₦airaland Forum

amiskurie:
Rubbish writeup

You are association terrorism with Muslims instead of pointing out the fact that these terrorists are machineries on the payroll of international government covert operation.

Machineries fights for any cause as long as you reach a deal.
You are one of the problem in the world op

I appreciate your input but disagree with your insinuation. Do you mean to say that Boko Haram, ISIL, Al-Shabab, Taliban, Al-Nusra Front, etc don't exist? The members of these groups are people like you and me, and not ghostly beings. Whosoever sponsor or support them, as your ilk falsely think and believe, they do what they do and that result to death, suffering and generally havoc to people of many faiths, in fact mostly Muslims. This reason makes it so hard for me to subscribe to any conspiracy theory. I remain a realist. Let's call a spade by its name

Again, it's very, very unfortunate, sad but true that they are Muslims. They might have transgressed so much but their affiliation and appellation remain Islam and Muslims. It's a puzzle to many, however misguidance can result to anything.

Ask Allah to guide you to the right path, dude. But you really ought to wake up from that slumber.

Bsmartt:
Ameen. I pray the era of BH will go into extinction.

In sha Allah. Amin to the prayer.

chakula:
The people behind this deadly attack will not have peace in their lives here and after and, hell is their final home.
Allah ya jikan Yan uwan mu da gafara, marasa lafiya kuma ka sauwake mu su ameen.

Amin thumma amin to the prayers, Malam. May Allah protect us, amin.

Abuamam:
May Allah expose whoever carried out this atrocity.

Amin thumma amin.

Kano Grand Mosque Attack, Muslims and Terrorism

Muhammad Muhsin Ibrahim
muhsin2008@gmail.com

In a concluding remark of our long phone call, a Nigerian friend studying in Delhi told me about the Kano Grand Mosque bombs during the Jumu’at prayers. How come? I had lately made calls to the city and, as a tradition, I asked about Jumu’at prayers. None said a word on the blast. My mind was instantly boggled. A voice from within tried to calm me; it said that that was a rumour. It couldn’t be true. It couldn’t be there. Not now; never. After all, the Grand Mosque was the safest niche the good people of Kano would escape to when the Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog) come in the end of the world. I used to think it that way in my childhood, but not without reason. The aura of belonging and the serenity one feels inside the mosque is beyond description. Many, if not all, that grew up in the Kano metro some 20 years ago or more know what I am talking about.

My mind kept on denying the truism of the news for a long time. I tried to call home, nobody was reachable. My mind pondered again and again. Was the network halted? Maybe. I quickly went to Facebook and lo, individual accounts of the dastardly attack were steadily emerging. My rumour pacifying pill soon stopped working; the sacred Kano Grand Mosque was indeed bombed and the fleeing people sprayed with bullets by some nihilistic miscreants whose bestiality, sadism and impiety traverse all boundaries of purpose and commonsense. As their coordinated attack is beyond wording, so also is their nature, for they are nurtured with anti-human, anti-religion, anti-peace and anti-everything-good ideology. They murder, maim and do all the unthinkable, making life difficult for so many. I was literally numbed.

Being among lots of non-Muslims, I was faced with a huge challenge. When I still couldn’t reach anyone from home via phone, I became much more alerted and devastated. I waited for the story on the death of those I know, love and care about; those that matter much in my life. Every soul is sacrosanct; but some are dearer to you than others. Hence I broadcast an open sympathy citing the powerful verse from the noble Quran: “From Allah we are, and to Him is our return” to sooth my afflicted mind. Then my Indian friends became aware that something was amiss with me. Some cared enough and asked. I couldn’t explain it, for, although not the first time a mosque was attacked by the so-called Muslim terrorists, this one was the first of its kind in my city in Nigeria. Therefore, I told them only a sketchy story about it. I didn’t mention where and how or to what extent it must have affected me and my people.
[img]http://4.bp..com/-TRROrCbuUZQ/VHrLEKHGn9I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/rqrQBS754EU/s1600/Jihad.jpg[/img]
Is terrorism part of Islam? No. Yes. The religion is wholly against terrorism; Jihad, the concept always attached to this wanton, aimless war on all, is not altogether about murdering innocent people, abducting and enslaving children, robbing, plundering and the like. And yes; hundreds of thousands of Muslims are today engaged in those acts and they think they will be rewarded by so doing. I know this is a heavy fact to admit. But so it is. Islam today has largely been hijacked by terrorists and is thus becoming synonymous with terrorism. This happens in almost all corners of the world from Kano to Kabul, Benghazi to Baghdad, and London to Lahore. Whatever the causes, motivation, name it, Muslims, often, remains an integral part of it.
[img]http://4.bp..com/-MqaFL1jFpOA/VHrLAsXEUUI/AAAAAAAAAnI/xZeTj9Ou8gM/s1600/Terrorism%2Bin%2BIslam.jpeg[/img]
Indians are well familiar with such kind of terrorist attacks. Mumbai, the commercial capital of the country, was sieged for days and several people were killed in 2002. However, Indian security has largely contained terrorism in spite of its significant threat from within and outside the country. Even Pakistan is fighting and pushing these elements away from its territories. Had these governments been like our clueless PDP-led government of President Goodluck Jonathan, their countries would have been no better than the Syria of Bashar Al-Assad.

Boko Haram (BH) is no longer a new name everywhere in the world. But detailing the Kano attack to them (my Indian friends) is something different. It would reveal the unfortunate fact that Nigerians, especially in the north, live largely in the mercy of BH. I really didn’t want to believe or even say that, but that’s what’s it. BH insurgents have ‘successfully’ struck colleges, mosques, churches, bus stations, banks, etc. They have orphaned countless children, widowed numberless women, shattered so many dreams and caused all sorts of pain one could think of.

Islam, the only pacifist religion on earth whose form of salutation expresses peace: Salam Alaykum, ‘peace be upon you’ is no longer considered so. Anything Islamic, whether name, physique or dress is looked with suspicion in many places, in contrast to what should have been the case. The minuscule minority have changed the cause of the second biggest religion on the planet. It is now a heavy burden being Muslim and practicing it, wallahi, in many respects. However this was partially foretold by the Prophet, upon whom be peace (see Sahih Muslim; Hadith 2956).

Ya Allah, the Creator of the Worlds, rest the souls of the more than 120 defenseless people slaughtered in our dear mosque in Kano and other places. May You heal the wounded and sooth the smitten minds of the millions others whose loved ones are affected. May Allah protect us, amin. May their murderers be judged accordingly, amin. It’s aptly said: DEATH is one path that everyone MUST take.

Please see the attached. To me, it explains so much about the identity of the infamous ISIL. They need to as well convert to Islam before asking others to. Most, if not all, of their activities contravene Islamic teachings.

maclatunji: Muhsin is a good writer. Another brilliant piece bro.

bbkkatunxo: Op May Allah be with and reward you

I am very grateful, brothers. Amin to the prayer.

Ma sha Allah! Wish more success for the Nigerian army. May we see the end of Boko Haram and their sponsors soon, ameen.

I am Afraid for India (From a Nigerian Muslim Perspective)
Muhammad Muhsin Ibrahim
www.muhsin.in
@muhsin234 (Twitter)

A few days ago, Aiman Al-Zawahiri, the leader of the terror group, Al-Qaeda released a video in which he unveiled plans to open a new branch in Indian sub-continent with particular interest in India and then Bangladesh and Myanmar. He further explains that the franchise would break the borders of these and other countries until it establish what he calls “Islamic Caliphate”. This can be a sham or for real. I have got two substantive observations.

First, it is possible, as many analysts and security experts suggested that, Al-Zawahiri was simply seeking for relevance because his group has been largely neglected by the mainstream media. Al-Qaeda has apparently been eclipsed by the more daring, more powerful and least conscientious terror group of Islamic State (formerly Islamic State of Iraq and Syria [ISIS]). The main character is now Al-Baghdadi, not him. The ISIS charter and modus operandi, though earlier like the Al-Qaeda’s, have now surpassed that and have gone beyond all logic. Their atrocities against the Iraqi minorities and journalists are no longer sexy.

Second: Al-Zawahiri might possibly be for real as India is a fertile country for radicalization. Nonetheless almost all countries now are, a fortiori, India is becoming more. Confessedly speaking, the so-called ‘radical Islam’ is now a global threat; though, I entirely believe in the theory that says nothing happens without a reason. On this note, Ruthven (2012) explains that “people who accuse Islam of being a violent religion misunderstand its essentially pacific nature” (see: Islam: A Very Short Introduction; Oxford Uni. Press). I can’t agree more. I recently wrote an article on the same topic: "Being Muslim and the Danger of a Single Story". Radicalization among Muslims gains momentum due, largely, to their marginalization, mischief of some non-Muslim elements and the egotism of some Muslims.

Yes, India. I have been here for more than a year. I am an eyewitness to so many incidents where people are treated as ‘third class’ citizens for no reason other than their being Muslim. Are we not, first and above all, human beings? Many people think twice about this irrefutable fact. It’s not much surprising to those familiar with how segregated a society is India’s. The age-old Caste System that classifies people according to ranking strata is still in place. Brahmin is the highest and de jure superior in everything, while Shudras/Dalits are the lowest, and, as a consequence, considered disgusting and untouchable. Therefore, the Muslims’ condition is somewhat better than those pariahs’. But still, I find it so hard to put up with the downgrading situation. I have observed at least three things.

One: during and after the election of the current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, millions of his stalwart supporters openly and loudly expressed, mostly on the cyberspaces, that they liked him for his alleged role in the murder of more than 2000 Muslims in the Gujarat Pogrom. However, the PM, though never backs down on his Hindu nationalism, has always denied such an allegation. Perhaps unknown to him, a throng of his narrow-minded voters proudly say otherwise. Mr. Modi just celebrated his first 100 days in office this week. Thus, it’s too early to judge how he handles the fate of the more than 200 million Muslims under his care.

Second: suggestively speaking, the content of the history taught to Indian school children paints Muslims dark. I had a long chat with my lecturer’s son. The young boy assuredly told me that Muslims (referring to Mughals) murdered hundreds of thousands of Hindus and Sikhs for their refusal to convert to Islam. He went further to say that even during the 1947 partition of India, many people were slain by the same Muslims, and concluded that Muslims were not good people. He was manifestly thunderstruck when I asked him whether or not I was a good guy as I was also Muslim.

Third and latest is what happened to me this week (Friday). I and another man were in a “chicken shop”. I was evidently dressed as a Muslim with caftan and a cap. The owner of the shop knew I slaughter my chicken myself, and so I did; while for the other man’s, he simply cut its head as usual and threw both into a drum to pass on. I was standing right beside the man when he instructed the butcher not to use the knife I touched to sever his chicken. Not only that, he also didn’t like the neck of his chicken as it mingled with the blood of mine. Although he spoke in Hindi, the message was so plain and the butcher was visibly embarrassed. He apologized to me after the ignorant man had left. I shrugged.

Those incidents are just tidbits, for much worse are happening. It was discovered that some Muslims have to daily masquerade as Hindus to sustain their business in many places. To my personal investigation, some go to the extent of ‘renouncing’ their faith to keep their businesses. There’s also an appalling apartheid in housing where Muslims are ghettoized, or denied rent and many other rights. Therefore, imagine how susceptible a target these people could be for the so-called Jihadists’ recruitment? In addition to their billion of dollars, they tell all sorts of rosy gains for engaging in ‘Jihad’, ignoring the fact that the greater Jihad, according to the Prophet Muhammad, is war against the evil within oneself. It’s the lesser Jihad that calls for fighting the polytheists, however under warranted conditions that are barely obtained today.


I must be afraid for India, for I have interacted with so many Indians in different walks of life. As humans and as individuals as we all are, there are the good, the bad and the ugly ones among them. I am Muslim, a proud one for this matter, but I don’t, and will never, in sha Allah, subscribe to terrorism. I know it is a contravention of true Islam, and I have seen its danger. The ‘Islamist’ group of Boko Haram has been waging war against the people and the government of my country, Nigeria for years. Indian government in harness with forward-looking NGOs and even individuals should stand up against the spread of anti-Muslim sentiments among the people of India. The country has already had terror attacks on its land; Kashmir and 2008 Mumbai attack are clear examples. Muslims are also Indians; they deserve to be treated as such. Past is past; the deeds of some erstwhile supremacist Muslim emperors, or that of a few undesirable elements among them, or whatever, should not be a yardstick to judge all others. We are not one; we can’t be. We are plural. Don’t expect us to be and do the same, for this thought is, at best, shallow, and at worse, silly.

Thank you all, and amen to the prayers.

It really isn't easy, but "there's God in everything we are doing", as said our First Lady, Patience Jonathan.

Regards

Being Nigerian and the Danger of Many Stories
muhsin2008@gmail.com
@muhsin234

On many occasions, Nigerians stand out among their fellow Africans. “Giant of Africa” is the enviable, debatable title of Nigeria due to its biggest population and economy on the continent, inter alia. It also used to have the mightiest military, for their numerous accomplished peacekeeping missions in other African counties like Liberia, Sudan, and Serra Leon. The Nigeria’s military is no longer, however, regarded as such, as they have yet to combat and contain the insurgence of the Islamists called Boko Haram within the country since 2009 and for the violation of civilian rights in other instances.

Nigeria is arguably roughly divided along religious lines. The North is predominantly Muslim, while the South is largely Christian. There are over 200 distinct languages, but only three (Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo) are considered major. So, Nigeria is a country of plurality and complexities, if you will, shared by its more than 170 million people. This, unfortunately, results to some ethno-religious related conflicts here and there; hence a number of observers have on several instances projected the country’s breakup. The prediction has been proven unattainable; Nigeria remains one and indivisible.

As many Nigerians do these days, my brother’s confidant is hospitalized in Kerala, India. His debit card unfortunately got blocked. Kerala is very far from our state (Punjab), and I was tasked to send him money via one doctor at the hospital. There is a guideline that restricts a third party transaction of above Rs. 25,000 in 24hours. The rule is however circumvented by using different branches (of the bank), and so did I, for the money was urgently needed. I was unexpectedly summoned to the presence of the manager of one branch I frequented for crossing one Lac (i.e. Rs. 100,000) transaction within a few days. He asked of my identity and the source of my income. He visibly became more alarmed the moment I said I was from Nigeria and showed him my staff ID. He distrustfully nodded and added that I might be traced by some security personnel. I said I was ready and left.

While at the University, I narrated the story to my lecturer cum guide. She said that India had to introduce the regulation to curtail the activities of terrorists, and didn’t elaborate. I afterwards met an elderly friend and told him of the terrific experience. He blatantly said to my face that being Nigerian alone made me a suspect of many misdeeds such as terrorism (with reference to Boko Haram), fraud, drug and child trafficking, money laundering and, on a lighter mood, as he seemed to believe, closed the list with mentioning of Ebola!

That encounter reminded me of the days I used to go to the Internet café for an overnight browsing. It was around 2002-2003; Facebook and Twitter were then not popular, thus the most active chatting system was Yahoo! Messenger. Out of 10 ‘friends’ you would meet, only 2 or 3 would agree to continue chatting with you the moment you identify yourself as a Nigerian. Yahoo! Boys, a popular moniker given to the then highly dubious, mostly Lagos-based Internet nerds that numerously duped many foreigners millions of dollars, were very infamous. Therefore, many people were, some still are, awfully skeptical to do anything with any Nigerian online.

It’s nothing newsworthy nowadays to report a Nigerian being sentenced to death or for life in foreign countries, often Malaysia due to drug trafficking. It’s again no longer news to hear about a high-ranking public servant or a particular politician being arrested for money laundering or related crime in the U.S, Europe or Dubai. News from the country on Boko Haram attacks, kidnapping, corruption, etc is commonplace. But, truthfully speaking, Nigerians are not all just like that. In fact the people who subscribe to these transgressions are far less than minority. It’s again in the humans’ psyche to pay more attention to something bad than to good; something negative than to positive. People tend to remember Nigeria when the likes of Umar Faruk Abdulmutallab, Michael Adebolajo, Alamieyeseigha, James Ibori etc are mentioned, but fail to notice that Aliko Dangote, Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Jelani Aliyu, Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, among others, are also Nigerians. It’s reliably said that in every four Africans one is a Nigerian. Therefore, the significant impact Nigerians have made onto the world can only be a topic on its own. It can’t be constrained here.


Thus, I couldn’t let that elder Indian friend go unchallenged, for it would have seemed agreeing with his belief in many stories. Millions of Nigerians within and outside the country by the same token condemn any wrongdoings perpetrated by their fellow countrymen as unreservedly as does anyone else. I then unhesitatingly, though lightly, retorted that all Indians are, or at least potential, rapists, and many others are prone to behave violently at a slightest religious provocation. He said “NO” with a glaring grimace. If this is not true, then his comment on Nigerians is equally not. He responded that yes he trusted me, but many others are not trustworthy. I called it a day.

With all due respect, it’s a shallow-mindedness and sheer ignorance to stereotype a people, not only Nigerians, as the same. For instance, torrential rain sometimes results to flooding that eventually causes destruction, displacement and even death. The same rain contributes hugely to farming that produces food for humans’ consumption. If we believe in the former story about rain, we will surely conclude that it is a curse. But it is not; rain is a blessing. No matter, therefore, what you heard about a people, don’t generalize them. After all, we are individuals. Don’t simply think we (Nigerians) all do the same things. Don’t just believe in the many stories you have heard, for it’s dangerous.

didibee: The reason why Muslims fight is becos they want to b a majority. They fight in areas where there is a mix of Islam and Christianity.

The agenda of Islam for Nigeria includes:

1. Being violent in d North n Central to dominate.

2. Making Islam appeal to the south-west hence u have mosques in Lagos that operate lk churches.

3. Winning d Igbos with cash.

I am afraid they missed the Niger Deltans who ain't easily swayed by cash.

As Christians we must wake up and begin to evangelize especially the south west Moslems. They are easily won if u make ur religion appealing.

These are d end times lets not repeat the mistake of the Turkish. Turkey was once a Christian nation.

We need missions more than we need cathedrals.

You are so much misinformed. Did you listen to or read the news yesterday and throughout the last and this weeks? Who were the targets of 'Boko Haram'? In short, Boko Haram kills more Muslims than non-Muslims. Just last night, a suicide bomber detonated his bomb in a mosque in Yobe, killing several people. So, come up with something more subtle if you want a mature discussion.

drfk001: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosnian_Genocide
The Bosnian genocide was a huge crime against humanity no doubt. But lemme point out some facts total number of those killed was around 9000 not more than 10000 like you quoted. Also although muslims make up a large percentage, Bosnian croats were also targeted. Some things to point out is this. The western world or you may call it the "Christian" world recognized it was a huge mistake and crime and as such have set up court systems to find and punish those involved. This is a huge difference to Muslim societies who brand those that kill those not belonging to their faith as holy fighters or martyrs if they blow up themselves OR "moderate Muslims" like you who live in delusion and is quick to deny them as not being Muslims just like you did with the ISIS forgetting that these muslim groups use the quran as a motivation for carrying out their evil acts

You have not responded to any of my questions. Yes, I agree the number was not more than 10,000. That's all.

Yet, again, tell me any Muslims' government that support systematic persecution of non-Muslims in this world as it happened in Bosnia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, etc.

Hamas is ‘un-’ if not anti-Boko Haram
Muhsin234 (Twitter)

I was prompted to briefly clarify the dissimilarity if not dissension between the Palestinian armed group, Hamas and the dreaded Nigeria’s ‘Islamists’ insurgence, Boko Haram (BH). As the ongoing Gaza conflict escalates further and the death toll, especially among children and women, rises, many people obviously seem to have not known, or know but deliberately choose to spread falsehood, about the two aforementioned ‘Islamist’ groups. The Israel’s officials, including the Prime Minister, Natanyahu, and numberless other people on the social media are always quick at pairing the two, chiefly to justify the bloodshed in Gaza.

Hamas was established in 1987 to fight, by political and military means, for the freedom of Palestine over the Israel’s growing land-grabbing and occupation of their territories and persecution of their people. The U.S however listed them as a terrorist organisation. They are also called so in the American and other pro-American media due to, apparently, their reportorial imbalance. Boko Haram, on the other hand, emerged in 2009 following a bloody crisis with the Nigeria forces in which an uprising by some extremists in Borno state, in the northeast, was relinquished. Their unchartered aim is to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria, and achieving that, they believe, requires getting rid of democracy and western education. Thus people call them Boko Haram, loosely translated as “western education is sinful”, but their actual name is Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad, meaning “people committed to the propagation of the Prophet's teachings and jihad (Chothia, 2014)”

Much unlike BH, Hamas agrees to western education in general and democracy. In fact, they organized and contested in various elections in Gaza. Hamas do not kill Palestinians whether Muslims or Christians. BH kill at will, for you are either with them, ideologically-wise, or against them. Their leader, Shekau, often describes some prominent Islamic scholars as infidels and calls for their death. Some more than 200 school girls BH abducted over 100 days ago are still with them. They slew hundred other school boys in their dormitories. This clearly makes their ideologies very widely apart.

Hamas, on the other hand, only resists their oppressors, though by all means that include suicide bombing, a modus operandi equally deployed by BH and other fanatics groups. We can however forgive them, for psychological reasons. The trauma the Palestinians have been through for decades is indescribable in words. That’s why many world’s leading scientists, academics, artists; politicians in even non-Muslim countries like South Africa, Cuba, Chile, India, UK, etc; and so on (except the US) have in numerous instances unequivocally condemned Israel, some even described its regime as apartheid, others boycott it. A few days ago, a British MP said he would fire rockets at Israel if he lived in Gaza!

Israel has a phenomenal military, and Hamas aims to fight them. Suicide, which many simply see as sacrificing oneself to save many others, realistically speaking, can easily be resorted to. After all, non-Muslims Tamil Tigers rebels of Sri Lanka reportedly started suicide in this contemporary time. Religiously speaking, nevertheless, more Islamic scholars outlawed suicide than the very few who approve of it. I also subscribe to the former. But in the case of Hamas, I stay on the fence. But for BH, ISIS, Al-Shabab, Al Qaeda, etc, I see no motive to carry out suicide by anyone of them. For instance, Muslims have freedom, even a boundless one in many parts, to practice their religion in Nigeria, lack of which might warrant ‘Jihad’. Likewise in all the places those other groups operate, so why the rebellion that leads one to pay for the highest price—of his life?

Hamas is therefore more or less against the BH practice and ideology. But sadly enough, even some Muslims see them as one and the same. The members of the political wing of Hamas display a monumental moderation in their day-to-day activities. I believe even the members of their military wing have moderated Islamic views. One thing I will like to shed light on, nonetheless, is the fact that they passionately hate Zionists-Jews and often call for their death. This is a common thing, historically speaking, for the Zionist-Jews equally downrightly despise not only the Palestinians, but also any Muslim on this earth.

Note: I say Zionist-Jews, not ordinary, or all, Jews. There are peace-loving people among the latter, and who respect people of other race and religion. I recently saw on the BBC that a Jews group had an iftaar (food after Ramadan fast) feast with Muslims in the UK. With such a move, peace will someday reign in the Middle East. I am optimistic that we shall someday see a contiguous and developed state of Palestine, existing side by side in peace with Israel.

http://www.muhsin.in/2014/07/24-hamas-is-un-if-not-anti-boko-haram.html

drfk001: Nice article @op but you can't deny the fact that those miscreants wether BH or ISIS or another group are mus.lims added with the fact that wherever there is a religious crises whether Christians, jews or Hindus there is always a muslim story attached to it. I would say that these inter-religious crises is usually due to actual or potential aggression of Muslims against these other religions.

Yes, I believe they are Muslims, at least some of them are. But get this straight, many have faulted to the extent that their religiosity is just nominal. I hope you understand.

Well, maybe the stories attached to Islam but in what ways? That the Muslims are the oppressors or the oppressed? I think you need to understand this also. Do you know about the Bosnian genocide that occurred between 1991-1995? Please tell me more about this. But let me give you a tip: more than 10,000 Muslims were slaughtered for their faith. Where did that ever happen in this contemporary world against any faithful but Muslims? Ask yourself, why?

Again, go find out what's happening in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Muslims are the little minority there. So, rationally speaking they are not, as they cannot be, the agitators. But yet they are being systematically killed by Buddhists, denied identity and every rights by the government, especially in the latter (Myanmar). Why? Give me any Muslim country where a similar thing happen. Take Iraq out of this, for those (ISIS) are just terrorist that fight even the government.

Waiting for your response. Thanks.

Hamas is ‘un-’ if not anti-Boko Haram
www.muhsin.in
Muhsin234 (Twitter)

I was prompted to briefly clarify the dissimilarity if not dissension between the Palestinian armed group, Hamas and the dreaded Nigeria’s ‘Islamists’ insurgence, Boko Haram (BH). As the ongoing Gaza conflict escalates further and the death toll, especially among children and women, rises, many people obviously seem to have not known, or know but deliberately choose to spread falsehood, about the two aforementioned ‘Islamist’ groups. The Israel’s officials, including the Prime Minister, Natanyahu, and numberless other people on the social media are always quick at pairing the two, chiefly to justify the bloodshed in Gaza.

Hamas was established in 1987 to fight, by political and military means, for the freedom of Palestine over the Israel’s growing land-grabbing and occupation of their territories and persecution of their people. The U.S however listed them as a terrorist organisation. They are also called so in the American and other pro-American media due to, apparently, their reportorial imbalance. Boko Haram, on the other hand, emerged in 2009 following a bloody crisis with the Nigeria forces in which an uprising by some extremists in Borno state, in the northeast, was relinquished. Their unchartered aim is to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria, and achieving that, they believe, requires getting rid of democracy and western education. Thus people call them Boko Haram, loosely translated as “western education is sinful”, but their actual name is Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad, meaning “people committed to the propagation of the Prophet's teachings and jihad (Chothia, 2014)”

Much unlike BH, Hamas agrees to western education in general and democracy. In fact, they organized and contested in various elections in Gaza. Hamas do not kill Palestinians whether Muslims or Christians. BH kill at will, for you are either with them, ideologically-wise, or against them. Their leader, Shekau, often describes some prominent Islamic scholars as infidels and calls for their death. Some more than 200 school girls BH abducted over 100 days ago are still with them. They slew hundred other school boys in their dormitories. This clearly makes their ideologies very widely apart.

Hamas, on the other hand, only resists their oppressors, though by all means that include suicide bombing, a modus operandi equally deployed by BH and other fanatics groups. We can however forgive them, for psychological reasons. The trauma the Palestinians have been through for decades is indescribable in words. That’s why many world’s leading scientists, academics, artists; politicians in even non-Muslim countries like South Africa, Cuba, Chile, India, UK, etc; and so on (except the US) have in numerous instances unequivocally condemned Israel, some even described its regime as apartheid, others boycott it. A few days ago, a British MP said he would fire rockets at Israel if he lived in Gaza!

Israel has a phenomenal military, and Hamas aims to fight them. Suicide, which many simply see as sacrificing oneself to save many others, realistically speaking, can easily be resorted to. After all, non-Muslims Tamil Tigers rebels of Sri Lanka reportedly started suicide in this contemporary time. Religiously speaking, nevertheless, more Islamic scholars outlawed suicide than the very few who approve of it. I also subscribe to the former. But in the case of Hamas, I stay on the fence. But for BH, ISIS, Al-Shabab, Al Qaeda, etc, I see no motive to carry out suicide by anyone of them. For instance, Muslims have freedom, even a boundless one in many parts, to practice their religion in Nigeria, lack of which might warrant ‘Jihad’. Likewise in all the places those other groups operate, so why the rebellion that leads one to pay for the highest price—of his life?

Hamas is therefore more or less against the BH practice and ideology. But sadly enough, even some Muslims see them as one and the same. The members of the political wing of Hamas display a monumental moderation in their day-to-day activities. I believe even the members of their military wing have moderated Islamic views. One thing I will like to shed light on, nonetheless, is the fact that they passionately hate Zionists-Jews and often call for their death. This is a common thing, historically speaking, for the Zionist-Jews equally downrightly despise not only the Palestinians, but also any Muslim on this earth.

Note: I say Zionist-Jews, not ordinary, or all, Jews. There are peace-loving people among the latter, and who respect people of other race and religion. I recently saw on the BBC that a Jews group had an iftaar (food after Ramadan fast) feast with Muslims in the UK. With such a move, peace will someday reign in the Middle East. I am optimistic that we shall someday see a contiguous and developed state of Palestine, existing side by side in peace with Israel.

Emmydo360: Nyanya bomb blast suspect, Aminu
Sadiq Ogwuche who was recently
extradited from Sudan, and
currentlyanswering questions from
security operatives has said, he will
never beg for forgiveness because he did
the right thing by bombing
Nyanya motor park which led to the
death of over 70 people and left 120
injured.
Sadiq said if left alone he is willing to do
more. He said a lot of shocking things
which will make you wonder how a man
that once lived in a western world
could turn out to be who he is now. No
be me go use my hand type all his
negative beliefs. Find it as culled
(quotes) from National Daily after the
cut.
“I don’t deny that I am the executioner
of the Nyanya bomb incident. I did it in
order to draw government’s attention to
our demands. We want
our detained colleagues released and
compensation paid to those of our
colleagues who were killed by the
federal troops during operations. We
want Islamic rule in the whole of
northern Nigeria. Western education is a
sin against Allah. It’s time for dialogue
between government and Boko Haram
leaders for the way out of the deadlock,”
he was quoted as saying.
“The government must do something
now or the bombing will continue. There
is no regretting anything because we are
fighting a just cause to liberate our
people from western education and
religion,”
“Federal government has been trying
without success to wipe out Boko
Haram. They killed our leader,
Muhammed Yusuf and hundreds of
others yet we still exist. We are a force
to be recognized. You ignore us at your
own peril. We are particularly pained by
the killing of hundreds of our members
across the forest in northern part of the
country. Although we equally killed
federal troops, we will never forgive the
federal government for the incessant
killings. We are well armed to fight back
and we will never surrender.
Boko Haram is well funded and highly
equipped organization with capacity to
take over the whole country if it so
desires, he ranted.
“If I am left alone, I will still kill those
infidels who have refused to repent of
their sins against Allah. This is my
mission on earth. My mission is to wipe
out infidels from the face of the earth.
You call me bomb detonator, and I love
that. I am ready to kill again. In fact, I
enjoy killing people who are unbelievers;
those deceived by western education and
disobedient to Allah and his holy Koran.

I don't want to, as I can't, say he's guilty or otherwise. This is completely left to the security operatives in whose hands he's being held and later to the court of law, but this has no bearing with this OP unless and until you want to derail it. Anyway, let me further clarify:

1) The OP tellingly condemns the activities of Boko Haram.

2) He and his cohorts do not represent the Nigerian Muslims, not even to mention the 1.5b Muslims population worldwide

3) The attack killed as many Muslims as non-Muslims, I presume, as the bomb didn't filter the religious, or any, identity of its victims

4) So, what do you want to communicate by the post?

Thanks for your understanding.

geborenzie: i get your write up in encouraging muslims but muslims are very volatile take a look at boston bombing it was done by Muslims where millions of pple died also take a look at the n klling of two britain officers by two nigerian guys
mariam in sudan that was supposed to be killed because she became a christian if not for international outcry also the ISIS who want to circumcise 4 million children and women in the name of religion and the story of a muslim man in america i dont which part he killed a pregnant woman because he thought she was a prostitute, sure there are nice muslims but the crazy ones have overshadowed the nice and the media might be lieing but the media cannot be lieing all the time so wtf i have right right to look at you once,twice,thrice in case you want to harm may be you should try preaching to your muslims brothers about all these things than preaching to us and also tell them to stop practising honor killing a situation where the victim of rape is being killed thanks

I somewhat agree with you, but those volatile are not the majority, far from being so.

Muslims and Christians and other faithful live peacefully in many other countries and places. Don't just assume Muslims live only in Mosul, where the ISIS nitwits now tell them to convert, pay tax or be killed. What of U.A.E, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Comoros, Senegal, Morocco, etc? Do you hear about any crisis between the majority Muslims and the minority other faithful in these countries I have listed? You see. Even in the places where the conflicts rage, not everywhere it happens so. There's always media exaggeration when it involves Muslims.

I hope you understand me. Thank you.

omoharry: LIA.

Excerpt K 3:195 Set 13, Count 35":who fought and were slain...I will most certainly make them enter gardens beneath which rivers flow; a reward from Allah, and with Allah is yet better reward."

Excerpt K 4:089-091 ;Set 17, Count 43-45:[4.89] "...take not from among them friends until they fly (their homes) in Allah’s way; but if they turn back [to their homes], then seize them and kill them wherever you find them... [4.90] Allah has not given you a way against them [Allah supposedly does not allow Muslims to fight people friendly to Muslims]. [4.91]...seize them and kill them wherever you find them..."

A RELIGION THAT FIGHT FOR ITS GOD INSTEAD OF THE OTHER WAY WAY.

Excerpt K 5:033 :Set 21, Count 54: "The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His apostle and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned"

Excerpt K 9:029 :Set 38, Count 101:"Fight those who do not believe in Allah...nor follow the religion of truth, out of those who have been given the Book, until they pay the tax in acknowledgment of superiority and they are in a state of subjection"

MUSLIMS WHAT DO U SAY TO THIS. RELIGION OF PEACE INDEED

Did you really read the OP? You fall among those whom I say have sheer ignorance about the context and the background of Islam, so they spread falsehood. One of the ways is through simply quoting Qur'an out of context. I request you to go back to where you copied and pasted those verses, read the ones before and after them, then come back.

Lastly, there are similar verses in the Bible. Do you know that? Go and read Exodus 20:22. What does it say? Should I then copy and paste it and claim that Christianity condone killing of other faithful? No, unless if I want to misinform others, or engage in fruitless argument.

Thank you.

uplawal: Have you ever found out the reason why Boko HARAM SAYS WESTERN EDUCATION IS A SIN?Ok,Lets assume it is,what stops us pursuing the education in it pure form how the earliest Muslims did it before it got stolen by the west,as we all know, there was great advancement in the Muslim worrld those years,we need to be careful in what we say concerning education,as majority of Muslims are amiss of what is truly going on.May Allah guide us and save us from Ignorance.

Ameen, Sister.

kemiola89: The cartoon caught my attention The cartoon caught my attention.
An interesting read!

Really? I am glad to know that. Thank you.

Ma sha Allah! May his reversion to Islam be a blessing for him and the religion, amin.

Ameen to this nice prayer:

PassingShot: May Allah make Muslims victorious in the face of tyrany and oppression of the Zionist and the West.

sino: Barakallahu laka brother, a very educative article.
I enjoyed reading the cartoon too

PassingShot: Nice write up. Kudos!

Thank you gentlemen. May Allah better the conditions of the Muslims worldwide, ameen. May He guide and protect us all, ameen.

Ramadan Mubarak.

maclatunji: #Excellent piece.

Thank you. Belated Ramadan Kareem.

Muhammad Muhsin Ibrahim
www.muhsin.in
muhsin234 (Twitter)

“What is your name?” Muhammad. And all eyes would turn around.

It often starts just like that, for to them, every Muslim is a potential threat, a terrorist. It is extremely awkward, if not annoying, to someone like me who was born and reared in an almost 99% Muslims community. Hitherto I didn’t know that being Muslim means that much and weighs that loads; some feel even reluctant to disclose their belief. Muslims living in multi-religious and non-Muslims majority societies today have a lot of stories to tell. The story is sometimes nasty in conservative, religiously touchy and volatile places like India, where I presently reside. Although home to about 200 million Muslims, it was discovered in a recent survey that some of them have to masquerade as Hindus to sustain their businesses. This happens due to the schism, and sometimes animosity, between them and other faithful, particularly the majority Hindus.

But why all the fuss and the buzz, you may ask. Generally identity, especially religious one, is highly polemical and extremely abstract. For instance, my ‘Muslimness’ is neither determinable based on my appearance and gait, nor proportional to my humanity and humane. Despite the whopping population of more than 1.5 billions worldwide, hundreds of millions of Muslims live in shambles due to the raging religious stereotype, which results to marginalisation and sometimes worse, as aforesaid. Needless to say, the reports of suicide bombs and other terror acts allegedly perpetuated by some miscreants calling themselves Muslims is a commonplace today. Al Qaeda, IS/ISIS, Boko Haram, etc are household names around the world. But this can’t and shouldn’t, nonetheless, justify the unjust treatment of others who can equally be victims of those murderers.
[center][img]http://4.bp..com/-M09shwpoRCY/U8pORStoTsI/AAAAAAAAAdw/lQ1MfWE2NBc/s1600/Truth.jpg[/img][/center]
Wait and ask yourself: how many Muslims are engaged in such dastardly activities? The aforementioned figure is just tentative, for the population of Muslims is, against many odds, rapidly growing. So, obviously, had the larger population of them been involved in “terrorism”, no part of the world might have been in peace, for nearly 1 in 4 people worldwide is Muslim. There is no denying that the threat poses by the ‘bad guys’ among them is alarming, but not as the media would want us to believe. Muslims do not have monopoly on fanaticism. We have Christians in C.A.R, Buddhists in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, Hindus in India, Jews in Israel, etc. but Muslims remain virtually the only culpable faithful. One cannot be a Muslim, a practicing one, until somewhere, someone overtly or covertly degrades him, or calls him an extremist or terrorist. What is wrong with the choice of being? I am Muslim, so let me be. Don’t infringe my individual rights. I will not do yours, either.

Do you know that extremism has no place in true Islam? Ironically however, the few who subscribed to it always make the news headlines, while others who are paragons of moderation and peace loving lots are barely heard of on the mostly western and western-influenced media. This modern world owes much to Muslims as they have a very long history in developing it. Malise Ruthven in his “excellent little book”, Islam: A Very Short Introduction published by Oxford University Press explains that:

“No one need doubt that, at the level of civilization, an unprecedented degree of knowledge, excellence, and sophistication was achieved in Islam several centuries before the Renaissance occurred in Europe, or that, as many scholars have noted, much of the groundwork for the scientific and philosophical thought that would flourish in the West was laid in Muslim lands” (Ruthven 2012:17).

He further notes that Muslims have excelled in virtually all other fields the world today boasts having—medicine, mathematics, astronomy, optics, architecture, poetry and philosophical thoughts, among others. Going by this alone should have made being Muslim something to be so much proud of, but the exact opposite is often obtained. Of course, one is allowed to do certain things to protect oneself under threat, but it’s no more than paranoia many a times. Be it as it may, I, for once, wouldn’t subscribe to what I couldn’t perform or display before others. You are still "the" Muslim unless you renounce your belief and join them, which equates to preferring the terrestrial over the Celestial, the temporary over the permanent.

A few days ago, somebody called me a Boko Haram (BH) member on Facebook for my being a Nigeria and Muslim in response to my criticism of the Egyptian president, Abdul-Fatah Al-Sisi. Saying a word against Sisi is tantamount to siding with the ousted “Islamist” president, Morsi and his outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. There’s nothing more wrong than that. Unbeknown to him, there’s a world apart from their ideology and mine. In fact, BH fights everyone, and anybody like me, for I study and teach what they try, with all their force and efforts, to prohibit—Western Education. Yet somebody is here calling me their member. How ignorant of him? How senselessly stereotypical are people nowadays?

I have got two calls: First to my fellow Muslims. Don’t forget who you are. Your undue moderation or apologia cannot purge you away from your identity. Don’t join the bandwagon of hundreds of thousands of ‘cultural’ or ‘nominal’ Muslims, to whom the religion is only an identity to distinguish them from others. These people are practically non-observant of Islamic tenets, which is primarily to submit to the One God alone and what He revealed to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). You can, however, choose to do what you want. Allah says: “There’s no compulsion in religion, for the right way is clearly from the wrong way…” (Qur’an, 2:256).

The second call is to my non-Muslims readers. Allah says: “Oh humankind! We created you from a single pair of male and female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other…” Qur’an (49:13). Therefore, any informed Muslim understands this wisdom of our being created differently; however the difference is not to divide us but that we may know each other. Let us embrace peace, mutual understanding and respect. Let us not forget that we are individuals with dissimilar, sometimes opposing, views, taste, impulse, desire, etc. Psychologists irrefutably say that no two individuals are exactly the same, not even identical twins. Thus, if some ignorant Muslims do something wrong, blame them, not the entire Muslims population, nor their religion.

No doubt Islam is nowadays a subject of mockery, misinterpretations, and the like. Three things caused that: 1) misconduct of a few of its followers, 2) sheer ignorance of its content and the earlier context and background, and 3) the exaggerating effect of media, especially those owned by anti (not “non-“) Muslims. BUT don’t let yourself be carried away by any of these. Don’t just believe in a single story, for that is dangerous.

Salaam,

Eid Mubarak to all my Muslim brothers and sisters. Wish us all many happy returns.

This is interesting. I am personally fascinated by the Ref's action. Ramadan Mubarak!

Senator Sani Ahmed Yerima (APC, Zamfara) has denied backing child marriage, asserting that under Islamic law a girl is considered ripe for marriage based on her physical and mental maturity.
The senator gave this explanation in a statement released in Abuja.
The senator representing Zamfara West said insinuations that he supports child marriages were untrue, misleading and the handiwork of mischief-makers.
He said the 1999 Constitution doesn’t provide for any specific age when a girl can be married, but stipulates that any girl aspiring to be married must attain a full age.
“What is the criteria for defining maturity or otherwise of a girl? The Nigerian Constitution didn’t say 18 years. There is no definition in the Nigerian Constitution. You see in Islamic law, once a girl reaches the age of puberty and she is matured, she is of full age and she is ready for marriage.
“And once she is married, she is of full age. And that is why the constitution recognises Islamic law and made that provision. So if you say you are going to remove that provision, you are going against and counter to Islamic law.
“So under sharia law, any country that practices sharia, age is not a defining factor for marriage,”Senator Yerima said.

Read more on:
http://www.sundaytrust.com.ng/index.php/news/13944-islam-sanctions-marriage-based-on-maturity-not-age-yerima-insists

EARLY MARRIAGE? - By Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu

A virus is a small infectious agent replicates only inside the living cells.Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria. Since 1892 when Dmitri Ivanovsky described a non-bacterial pathogen infecting tobacco about 5,000 viruses have been described in detail,they can be found in every ecosystem on Earth and are the most abundant type of biological entity.

Of late, virus have found a heavenly host in the Nigerian social media network.

In minutes,a concept can go viral,permeating every corner of the world.This trend can be greatly beneficial,but also deadly dangerous. On this particular occasion I find it dangerous. In the last 48hrs, there has been an outcry on social media about a bill in the Nigerian Senate to legalise child marriage. The bone of contention simply ' Instead, they gave a legislative seal of approval for the marriage of underage girls. That means even a 5 year old toddler could be married off by her parents' Pro ported to be pushed by Senator Yerima Ahmed Sani,the former governor of Zamfara state,the institutor of sh aria law and admittedly a colourful and controversial figure. There is no reference to where this legislative seal lies. Which section of which constitution. All that is going round is an advocacy outcry and anti child marriage logos. If this rage against the so called amendment legalising child marriage is to remind us of Yerima's marriage to an Egyptian girl a few years ago then let us clearly say so. Again if the aim is to create awareness against child marriage then kudos again but let us be clear. But to mix up the two issues is mischievous and unnecessary.

Unfortunately it seems as a nation we delight in criticizing actions taken by leadership blindly,without objective use of glaring facts. The debate on the constitutional amendment was televised nationally. The senate sittings are documented daily. The votes and proceeding document is a legal document produced and available to the public. Unlike the British constitution that's unwritten, ours is written clearly and available to buy on most street corners. So anyone that can read the english language access and analyze what and what happened. Instead, majority of us are just copying pasting and broadcasting a misleading and inciting message. What is upsetting to me personally now is that this 'us' that are spreading the stop the child marriage message can read. We graduated from the best primary schools and obtained degrees from an era when universities that didn't go on endless strikes. So 'WE' have no right to be spreading messages without at the very least verifying what the true situation is. I have received at least 10 of the message. Directed against the Nigerian senate and Ahmed Sani in particular. I am certain also certain that all of these 10 people can read, possess TVs and internet subscriptions that enables them access past events and most of all do not have up to six degrees of separation from the legislators that can easily explain what the issue is. The danger of this is obvious. We are living in divisive times when suddenly every Nigerian is acutely aware of being muslim or christian,being Urobo or Kanuri. Feelings that certainly didn't exist in my formative years but are glaring in my twilight ones.

The issue is one split in two. Chapter 3 covers citizenship of Nigeria. Chapter 3 clause 26 relates to attaining whilst Chapter 3 clause29 relates to renouncing Nigerian citizenship.

As it is, the law allows foreign wives to obtain Nigerian citizenship via marriage; Chapter 3clause(26)(a). Conversely, if a Nigerian woman marries a foreign man, he does not automatically get the right to apply for Nigerian citizenship. That gender discrimination was considered in the ongoing review by the current lawmakers. The votes and proceedings paper of Tuesday 16th July 2013 show the senators voted to replace the word woman for person. A less discriminatory word and giving Nigerian women the power to grant her husband citizenship of her country also.

The second issue and probably the more pertinent one is the Renouncement of Nigerian citizenship. This is what is being erroneously broadcast. Chapter 3 Section 29(1) of the Nigerian constitution states that to renounce citizenship, one must be of full age. Subsection 4 goes further to define full age as a) 18yrs and above and b) woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age.

The 2013 review sought to remove the second qualifier. That is a married woman. On the surface, it didn't seem to make sense to differentiate in that manner as in the earlier section 26. Not until Senator Ahmed Sani pointed out the historic reason for this.

Whilst 18years is generally accepted as the age of maturity in most cultures Islamic law is not as clearly stated. Maturity in Islam is measured in various ways. One of which is marriage. Thus a married woman, (and NOT a 5year old) is deemed mature enough to make a decision to renounce her citizenship of Nigeria. Furthermore, in 1979,the lawmakers led by late Aminu Kano of PRP felt the age 18 years used was an arbitrary western concept of maturity. The legislators in 1979 at the time agreed to the PRP argument and it was included.
Even in the west, standards are adjusted to suit the welfare of all citizens. In the USA for instance, a 14year old that gets pregnant and has a child is eligible to social benefits,including housing, even though she cannot vote. So in her welfare,she is treated as an adult and provided safe home for herself and her child.

Last week, when Senator Ahmed Sani pointed out the same reason and sought not to remove the married woman clause. The senators voted 60 ayes to 35nos and thus the constitution will remain as it is assuming the bill that will eventually be brought from this is passed. A minimum of 72(one third) votes are required for any amendment to pass. The nays and abstains do not matter. This amendment had 60,and thus failed.

Both times, relating to section 26 and 29, the lawmakers voted in a manner that carried along gender and religion; a reflection of why each of us has a senator representing our interests. Nothing in the proceedings indicate age of marriage or how a legislative seal was given to child or even adult marriage as is being circulated in the messages going around.

Because I have mentioned Islamic law and maturity, I will mention one more point. I mention it to balance,not to start a religious debate. What is the age of competence for marriage? I am not an expert in Islamic jurisprudence, so I cannot go further than I have. However in the 12th century, the age for marriage without parental consent was set by the Roman Catholic church, a ruling which remains unchanged. For females it is 12 years and for males it is 14 years. Conversely in Islam, a 20year female old can not get married without the consent of her parents. Agreed Nigerian laws are neither Islamic or catholic. Instead the laws are guided by these major religions and native laws and customs. If we feel the need to put more clarity in this has come, then let us say so and do so in the proper way. Over the last year,each legislator has had constituency meetings on the ongoing constitutional amendments. This was stepped up to the Zonal groupings where each zone took a stand on the various issues. We had ample time to make submissions to amend our constitution. Anyone who didn't do so at the time has no moral justification to take to twitter and facebook lamblasting imaginary changes in our laws.

Yerima's fault on this occasion might also be in his timing. As a member of the current constitutional review committee, he had ample time to bring the issue to the table and stop it being included on the recommended change that was debated on Tuesday. But that is Yerima. That is his way. You can love him or hate him, that is another matter.

All I am saying here is,let us be careful in our expressing our sentiments and use social media to unite Nigeria unshakably, instead of ripping her apart bit by bit. Till there are no 5year olds left to marry even if Yerima wanted to.

MD Medicaid Radio-Diagnostics
2 Libreville Street, Aminu Kano Cresent, Wuse 2 Abuja.

Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilaihi raaji'uun!

May Allah have mercy on the dead, amin. May Allah upgrade the living condition of all the Muslims in the world, amin. So sad!

deols: Wa alaykum salam bro.

We really miss you here o. Better come back.

I will, in sha Allah, do my best possible to see that I come back fully.