Short satirical reflections on faith, society and the uncomfortable truths we avoid. First published in the Rabil-al thani/Jumadah Awwal 1443 AH (2022) print edition of The PEACE Magazine.

By Abdulfattah Abdussalam

Sheikh Gumi’s Prescription

The truth is that Nigeria as a country is ailing. Self-inflicted ailments, like banditry, kidnappings, terrorisms, cattle rustling and militancy. All over the country, we live in fear. Commuters cannot safely commute, private vehicle owners are scared driving their cars, students dread going to schools, farmers cannot till the lands, and thus the farms remain uncultivated. In this situation, rational thinkers will be thinking the way out for the country. And like a patient, distinguished Nigerians are suggesting prescriptions for her treatment. In all the prescribed, solutions Sheikh Gumi prescription attracted much criticism. Gumi says to have meaningful solution the bandits and bellicose, should be asked, why their ways? He opined, Nigeria and Nigerians should first ask why their defiant postures and how best that can be resolved without further bloodletting. Of course, he is right. If going by matter arising from his contacts and meetings with the bandits, the government has to do more to arrest the situation. War is won through a multi-faceted approach and, talking to these people seems a good way out, particularly if handled by sincere and brave Islamic Clerics like him. We can save lives, resources and more importantly, ensure food security by talking them out of their barbaric attitudes. His prescription, though bitter seems farfetched effective and more appropriate. War often ends on the table of dialogues and may also not start, if dialoguing is applied.

License to Preach

If going by what is being said in the Media about an Executive Bill in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, asking for clerics (Muslims and Christians) to apply for licences from the State government before they can be allowed to preach their Faith, then we can say it is an exercise being carried too far. Such Bill is against the freedom of speech, association and religious persuasions as entrenched in the Nigerian supreme book, the constitution. What would such bill achieved in a State that is religious volatile and polarised? It will rather aggravate the situations. Malam El-Rufai needs more than a coercive Bill, to achieve harmonious co existence in the State. Rather, interfaith dialogue should be encouraged as well as periodic workshops for the clerics to abide by what the Holy books preach. Similarly, populist polices and economic empowerment of Kaduna State residents and citizens are the ultimate solutions to the religious restiveness in the State.

Is it Greed or Investment?

Islamic teachings are based on the Laws of Allah, the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad and consensus of Ulamah. It recommends witnesses for transactions, no matter how little such is and ask Muslims not to trade in ambiguity or speculative business. Across Nigeria, many seem not to heed this imortantb admonition. Many are investing, with the view that such investment market to them, on the tissue of lies, would fetch them huge returns on their investments. Some promise 30percent as returns within three months and, some 40 per cent monthly returns. These promises often turn out to be scams. Today, several Nigerians have lost billions of Naira in these Ponzi investments and many are dead as a result of it. The investments turned out to be scams. Islam forewarned in the Quran says: “O you who believed!

Intoxicants and gambling, the dedication of stones, and divination by arrows, are an abomination of Satan handiwork. Eschew such abomination, that you may prosper” (Quran 5:90). No wonder regrets, gnashing of teeth, and losses follow such odium transactions. Satan is their guidance and, they are a member of the satanic party. They deserve no pity but reprimanding. If going by the Islamic teachings, they are pushed by greed, cupidity and the devil because it comes under gambling. A Muslim that is involved in such might also gets punished on the Day of Judgement. May Allah forgive our errors.

Editor’s Note: Truth Is Bitter is a weekly reflective and satirical column drawn from the “Front of the Book” pages of Peace Magazine. It seeks to provoke introspection, not hostility; reform, not ridicule.