By Sheikh Muhammad Mahmud Turi
In the name of Allah who states “O apostle! Deliver what has been revealed to you from your Lord; and if you do it not, then you have not delivered His message, and Allah will protect you from the people; surely Allah will not guide the unbelieving people” Q5:67
Peace and blessings of Allah be upon His noble servant, our master Muhammad and his oppressed progeny.
Let me start by thanking Allah for giving us the opportunity to witness Zulqaadah, the eleventh month of Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months with a number of historic events. Believers are highly encouraged to put more efforts in worship with a view to acquiring the pleasure of Allah the Most High.
Birth of Imam Ali al – Ridha which occurred on the 11th day, in the 148th year after hijra is of the most brilliant events. “There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with understanding. It is not an invented tale, but confirmation of what went before it, a detailed exposition of all things and a guide and mercy to any such as believe” Q12:111. His father was Imam Musa al – Kazim and mother Najmah nicknamed Ummu – banin (as).
Bukhari and Muslim have narrated that the messenger of Allah has said: “I shall be succeeded by twelve religious leaders, all of whom shall be of Qurayshite origin”. The Imam was brought up under the spiritual guidance of his father for thirty five years. After succeeding his father, he has faced great enmity and hostility from the ruling class who assassinated his father before his eyes.
Many of his followers were imprisoned and those outside the bars were afflicted with untold hardships. However, the Imam bravely followed the footsteps of his grandfather, noble messenger Muhammad (s) in a peaceful manner which resulted in the strategic widespread of his teachings.
Like his predecessors, the Imam was finally poisoned which resulted in his martyrdom on 17th Safar, 203 after hegira at the age of 55 leaving behind 5 sons
“Deem not that Allah is heedless of what the iniquitous do; He is only deferring them to a day when eyes shall stare” Qur’an 14:42
For the Imam’s refusal to join the oppressive regime, he attained martyrdom losing nothing and remained a great and highly respected Islamic personality honored by Allah that remains indelible in the face of history. Reference could be made to books of history for details.
THE 40TH DAY PRAYER
The 40th day prayer for the 34 brothers murdered on 25th July by the military after the peaceful procession was held last Wednesday principally at Zaria. The prayer as particularly known in Islam was also held at thousand other places – mosques, Husainiyyat and centres – across the world. Ad’iyatu Jaushanul Kabeer, Alqama, Mujeer and Tawassul were among the prayers recited generally on four goals; Firstly, for the repose of the innocent and gentle souls of the murdered. We prayed to Allah to accept them as martyrs, grant all their wishes, elevate their heavenly position and place them in the great custody of Imam Husain (as), the chief martyr. As Allah immortalized their names for the great sacrifice they have made, may He also amplify their remembrance throughout history. Secondly, for the families of the 33 martyrs above all leader of the Islamic movement sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) whose three sons were deliberately murdered in cold blood. To them, we prayed to Allah to give them more fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, grant them all their wishes in the criminals behind the heinous act, honor and reward them for their patience, perseverance and reliance on Him over the tragic event.
Thirdly, on the criminals, the heartless and blood – thirsty that brutally executed the murder, their close and distant masters and their supporters across the world. We know some like Lt. Colonel Oku, but undoubtedly Allah knows all of them. To them, we prayed to Allah to give them a befitting punishment on their barbaric act in this world and hereafter. O Allah the exalted in might, the irresistible and the invincible, we have neither power nor ability but you are powerful and able over all things, show us your immediate power and ability on these culprits that brutally killed our innocent brothers and sisters! O Allah never actualize their goals and ambitions at all, send your inevitable wrath and anger on them and accord them most disgracing chastisement in the hereafter! and: Fourthly; for the Muslim – ummah which is deliberately engulfed by conspiracies of its enemies across the world. How did Islam become a thing of the past that it is now likened to terrorism? The comments of renowned non – Muslim philosophers of the past centuries are still very much enlightening. So we prayed to Allah to guide, support and emancipate this Ummah from the predicament and raise it above all nations in the world.
These prayers are very important and should continue unabated. Yes, the arrogant murderers have guns and take pride in their satanic action. Together with their local and International masters may laugh or belittle our reaction of consistent prayers and cries to Allah the most High. We know you are ignorant of Allah the creator and disposer of all affairs and disregard His commands, but no doubt, you will see His inevitable action.
We will also acknowledge the prayers offered by some churches over the barbaric murder for Allah’s revenge and fortitude for the various families to bear the loss. Because as we said and repeated, the International Quds day is globally observed primarily on human ground, not even religious. As such all sorts of people partake; a prominent figure is George Galloway, the member of British parliament and some countries like Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru, Palestine, Iran and Turkey who expressed much concern and called for justice over the tragic event.
THE ENEMIES OF THE ISLAMIC MOVEMENT The diverse nature of sympathizers to sheikh Zakzaky (H) over the brutal murder of his sons and students was a clear testimony of his significant role and peaceful relations in the society.
The sheikh’s effort in promotion of peaceful coexistence and ethno – religious tolerance is widely recognized. His stand has undeniably made tremendous impact in general Muslim / Christian relations not only in Zaria or Kaduna where his home is considered safe abode to ethno – religious victims, but indeed throughout Nigeria. During the 2011 post – presidential violence, the medical wing of his movement actively provided first aid and medical care to innocent victims irrespective of tribal and religious inclinations in most northern states, just as they provide same whenever the health sector goes on strike.
In every Ramadan, the sheikh would host some Christian leaders in a goodwill gesture. Pastors Yohanna Buru, national chairman, peace revival and reconciliation foundation of Nigeria and Maxwell Sanda of evangelical intercessory fellowship, Kaduna traditionally honor such invitations after which the need for closer ties and peaceful coexistence are stressed. This move is worthy of emulation by both sides as no development is possible under a situation of chaos and bloodshed.
No doubt, the sheikh symbolizes peace, knowledge, truth, patience, trust, bravery and responsibility just as his enemies symbolize violence, ignorance, mistrust, lies, impudence and irresponsibility.
And in contrast to his opponents his writings and speeches are always full of wisdom and consideration.
ENDLESS PRAYERS FOR THE SHEIKH
As the sheikh said in a number of interviews, his life is threatened after killing his three sons based on the evidences he put forward. In fact, he spoke of a list of people planned to be killed in the Islamic movement. However, our lives are in the hand of Allah from whom we pray and seek for protection always.
At this juncture, I want remind all brothers, sisters and other well-wishers to never relent in their daily prayers for Allah’s special protection with regard to the sheikh. We pray to Allah the omnipotent to protect the sheikh as he protected prophets Musa (as) under the pharaoh’s regime, Ibraheem (as) from the fire of Nimrud, seal of the prophets (s) and Sheikh Uthman Danfodio and Imam Khomeini respectively.
We should never forget this in all our gatherings and daily Witr after the night prayers when his enemies are busy in their deep sleep. At the same time we should never forget the murderers of our innocent brothers. Let them face the full wrath of Allah in this life and beyond. Let them never achieve their goals and remain cursed and blameful in the books of world history and meet the most disgracing punishment of Allah in the hell.
Evidently, justice is the base for all development. So the need for government to bring the murderers to book has been repeatedly emphasized, hence the need for action. From the words of Albert Eiinstein peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding.
Wassalamu alaikum waramatullah.