₦airaland Forum

Imagine this: A muslim man wakes up one morning with an unsettling dream. He is restless. "This one no be ordinary dream," he thinks. Before his mind even settles, he opens his wardrobe or he heads straight to the Babalawo in his neighborhood. The priest nods knowingly, throws cowries on the ground, and mutters incantations. "You must perform a sacrifice," he says. The Muslim agrees. To this man this action is normal. Later that same day, he is in the mosque, reciting Al-Fatiha like nothing happened.

This is the reality for many Nigerian Muslims. They pray in the mosque, fast during Ramadan, and even debate religious topics passionately. But when trouble knocks, they run to Ifa priests, seeking answers that only Allah can give. It is almost second nature. From childbirth to marriage, to business decisions, divination is involved. Nobody wants to "leave things to chance," so they consult before making moves. Even some Imams secretly engage in divination, yet they lead prayers like righteous men. If we believe in Allah's oneness, why do we still turn elsewhere?

Some justify it, saying, "I believe in Allah, but this will just help my prayers go through faster." Others insist, "This is how our fathers did it. It cannot be wrong." And the impatient ones argue, "I prayed, but nothing happened. This works faster." But Allah never needed middlemen. “We are closer to him than his jugular vein.” (Qur’an 50:16). If Allah is closer than our own vein, what are we looking for in cowries and charms?

Let’s be honest, voodoo and Ifa rituals seem to work fast. Someone does a money ritual, and the wealth appears. But how long does it last? The same shortcut that brings money today can take peace tomorrow. Wealth gained through shirk fades quickly, leaving people constantly running back to the Babalawo, trying to "renew" the power. They keep doing more sacrifices, more consultations, more rituals, and it never ends.

After enduring so many sleepless nights he suddenly remembers he had heard before that Tahajud prayers open doors of mercy, but had never bothered to try. Instead of going back to the Ifa priest the next day, he decides to wake before dawn. He performs ablution, raises his hands, and whispers, "Ya Allah, guide me. Strengthen my faith. Keep me away from error." For the first time, peace washes over him.

He realizes that trust in Allah does not need shortcuts. It only needs patience, sincerity, and Tawheed. No intermediaries. No rituals. No charms. Just faith.

Yet, many still hesitate. They call themselves believers, but their hearts still roam elsewhere for answers. If we truly believe, why not turn only to the One who has always been near? We must let go of everything else and place full trust in Allah alone.

Even if you eventually get what you want after visiting the "grandmaster aka babalawo", the grandmaster will still have to beseech Shaytan who also asks Allah to grant your request.

Ultimately you still get what you want from Allah! And Allah adds multiple punishment to your request!

There are recommended du'as from the Prophet salallahu alayhi waslam for bad dreams and what to do after.

See one in the attached.

This hadith is of high importance for all Muslims to ponder every now and then!

On the authority of Abu Abbas Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:
One day I was behind the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) [riding on the same mount] and he said, “O young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]: Be mindful of Allah and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, then ask Allah [alone]; and if you seek help, then seek help from Allah [alone]. And know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, they would not benefit you except with what Allah had already prescribed for you. And if they were to gather together to harm you with anything, they would not harm you except with what Allah had already prescribed against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.” It was related by at-Tirmidhi, who said it was a good and sound hadeeth. Another narration, other than that of Tirmidhi, reads: Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. Recognize and acknowledge Allah in times of ease and prosperity, and He will remember you in times of adversity. And know that what has passed you by [and you have failed to attain] was not going to befall you, and what has befallen you was not going to pass you by. And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and hardship with ease. (Reference : Hadith 19, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi)

You have raised a good topic and where are men who will answer ?

Speaklove:
You have raised a good topic and where are men who will answer ?

I guess no one wants to face the truth!