By Imam Murtadha Gusau
Sunday, Dhul-Hijjah 05, 1446 AH (01/06/2025)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions.
Dear brothers and sisters! The Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was born on March 29, 1952. He is a Nigerian accountant and politician who has been the President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria since May 29, 2023.
As Nigerian citizens mark the two-year anniversary of their President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency on May 29, 2025, it is a moment to reflect not merely on the achievements but also on the vision, courage, and determination that have characterised his leadership. In an era where the challenges facing Nigeria are both profound and complex, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has exemplified the qualities of a true leader—one who embraces change and inspires hope.
Fellow Nigerians! Know that Islam is not ONLY a ‘Political’ religion, or a ‘Social’ religion, or simply a ‘Religious’ religion. Islam is a complete, divinely revealed ‘code of life’, which incorporates all facets of human existence. It provides guidance for every aspect of human life, ranging from material/temporal, moral, ethical, individual, spiritual/sacred/religious, to legal/law, cultural, social, political, economic, and international relations, etc. Islam combines the secular and the spiritual, both at the same time.
The Shari’ah (the Qur’an, the Sunnah – teachings and guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), recorded in writing known as ‘Hadith’) consists of Ahkam (legal injunctions/order/rules/laws) enacted for a) religious/spiritual purposes, i.e., faith and worship/rituals, and b) for individuals and their communities, such as administration and organisation of the state, the government, and the community, as well as other relations. These include the rules of human behaviour, criminal laws, laws of civil status, constitutional laws, international laws, etc.
Respected brothers and sisters! Sincerely speaking, the Qur’an has not specified any particular form of government; rather the Qur’an has provided basic social and political guidelines and values and has enjoined their implementation/fulfilment/observation.
The Qur’an enjoins the Muslims to adopt a system of government that suits the directives of the Qur’an and Sunnah (teachings and guidance of the Prophet), whatever be the appellation, and which proves to be the most effective in promoting the Islamic values and standards of humanity.
For instance, the Qur’an enjoins the establishment of a consultative and non-autocratic method of governance. Allah the Almighty says:
“And their affair is conducted through consultation among them.’’ [Qur’an, 42:38]
“(O Prophet) pass over their faults (forgive them), and ask Allah’s forgiveness for them, and consult them regarding the affairs…” [Qur’an, 3:159]
Moreover, the Qur’an enjoins the promotion of social cooperation and mutual assistance in pursuit of justice. Allah the Most High says:
‘’And help one another with piety, virtue, and righteousness, and do not help one another in sin and transgression.’’ [Qur’an, 5:2]
‘‘O you who believe, stand firm with Allah as a witness to the truth and do not let hatred for certain people provoke you to do wrong and depart from justice. Be just, that is closer to piety. Fear Allah, for Allah, is all aware of what you do.’’ [Qur’an, 5:8]
Islam stands for any democratic system where fundamental rights are protected and justice prevails, where people are safe with their life and properties, and where there is absolute freedom of religion.
The Qur’an characterises Government as a Trust (Amanah). Allah the Most High says:
“Allah commands you that you should render back the trusts to whom they are due (honour the trust that people have placed in you by voting), and when you judge between people judge with justice.’’ [Qur’an, 4:58]
The concept of trust in this verse incorporates all aspects of government. The Qur’an advocates a responsible system of government, which is accountable, towards Allah and the people, for its conduct.
It is imperative to have effective checks and balances over the state through several institutions, including the Shurah (parliament), an honest judiciary, a free press, and properly conceived laws and regulations.
Dictators, tyrants, oppressors and ruthless political leadership should be informed that oppressing people are despised by Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Indeed, Allah will inflict His torment upon those who torture/oppress people [unjustly] in this world.’’ [Sahih Muslim]
And the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) informed us that Allah says:
“O my servants, I have forbidden oppression for myself and have declared it as forbidden for you, so do not oppress one another.’’ [Sahih Muslim]
The Qur’an is very clear in stating that. Allah the Most High says:
‘’And, verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and (unfortunately) they are very few.’’ [Qur’an, 38:24]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) always adhered to the principles of justice and defending the oppressed, regardless of them being Muslims or non-Muslims.
The Qur’an stands for the preservation and for honouring ‘human dignity’ and humanity. Allah the Almighty says:
“We have indeed honoured the sons of Adam.’’ [Qur’an, 17:70]
‘Office’ must be handed over to those who are entitled to it, and to those who are competent to discharge it, and who could be trusted. To hold ‘office’ is inseparably linked, on the one hand with responsibleness, piety, righteousness, promotion of self-discipline, morality through Allah-consciousness, honesty, the fulfilment of promises, humility, sincerity, cooperation in good work, and on the other hand with avoidance of oppression, lying, arrogance, hypocrisy, etc. Allah the Most High says:
“Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do righteous deeds, that He will of surety grant you a political authority in this land as He granted it to those before them…’’ [Qur’an, 24:55]
In an address to the Prophet Dawud (Peace be upon him), Allah the Almighty says:
‘‘We have appointed you vicegerent on earth so that you rule among people with justice and that you follow not ‘hawa’ (whimsical desires), which distracts you from the path of Allah.’’ [Qur’an, 38:26]
A Muslim is bound to be an integral part of the system of his country or the country in which he/she lives. He/she should participate fully, sincerely, and truthfully, to contribute towards their countries’ aggrandizement, unity, peace, progress, and stability, provided that nothing is prohibiting the Muslims from practising their faith/religion.
The example of the Prophet Yusuf (Peace be upon him) is very supportive and illustrative of this responsibility. When the Prophet Yusuf (Peace be upon him) felt that he can, expertly and skillfully, participate in the affairs of his (non-Islamic) country for the sake of justice and prosperity, he proposes himself for the job as a minister of finance, an integral post in the then non-Islamic Egyptian government. Allah the Almighty says:
“And the King said: ‘Bring him (Yusuf) to me so that I may attach him to my person. And when he had spoken to him, (the king) said: ‘Verily, this day, you are with us, high in rank and fully trusted.’ [Yusuf then said]: ‘Place me in charge over the storehouses of the land; I am indeed qualified and knowledgeable (as regard the safekeeping of the national treasury/finance ministry).” [Qur’an, 12:54-5]
Islam stands for a ‘politics’ based on ‘morality’ founded on ‘Allah-consciousness.’
Respected Muslims! Today, there are some brothers here in Nigeria who call their Muslim brothers Non-believers (Kuffar) because of their participation in politics, governance etc.
Please let those brothers read the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) for them to know how serious this matter is.
Never ever call your Muslim brother kafir as this reverts to the caller if other person is Muslim…
May Allah the Almighty save and strengthen our Iman and increase our Knowledge of the religion Ameen.
Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:
“When a person calls his brother (in Islam) a disbeliever, one of them will certainly deserve the title. If the addressee is so as he has asserted, the disbelief of the man is confirmed, but if it is untrue, then it will revert to him.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
We learn from this Hadith that to call a Muslim a Kafir is strictly prohibited because if the one who has been called as such does not have the traits which makes him a Kafir, then the one who says it will be held Kafir.
Abu Zar (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) saying:
“If somebody accuses another of disbelief or calls him the enemy of Allah, such an accusation will revert to him (the accuser) if the accused is innocent.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
This Hadith also tells us that to call without reason any Muslim a Kafir or enemy of Allah is strictly prohibited.
Respected brothers and sisters! As Nigerians celebrate the two-year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, it is essential to recognise the transformative journey that is underway in Nigeria. The economic, political, and social achievements are not merely statistics; they represent a vision for a better, more prosperous Nigeria.
The path ahead will undoubtedly present new challenges, but with continued courage, determination, and a commitment to inclusive governance, there is no doubt that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lead Nigeria towards a brighter future In Shaa Allah. The foundation has been laid; the journey of transformation continues, and every Nigerian is invited to be part of this historic endeavour.
Together, we can achieve peace, unity and greatness.
Fellow Nigerians! My condolence messages goes to His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Khalifah Dr. Muhammad Sanusi II, to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf and the entire people of Kano State; to the Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Umar Bago and all the people of Niger State, to the Emir of Minna, to the families of the 22 athletes who tragically lost their lives in a motor accident while returning from the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State; to the families of all the people that lost their lives in the tragic flood disaster that happened in Niger State; and to entire Nigerians. May the Almighty Allah forgive their sins, shortcomings and failings; and give us the fortitude and patience to bear the irreplaceable and irreparable loss, ameen.
Respected brothers and sisters! For some of you who want to donate to orphans under our care and Islamic projects and activities FISABILILLAH, those who want to send their Sadaqah and Zakat, here are the bank account details:
- Account number: 0048647196.
- Account name: Murtala Muhammed.
- GTBank
Or:
- Account number: 1779691620
- Account name: Murtala Muhammed.
- Access Bank.
Allah the Almighty says:
“Verily, Allah will help those who help His cause. Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.” [Qur’an]
My beloved brothers and sisters! Wallahi we have done enough of those deeds and actions that Allah the Almighty despises and hates. This is our chance to rectify that…
Let’s do what is beloved to Allah, on the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, that are most beloved to Allah, and we ourselves can become beloved to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.
Jazakumullah Khairan as you kindly assit, help, donate and contribute to the cause of Islam.
May Allah Almighty accept your sadaqah and sacrifices, amplify your intentions, and bless you, your families with peace and barakah here and the hereafter, ameen.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.