By K. Isa
The Resource forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria organized Sallah feast at Husainiyyah Baqiyyatullah zaria on Saturday the 18th of Oct 2014. Several personalities attended the feast, they include Evangelist Musa D, Misal who is the Chairman of Youths Wing of Christians Association of Nigeria North East,
with H/Q in Gombe. Pastor Gayus Iswa Mahdi of ECWA Church, Gombe and Alhaji Musa Kito who represented the District Head of U/Mu’azu, Kaduna.
Others are pastor Yohanna Buru from Kaduna, Pastor John Ayuba Duchi, CAN Soba Local Government branch and Alhaji Habibu of Blue print newspaper.
The aim of the feast is to serve as a get- together with people of various groups and religion.
After the lunch, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, started his speech by explaining the circumstances which led to the delay in holding the feast earlier.
He elaborated that, of recent, the Muslims celebrated the Eid Adha where they emulated the sacrifice of Prophet Ibraheem (alaihis salam) who was commanded by Allah, as a test, to sacrifice his son Ismail(AS). Ibraheem (AS) passed the test and with this passing he could sacrifice anything for the Allah’s sake. Lack of sacrifice plunged the nation into misery and problems facing everyone. Yet, it seems no one is ready to sacrifice.
Without sacrifice no change. Change is possible only when some sacrifice their lives to save others. This is the teaching of Prophet Ibraheem and Imam Husain peace of Allah be upon them.
Imam Husain (alaihis salam)’s sacrifice saved Islam at a time when others used it for power. His sacrifice differentiated true Islam from religion for power. Though, following the true religion while having power is obtainable, however, in a situation where the leader deviates one must stick to true Islam.
Similarly, in this month there was another day of celebration for the followers of Ahlulbayt i.e Ghadeer. Ghadeer is marked to commemorate the day the holy Prophet(SAWA) appointed Imam Ali (alaihis salam) as his heir and guide of the Ummah after him. He took the position of the Prophet as a leader. Ali is the heir of the Prophet and Interpreter, per excellence, of the holy Quran.
Again, today coincides with the day the Christians of Najran visited the holy prophet (SAWA) in Madina. They even prayed their type of prayers in the holy mosque of the Prophet.
There was discussion between them and the holy Prophet (SAWA) on the issue of (Prophet Isa alaihis salam)-Jesus Christ. Their differences regarding Jesus made the holy to invite them for Mubahala to invoke wrath of Allah and punishment on liars, to which they refused to attend for being aware of its consequences. Their masters informed them that they should never engage the prophet and his members of Ahlubayt in Mubala for the fact that their names are recorded in their scripture as people whose prayers are answered by Allah. The Christians of Najran resorted to reconciliation with the Prophet so that each shall go on with his view.
Muslims are Christains are close in love
In the holy Qur’an Allah says “ … and you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers are those who say, "We are Christians." That is because among them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant.” 5: 82
The Christians are close to Muslims in love.
It is unfortunate that the verse ‘o ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for friends’ is wrongly translated by many to mean Muslims shall not take Christians and Jews as friends.
The verse was revealed regarding a situation in which both Christians and Jews were ally to Meccan Pagans to fight the holy Prophet. It was in this context the verse was revealed and the verse is referring to that case.
Still in this month there is another historic event- the sacrifice of Imam Ali and his family members. They gave out their food altogether to beggars who knocked on their door seeking for food at the time of breaking fasts. They gave all they had for three consecutive days and suffered hunger. Thus, appreciating their sacrifice, Allah (SW) sent down heavenly food for them to eat and even commanded them in his holy book.
All I’m saying is toward developing the spirit of sacrifice for others. This is the teachings of all Prophets of Allah (alaihimus salam). Alas, the main problem is that everyone is concerned with himself alone. Selfishness and greed become the order of the day in people lives. Nowadays, One can hear a statement as: ‘let them all go to hell, it is none of my business’.
This kind of mentality of ‘only me’ makes it impossible for people to sacrifice for others. It is the spirit of sacrifice which is lacking.
It is well known fact that every society respects its heroes. Example of this is the Hezbullah which enjoys respects of their people. Hizbullah members gave lives to protect their people against Israel.
So, sacrifice is the teaching of Prophets and Ahlubayt(AS). For instance, Imam Hasan (alaihis salam), at one time, heard his mother fatiman Az-zahara(salamul lahi alaiha) praying intensively for her neighbors while forgetting herself. He asked why she was only concerned with neighbor. The Chief of Ladies of the worlds answered “neighbour first, then house’ ie. We shall show concern to neighboour first, then ourselves’
There is need for sacrifice, as it benefits are not confine to making name only, there is reward from Allah of abode in paradise.
So, each shall look inward to see what kind of sacrifice he/she will offer, as failing to so will bring about a bad consequence.
In very society one can notice development and progress, whereas ours is moving in the reverse gear. So we have to sacrifice and failing to do so, others will surely do it now or in the future.
