By Muhammad Isa Ahmad
Sheikh Muhammad Mahmoud Turi has expressed concern over the rampant cases of abuse and trample of women’s rights in Nigeria, citing the example of the abduction of over 200 female students in Chibok.
Sheikh Turi made the statement over the weekend during the grand finale of the birthday of Sayyidah Zahra (SA)’s birthday attended by people from all segments of the society in Kano.
He lamented that, in Nigeria human rights, and especially women’s rights are constantly being violated at will, while their status is degraded. “Do we just look on why these atrocities and sponsored senseless killings are going on unhindered?” he asked rhetorically.
He said, the only way out is strict adherence to genuine leadership on the path of Allah, adding that Sayyidah Zahra (SA) should be a role model to all for humanity to attain salvation.
Sheikh Turi further said, the short life span of Sayyidah Zahra (SA) was full of lessons worthy of emulation, adding that she was endowed with all divine virtues and excellent qualities because of the purity of her soul, “not only because she was the daughter of the Holy Prophet”.
He pointed out that, Sayyidah Zahra (SA) shares excellent qualities with the rest of the Ahlul Bayt, while she has outstanding exclusive qualities, giving references from Ahadith of the Holy Prophet (SAWA) to buttress his point.
He said, it is reported from the Prophet that whoever wants to enter Paradise without judgment should adhere strictly to the Ahlul Bayt; whoever extends salutation (Salaam) to Fatimah Allah will forgive his sins, and Allah will also link him with His Beloved Prophet.
He therefore urged people to intensify studies and research on Ahlul Bayt and true Islamic teachings, which was why, he said, Sisters of the Islamic Movement in Kano zone placed an award of a brand new car for any Muslim sister outside the fold of the Movement that brings at least 20 hadith of Sayyidah Zahra (SA).
Turi reminded members of Sheikh Zakzaky’s message on Yawm Zahra (Zahra Day, International Women’s Day) regarding love and affection towards women. He also commended the Sisters’ Forum in Kano for keeping alive the spirit of Fatimah through annual remembrance of her birthday as enlightenment activity.
In her remarks, Malama UmulKhair Abdul Yasar from Tijjaniyya h group expressed delight with the manner at which members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky are uplifting the status and glory of Prophet Muhammad and his Ahlul Bayt.
She called for unity among Muslim groups, and urged Muslims to emulate students of Sheikh Zakzaky, whom she described as pacesetters.
Pastor Yohanna Buru of the Evangelical Church in Kaduna was also guest speaker at the occasion. He described Sayyidah Zahra (SA) as the Mother of the Infallible Imams that must be respected by humanity irrespective of creed. He tasked Muslims to be steadfast in the way of the Holy Prophet and his Ahlul Bayt as Sheikh Zakzaky is demonstrating.
He reminded members of the Islamic Movement of the blessings on them by Allah for having Sheikh Zakzaky in their midst. “Following their path is a great blessing, if one is to attain salvation”, he said.
Winners of this year’s Sayyidah Zahra (AS)’s birthday celebration emerged. Na’ibawa ci and Kura circles took first position, Sabon Titi and Malam Madori zones came second, while Kawo and Gumel came third.
Highlight of the occasion was award presentation, songs of praise by the Movement’s cream of poets, parade and cutting of cake in honour of Sayyidah Zahra (SA).
Malama Maimuna Abdullahi conducted the closing prayer.