May Allah make us among the people of the Qur’an, who are His chosen ones. Āmīn.

PS: Don't forget to recite Suratul Khaf today

Challenge for Us All

Since there are 14 Sajdah verses in the Qur’an, why not take on this noble challenge:

👉 Read the Qur’an from Fātiḥah to Nās (perhaps one Juz’ per day).
👉 Whenever you encounter a Sajdah verse, stop, prostrate, and make this du‘ā.

📌 Note: Reciting one Juz’ takes about 30 minutes or less. Think about it—how many hours do we spend scrolling our phones daily? Can we not give just 30 minutes to Allah?


Rewards of Qur’an Recitation

Allah says:
“O mankind! There has come to you an admonition from your Lord, a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts, and guidance and mercy for the believers.”
(Qur’an 10:57)

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely will be in the company of the noble angels. And the one who stammers or finds difficulty will have double the reward.”
(Bukhari, Muslim)

“Whoever reads one letter from the Book of Allah will have a reward, and the reward will be multiplied by ten. I do not say that ‘Alif Lām Meem’ is a letter, but ‘Alif’ is a letter, ‘Lām’ is a letter, and ‘Meem’ is a letter.”
(Tirmidhi)

“Read the Qur’an, for it will come on the Day of Judgment as an intercessor for its companions.”
(Muslim)

“It will be said to the companion of the Qur’an: Read, ascend, and recite with tartīl as you used to recite in the world. Your rank will be at the last verse you recite.”
(Abu Dawood)

“The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
(Bukhari)

Did you know? There are approximately 14 places in the Noble Qur’an where it is expected of a person to perform Sajdatut-Tilāwah (a prostration) when the respective verse is heard or recited. These places are usually marked clearly in the Qur’an.

Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“When the son of Adam recites a verse of Sajdah and then prostrates, Shayṭān withdraws weeping and says: ‘Woe unto me! The son of Adam was commanded to prostrate, and he did so, and Paradise is for him. I was commanded to prostrate, but I disobeyed, and the Fire is for me.’”
(Sahih Muslim)

🕋 When and How to Do Sajdatut-Tilāwah

Sajdah should be performed immediately upon reciting the verse of Sajdah.

If delayed due to necessity, it should not be postponed unnecessarily.


What to say when prostrating:

سَجَدَ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي خَلَقَهُ، وَشَقَّ سَمْعَهُ وَبَصَرَهُ، بِحَوْلِهِ وَقُوَّتِهِ، فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ

Sajada wajhiya lillathee khalaqahu, wa shaqqa sam'ahu wa basarahu bihawlihi wa quwwatihi. Fatabaarakallaahu 'ahsanul-khaaliqeen.

Meaning:
“I have prostrated my face to the One Who created it, and gave it hearing and sight by His might and His power. Glory is to Allah, the Best of creators.”

No doubt, modesty (ḥayāʼ) is gradually being lost in our community. Sadly, this is even among Muslims and worse still, among those who claim to follow the culture of the Prophet.

A few weeks ago, I witnessed something disturbing. A sister in niqāb was surrounded by men, debating loudly about issues of marriage. The debate itself was not the problem, but the way she raised her voice among men while wearing the niqāb was deeply embarrassing. One wonders: where is the sincerity? Where is the modesty?

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“If you have no shame (modesty), then do whatever you like.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3483)

Modesty should reflect in how we dress, how we speak, and how we relate to others.

For women and men, dressing properly is part of īmān.

The way we talk with humility and responsibility shows our faith.

Our actions should never make people point fingers and say mockingly: “And you call yourself an Alfa? Or an Eleha? A Muslim?”


We must reclaim this lost jewel. Let us be modest, let us be sincere, and let us serve as role models for others.

May Allah assist us, purify our hearts, and make us people of true modesty. Āmīn.

The Adhān (call to prayer) is not only an announcement of ṣalāh but also a reminder of our connection with Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ taught us to repeat after the mu’adhdhin, saying the same words he says — except at the two calls:

When the mu’adhdhin says: “Ḥayya ʿalaṣ-ṣalāh” (Come to prayer)

We respond: “Lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh” (There is no power and no might except with Allah).

When he says: “Ḥayya ʿala-l-falāḥ” (Come to success)
👉 We also respond: “Lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh.”


This reminds us that strength to pray and succeed comes only from Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

When you hear the call of the mu’adhdhin, say what he says.”


And after the Adhān, it’s Sunnah to send salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ and make duʿā:

اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ هذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ، وَالصَّلاةِ القَائِمَةِ، آتِ مُحَمَّدًا الوَسِيلَةَ وَالفَضِيلَةَ، وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا الَّذِي وَعَدْتَهُ

Allaahumma Rabba haathihid-da 'watit-taammati wassalaatil-qaa'imati, 'aati Muhammadanil-waseelata walfadheelata, wab 'ath-hu maqaamam-mahmoodanil-lathee wa'adtahu.

"O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and established prayer, grant Muhammad the intercession and favor, and raise him to the honored station You have promised him."

Whoever says this, the Prophet ﷺ said: my intercession will be lawful for him on the Day of Judgment.

PS: Don't forget to recite Suratul Khaf