Ramadan: Kogi JNI implores preachers to shun ‘bad’ preaching

By Musa Tanimu Nasidi

The Kogi State chapter of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has urged Muslim organizations and the entire Muslims in the state to ensure strict adherence to the guidelines of Tafsir (preaching) as stipulated by the national headquarters of the JNI during the forthcoming Ramadan.

The called was made by the state chairman of JNI , Ambassador Usman Bello,while addressing Newsmen in Lokoja on Monday.

He commended former governor Yahaya Bello and his predecessor Gov Ahmed Usman ododo for the wonderful supports they accorded Jama’atu Nasril Islam, the Umbrella Islamic organization in kogi state.

Bello further called on Muslims to “fervently pray for the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria and for the restoration of peace, security and stability in our dear country”.

The JNI chairman also appealed to all Nigerian Muslims to appropriately utilize the spirit of Ramadan by being more God-conscious through more recitation of the Qur’an and being faithful in the observance of the five daily prayers and also Taraweeh, a special night prayer, in congregation.

His Speech reads: “In the name of Allah, The Sustainer, The most Compassionate, The most Knowledgeable, The Most Merciful, The Most Benevolent,
The Beginning without any starting point and the end without any point of termination.
May peace and Blessings of Allah be upon our Noble and Last (SAW) and His Household and those wh phet, Sayyidina Muhammad and those follow His footsteps until the day of reckoning. I give you the best greetings and | say Assalamu Alaikum Warahamatullahi Wabarakatuhu.

We give glory to Allah (SWT) who made it possible for us to observe Ramadan Fasting in the year 1444AH, May He, in His infinite mercy make it possible for us to be part of many that will participate fully in the 1445AH Ramadan, and may He accept our Prayers, and Supplications. And instill His fears in our minds. Amin.
Today’s Press Briefing shall feature a review of guidelines being carefully put together by consensus of Ulama, Critical Islamic Jurists and Major Critical Stakeholders which have been considered, presented and accepted by the National body of Jama’atu Nasril Islam under the Leadership of His Eminence, Alh. Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, The Sultan of Sokoto mni,Gfr and president General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam/Supreme Council for Islamic affairs . We want to thank you profusely, for observing the guidelines of the previous years and hope You will all do the same this year. . As we begin Ramadan which automatically heralds the beginning of Fasting, Jama’atu Nasril islam (JNI) as the Apex Islamic Organization decided to hold this Annual Press Briefing in conjunction with all partnering Islamic Organizations, Ulama, Critical takeholders in the State, to enable the Ummah and its leadership know their responsibilities in the Holy month of Ramadan. It is therefore hoped that all concerned Islamic Clerics and Muslims generally will be guided appropriately as directed by the National Headquarters of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI).

In line with the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the announcement of moon sighting has been made by His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President — General of JNI.

I wish to thank all Islamic Scholars, Ulama, lmams and the Commentators of the Text of the Qur’an (Mufassirun) including their teaming followership for conducting last year’s Ramadan Programme in the best form of manner. | appeal to our opinion moulders in this direction to abide strictly by these guidelines as laid down by JNI Headquarters.

The guidelines as set out below shall apply in both the conduct of TAFSEER and genera Preaching as approved by the National Headquarters of JNI.

That the Central focus of Preaching/Tafseer shall be to explain the meaning of the Qur’an using the Qur’an, Hadith and the sound statements of the past renowned scholars with the aim of increasing fear of Allah and piety in the hearts of the Muslims.

That preaching should be delivered with major highlights on what is Halal and what is Haram and to enlighten Muslims to shy — away from all Mustabahats (Ambiguous things).

That the Ulama should not engage in controversial issues that are capable of dividing the Ummah and diverting attention from the problems affecting the Ummah.

That Preaching should address matters that will improve the individual Muslim, his family and the society in general.

That the Ulama should during preaching proffer solutions to problems that have become endemic in our society; specifically, corruption and injustice at all levels, political thuggery, adultery, Secret Society/cultism, witchcraft, ritual killings, breakdown of Muslim family system, gambling and intoxication.

That the importance of observing Salat (prayers) in its correct mode (from purification to the end) should be included in the opening or closing remarks of every preaching. That the correct ways of collection and distribution of Zakkat should be explained constantly during preaching session.

That the pathetic conditions that the Muslim Ummah finds itself in, like poverty, ignorance, illiteracy, backwardness and low socio ~ economic status should be addressed during preaching.

That preaching should at all- times take into consideration the Maslaha (Co-existence) of tlhe Muslim Ummah as a whole and emphasize the necessity of Muslim Unity, brotherhood and respect for differences of opinion.

As a reminder, JNI has stated that a Mufassir should be guided by the following provisions:

He should not promote or propagate his personal opinion or creed using the Tafseer platform.

2.He should use refined language and explanations during his Tafseer.

3.It is pertinent upon him to expand his knowledge horizon through researches and preaching.

4.He should understand the history of the community and the norms, values and customs of different communities.

5.He should avoid using the glorious Qur’an to protect blind followership or personal interest.

He should also eschew from using the Qur’an as a platform to attack others.

On behalf of all the Muslims in the state, | wish to express my profound gratitude and appreciation to the Kogi State Government under the leadership of His Exellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the wonderful supports accorded Jama’atu Nasril Islam, the Umbrella Islamic organization in all ramifications in achieving the above objectives which have been reported to the National headquarters of JNI under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji. Muhammadu sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President — General of JNI. We equally thank His Excellency for extending the same gesture to our Christian faithful through the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The promotion of peaceful co-existence of religious bodies by the state Government is commendable.

The Government has constituted a body of Inter religious Council to ensure that there is religious peace, harmony and tolerance among the Muslims and Christians in the State and it is working effectively.

Let me conclude this address by thanking you all for the sustainability of religious harmony in the state, and to enjoy our Imams/Preachers for the conduct of the year 1444AH Preaching/Tafseer which should be free of hate speeches and to remind you once again that the unity, peace and security of the Muslim Ummah is very essential. Let us strive to contribute our quota to ensuring peace, unity and understanding in Kogi State to the glory of Allah and Humanity. We should all therefore remember that every one of us will give account of his/her stewardship one day and fear Allah in all our activities and behaviours. Islam is a religion of peace and every one of us should adhere to this tenet tenaciously and be counted.

I want to thank you all and appreciate you for standing by JNI throughout the passing year and assure you all abundantly that JNI will not disappoint you and Islam in our quest to promote Islam in Kogi State and by extension in Nigeria. We hope that we will continue to enjoy your support and commitments at all times. | wish you all a very rewarding and beneficial Ramadan.

May Allah bless Kogi State in particular and Nigeria as a whole. The following traditional Rulers could be contacted on matters concerning Islam in the State: 1. His Royal Majesty, Alh. (Dr.) Ahmad Tijanni Muhammed Anaje Vice President-General JNI-08036816506