I really appreciate the comments from readers on the last edition on ‘The brotherhood of Ansar’. Though more of the comments were complimentary while a few others were apparently directed by non-muslims to chastise this column, but there serve a great deal of encouragement and sharpen our resolve to continue to put Islam in the right perspective, teach those who don’t know and correct the misrepresentation especially by non-Muslims on Islam. I have decided to let our other readers enjoy some of these comments and contributions this week.

Recently, a group claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on Nigerian troops heading to Mali last Sunday, killing two officers and wounding eight others, in Kogi state. The group whose full names are Jama’atu Ansarul Musilimina Fi Biladis Sudan meaning “Group of Muslim Helpers from Sudan (Black Africa) opened fire on a convoy of troops leaving northern Nigeria en route Mali to join the West African forces in that country. This development jolted many Muslims who are worried about this crisis that has given Islam another name in the country. But who are these Ansar? Are they Nigerians or Sudanese?

They ought to have gone beyound the condemnation of any attack and advancing the cause of dialogue to strategic moves toward achieving a successful dialogue with the sect. This would have made a huge difference at least. We cannot continue to believe the insurgence will fizzle out on its own while they are snuffing out lives out of people.

No man is infallible.Errors and sins are undoubtedly part of human nature and no one will be free of it. All of us fall short, commit sins, and make mistakes. Sometimes we turn to Allah in obedience, and most times we willfully or forgetfully turn away from His ordinances. Imam Tirmizhi reported: “Every son of Adam sins, and the best of those who sin are those who repent.”

There was pandemonium at the Ebute Ero end of the Lagos Island in the early hours of Sunday following the sudden appearance of an Arabic inscription ALLAH (God) on a patch of dry cement, on end of the road leading to Ebute Ero Welfare Association Market, Lagos Island Local Government, few meters away from the Police Division in the area.

Apart from the civil war, the year ended recorded one of the highest numbers of deaths and casualties in the history of this country. Apart from the Boko Haram phenomenon which has endlessly claimed the lives of defenseless and innocent people and of course which many believe have exposed the weakness and initial laissez faire attitude of the government in dealing with internal uprising effectively, the ill fated Dana crash that claimed the lives of 156 was also believed to be as a result of failure of government in proper regulation, standards and ensuring good enablement in the sector.

Being a paper presented by Haroon Balogun on the occasion of Retreat organised by NASFAT Igbogbo Branch held at Mainland Hotel, Ebutte Meta, Lagos on December 22, 2012.

“Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks (Allah), thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it.” [Muslim Chapter 14, Book 042, Number 7138]

…wants recognition of Arabic Studies in schools
Bothered by the possibility of ending up in the same fate as Faruq Lawan’s report and others which were consigned to the trash-bin, a group of Muslims under the aegis of The Muslim Congress (TMC) has charged the Federal Government to implement the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force’s report as filed by the Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s led Committee.

When a Muslim encounters a problem, he must realize the fact that he needs the intervention of Allah to solve the problem and this can only be achieved through divine mercy and by involving in different virtuous deeds.

Thereafter, both father and son, were commanded by Allah (SWT) to build the Baitullah, the House of Allah in Makkah and Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) was commanded to call for the pilgrimage. Until today millions visit the house of Allah (SWT) and this will continue until the day of judgement.

Ayatul Qursiyy (verse of stool) is in Suratul Baqara (Qur‘an chapter two verses 255). The verse is used for several purposes, and one of it is for seeking divine protection from all evils, a verse which is relevant all the time most especially during this period when the worlds at large and Nigeria in particular is facing problem of security.

As flights carrying the Hujjaj arrive at at various airports, the ‘arrival halls’are packed and crowded with loved ones, family members, friends eagerly awaiting to welcome the new Al-hujjaj. Their eyes are glued, scanning, looking for their loved ones; and eventually, greetings laced with smiles began to pour. Returnees dressed in a thowb, head clean shaven, face glowing, further enhanced by the emulation of the blessed beard of the Noble Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) pushing a trolley atop which stands the containers bearing the blessed waters of Zam Zam flanked by his spouse who’s beauty now further enhanced by the donning of the Hijab; suddenly from nowhere children who had missed their parents emerge shouting, ‘Ummi, Ummi (Mummy), Abi, Abi (Daddy)’ as they run into the welcoming arms of their returning weary parents. Thereafter the elders from amongst family, friends and strangers wait to greet the Hujjaj and immediately request the dua (Supplication) of the Haji as per the directive of the Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)

Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram (the 1st month of Islamic caledar). The famous practice of the Prophet (SAW) on the day is fasting that is named Ashura fast. This fasting emerged as a result of the fact that when the Prophet came to Medina, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ (i.e. 10th of Muharram). The Prophet said, “I am closer to Moses than they.” So, he (SAW) observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to fast on it. But, he commanded the Muslims to be different from the Jews, who took it as a festival.

One unique thing about Islamic calendar is that it did not commence with something less significant event. With divine guidance, it started with the sacrifice of the early Muslims and the triumph of truth over evil. That is Hijrah.