How big was the shock when the people entered the temple! They gathered inside watching in awe their gods broken in pieces. They wondered who might have done this? Then they all remembered that the young Ibrahim was talking evil of their idols. They brought him to the temple and asked him: “Are you the one who has done this to our gods?” Ibrahim said: “No, this statue, the biggest of them has done it. Ask them if they can speak.”

The concept of mahram in Islam can be viewed in two ways; the aspect of genealogy and that of protection for women. The aspect of genealogy has to do with those who have close consanguinity, like husband, brother, step brother and close family members, a male companion for a woman who cannot marry her.

Many Muslim from different parts of the world including Nigeria use the period of Hajj to visit Madinah. Although, the authentic saying of the scholars is that: “visit to Madinah during Hajj has no connection whatsoever with Hajj”, still no serious Muslim would intentional miss the opportunity of visiting Madinah during the yearly ritual to Saudi Arabia.

Islam demands that every Muslim protects the honour of the religion and the Prophet (s.a.w). That is why Muslims see the anti-Islam film of Sam Bacile, a 56-year-old Israeli as an insult of the highest order. Those who see it as a mere comedy or entertainment to serve their pleasure got it all wrong because the over 1.6 billion Muslim faithful world over are offended and ready at all times to defend their religion. Islam and Prophet Muhammad are dear to them more than anything else.

Generally, all acts of worship, through financial expenditure are by broader definition classified as Sadaqah. But by extension, good deeds and acts that tend to save or ameliorate the sufferings of another creature of God are also considered as sadaqah. Today, we are not going to focus on Zakat as it implies but other acts of worship that are not only ihsan but also Sadaqah.

Praise be to Allah “ Who created life and death to test which of us is best in conduct.” And Who “ made the world for both the living and the dead” among us. May the Peace and Blessing of Allah be upon Muhammad, the last of the Prophets.

O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqah (charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men, and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day.

A Senior lecturer in the Department of Religion, Lagos State University, Paramole Abdul-Kabir Olawale, PhD, has commended Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and his predecessor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring that the endemic HIV and AIDS disease was drastically reduced in the state as a result of their different enlightenment programmes.

ALL the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. May His Peace and Blessing be upon our Holy Prophet, Muhammad at all times.

NIGERIAN Muslims have been urged to seize the opportunity of the Eid-el-fitr to demonstrate virtues that promote good neighbourliness and peaceful co-existence.