By Ishola Balogun

Alhaji Aremu Gawat does not need much introduction. For twenty-five years, he has endeared himself to the hearths of Muslims and non-Muslims during the month of Ramadan. They always look forward to Ramadan and on NTA where Aremu Gawat will be waiting to dole out the gifts in unimaginable proportions from the first day to the last day of the month.

He sources different types of gifts raging from household items to edible items, cash, and hajj slots from individuals and organisations and doles it out to Muslims and non-Muslims during Ramadan. But about 11 days to Ramadan, the ace broadcaster disappeared, and since, there has not been any clue about his whereabouts’.

The psychological trauma this has left to the family is unimaginable. Chief Imams heads of organisations and societies, Muslim leaders have not relented in offering prayers for his safe return. Our believe is that he will return safely.

It is however disheartening that some people have decided to be like the Ashabu towilu-lisani, (people with long tongue) making unfortunate comments. They say baseless things as: “where are the Alfas,” “where are the powers they claim to have without using such to at least get a clue of Gawat’s  whereabouts,” et cetera as if these people decide the fate of man.

Some have mischievously queried the so-called spiritual powers – nokalis in Yoruba parlance of the Alfas. Others also derided saying well meaning Muslims could not make use of their connection and money to find out Gawat. Let it be known that these are ranting of mischief makers who think absolute powers reside in man. Nay! There is no power or wisdom except with Allah, the Almighty. No human can do anything except that which is decreed to be done by Allah.

During the time of the prophet, about 4th-5th Hijrah, immediately after a war with the unbelievers who had waged war on Muslims, the Prophet’s camel which the prophet rode to the battle field, Qaswa, got missing. Three among those who followed him met at a corner to review the incidence of the missing camel.

One of the three musketeer said: “how could somebody be sent by God and yet his camel was missing and he knows not her whereabouts?” He derided him saying: “Angel Jubril who comes to give him revelation could not even tell him where his camel was.” “Was he truly sent by God and other bla… bla? The second person expressly repudiated that comment, saying it did not matter if he did not find his camel that he still remained the prophet of God.

The third person was however indifferent about the situation and thus, he was cautious in his comment. As they continued with their meeting, Angel Jubril was sent by Allah to reveal their discussion to the prophet and where they were. The Prophet immediately told his followers that these people are meeting somewhere discussing about him on the missing camel and other details of their discussion.

He also gave a vivid description of the one who derided him and where they were. Amarah who was with the prophet, upon hearing this went after these men. On reaching them, he asked: who amongst you derided the prophet on the missing camel? Who said: “if the prophet was a messenger of Allah, he would have known where he camel was; and that he was not sent by God,” Amarah asked.

They were speechless starring at each other. Following the description of the prophet on who among them was particularly mischievous, Amarah said: it was you Seidu pointing at him. He confessed asking for forgiveness. Amarah dragged him to the Prophet. Seidu knelt before the Prophet apologizing. The Prophet forgave him but explained to him that, he was only a man and not God; he submits to Allah with everything that HE wills. “I know nothing except that which He made me to know”.

Opinions were differed among the followers on how to punish him but the Prophet insisted he be forgiven and ordered he should be freed. At that point God revealed to him where his camel was lying. “There is she, there is she!” The Prophet shouted pointing to a direction. The followers rushed down to the direction which he pointed and the camel was found.

The bracelets on her neck got hooked to an object making it difficult for her to move. You can read this in ‘Haqaiqa al-ilimiyat fi-Mujisatil-Mustapha’ or ‘Scientific Facts in the Life of Prophet Muhammad’, page 34.

We as Muslims can only continue to pray for the safe return of our brother. We beseech Allah and for the sake of Ramadan, to bring him back safely before the end of the glorious month. How many homes would have been affected through his programmes this month; how many would have found happiness in receiving his gifts and also getting the opportunity to go to Hajj through Edide Ejisari?

O’ Allah where ever he is, it is not hidden from you; guide and protect him and bring him back to us safely. We cannot challenge Your authority, but we beseech you for sake of our noble Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) to undo anything against AbdulRazaq Aremu Gawat and bring him back safely. Bihaqi la aola wala kuwata ilaa bila aliyul-azeem. Amin.