We should repeatedly emphasize the importance of strengthening cooperation and understanding among Islamic scholars. This has never been more crucial than in the face of the daunting socioeconomic and security challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria. Islamic scholars, as custodians of religious wisdom and moral guidance, play an essential role in shaping the values and attitudes of the Muslim community. By fostering a united front and promoting collaboration among scholars, a collective effort can be directed towards addressing issues such as poverty, education, and economic empowerment.
Highlight the imperative to strengthen cooperation and understanding among all ethnic groups, especially the Hausa and Fulani. This is paramount in addressing the tangible socioeconomic and security challenges the Muslim Ummah faces in Nigeria and the broader aspects affecting the region. As two major Muslim ethnic communities, the collaboration between Hausa and Fulani fosters unity and solidarity within the wider Muslim community. By overcoming historical and cultural differences, these communities can pool their strengths to collectively address issues such as poverty, education, and economic development. This collaborative effort will fortify the Muslim Ummah’s resilience and create a foundation for sustainable solutions, fostering a more secure and prosperous future for the entire Muslim community in Nigeria and the region in general.
Call on the Ummah to fervently pray during this sacred month of Ramadan and beyond for peace in Nigeria and divine intervention in tackling acts of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, ethno-religious crises, and other criminal activities. We should also call upon all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the private sector, to collaborate effectively to address the root causes of insecurity and implement comprehensive strategies for its eradication. Let us emphasize the importance of investing in and strengthening Nigeria’s security institutions, providing them with the necessary resources, training, and technology to enhance their capacity to combat threats effectively. It is essential also to amplify and encourage the promotion of community-oriented policing, fostering trust between security forces and local communities, and the need to implement programs that empower communities economically and socially, addressing the underlying factors that contribute to insecurity.
Let us also use our respective podiums this Ramadan to advocate for the establishment of an expansive social safety net to provide immediate relief to the most vulnerable in our populations. In this regard, we appeal to the federal and state governments, to provide immediate relief and succor to the multitudes of the disadvantaged against the stifling economic hardships. In addition, we call on all governments to also consider organizing community feeding for them, in as many centres as possible, especially during the time of Iftar.
Reiterate our total rejection of the atheistic Western agenda preaching universal acceptance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQI+) in our society. We should make our voices clear to the Nigerian government that religious leaders are vehemently against any attempt to soften our country’s position and will support the government to remain steadfast in resisting pressure from Western powers.
With one voice, reiterate our total condemnation of the ongoing relentless genocidal oppression perpetrated by the Zionist government of Israel against the Palestinian people. Ulamah should call on the Nigerian government to more emphatically condemn the ongoing Israeli genocide of Palestinians and even consider severing diplomatic ties with Israel. We hope Nigeria has not totally lost the opportunity to stand on the side of justice and freedom, the two fundamental values it championed in the 1970s and 80s as a frontline country that led to the liberation of Southern Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia and Mozambique)
Ulamah should highlight the increasing moral decadence within Muslim communities in Nigeria. Traditional values of Islam that once anchored the society are clearly fast eroding, giving way to a range of ethical challenges. Instances of moral corruption, dishonesty, and a diminishing sense of communal responsibility have become more prevalent. This troubling trend not only undermines the core principles of Islam but also threatens the social fabric that binds our communities together.
In these challenging times, it is crucial that we uphold the principles of peace, unity, and understanding. We should preach against resorting to violent protests against the government and strive for dialogue and constructive engagement with governments to address our concerns. Islam encourages us to seek solutions to problems with our leaders through peaceful means only. Violence only begets more violence, and it is our duty as responsible citizens and followers of Islam to promote harmony and stability. Together, let us channel our grievances through peaceful avenues, fostering a culture of tolerance and cooperation for the betterment of our society.
Finally, we should, in unison, keep appealing to our governments to –
a.) Take concrete steps to address the issues of corruption, leakages, and wasteful spending. Corruption is like a cancer, destroying everything noble and undermining good governance principles. Here, it is perfectly justified to ask our leaders why ordinary Nigerians should be made to bear the brunt of insecurity, with trillions of dollars being spent on security agencies without positive results or accountability. Why should ordinary Nigerians suffer difficulties from power failure and its skyrocketing cost, with over ＄20 billion wasted on power, without positive results or accountability? Undoubtedly, we cannot reasonably expect solutions to issues bedevilling our lives until our leaders summon the political will to address the issue of corruption whenever, wherever and whoever is involved.
b.) Urge the federal government to re-examine the neo-liberal economic template guiding our policies and perish the thought of plans to totally abolish all subsidies and commercialize strategic public agencies without any semblance of social safety net to mitigate the attendant horrendous consequences on the population.
c.) Critically reflect on the implication of the proposed state police to ensure a balance between tackling insecurity, our social cohesion and the probability of abuse for personal and political agenda.
In conclusion, I express our profound gratitude to all our various stakeholders in the development of the social and religious well-being of our Ummah.
Allahumma A’izzal Islaama wal Muslimeen, wa azhillas Shirka wal Mushrikeen, wa dammir a’adaa’aka, a’adaa’addeen, wansur Ibaadakal muwahhideen, bi rahmatika, Yaa Arhamar Raahimeen. Wa subhaanakallahumma wa bihamdika, ash’hadu an laa ilaaha illa anta, astagfiruka wa atubu ilaika.
Wassalamu Alaikum wa rahmatul Laahi wa barakatuh
Sheikh Abdurrasheed Hadiytullah is the president of Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria
