34TH EDITION OF VOICE OF THE MIMBARR: NIGERIA CURRENT SITUATION: BLAME NOT ANYONE- BY DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE

25-08-2023 CE/09-02-1445 AH

Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim...

It has come to our notice that some members of the society particularly Muslims currently accused Imams and Scholars of being the architects of the current socio-political imbroglio in Nigeria. According to them, the Imams and Scholars supported the current politicians during the election. Some used their pulpits to campaign and advise on voting for particular set of people and political parties.

Such members claim that the current economic mess which arose from subsidy removal would have been averted. This people had sooner forgotten that almost every Presidential Candidates in the 25th February, 2023 election made fuel subsidy removal an agenda for manifestos to re-engineer the economy.

Nevertheless, while the Imams and Scholars might be doing the expectations arising from weighing the pros and cons of putting the 'Aliens' in position of authority, the questions that come to right-thinking mind include 'what involvement do these people put in place for better people to emerge as candidates for the political parties? How many of these people engage in politics at the grassroot level, got recognized and actively participate in the Executive? We are not oblivious of the fact that the substantial number of these people dwell in artisanship who find it unnecessary to create time to attend political meetings in the communities. Research shows that most of them do not only have voters card not to talk of voting during elections. Claiming that daily engagements do not allow them to involve in politics puts them in perpetual relegation which subject to being workarholic but realizing insignificant resources. This is apart from the fact that most of them are perpetual evaders of statutory tax payment in their multitude to the detriment of good governance often clamoured for in the polity. 

Apportioning blame appears utterly inappropriate for courtesy demands looking inward at the point of any distraction and dis-satisfaction to re-assess the right step which ought to have taken for future correction. This is the thrust of this discussion. 

The noble Messenger Muhammad (SAW) held a conference with the Companions where out of curiosity he was pestered to seek for divine interventions in the face of hardship faced in propagating Islam to static to which he was immediately given response. "Mata nasru Llah? Ala inna nasra Llahi qarib" meaning: "When is the help from Allah would be occasioned? Surely, the divine help in around the corner."

It is on this note that the Messenger Muhammad (SAW) enjoined all and sundry 'Not to blame season for anything, for doing so amounts to blaming the Owner of the  season (Allah) in retrospect.' The Hadith quoted bears relevance from the angle of all hands being on deck and taking necessary actions at the right time rather than saying that someone else is responsible for any woe. 

 Exampli gratia, political power has become a necessity for someone and a society that desire better living particularly in Nigeria today. It probably suffices to add the sarcastic exclamation of the former Ghanian President, President Kwame Nkruma thus: "Seek yee first the political power, and every  other things shall be added unto you." As corruptible fashion of the Biblical expression this statement might be, its relevance to Nigeria situation appears in-estimable.

Adaptively, a poetical stance makes similitude of the current situation while it submits as follows:

1. Surprise indeed the circumstances of people;

In whose Imbeciles the administration is domicile.

2. Where whose resources appear utterly questionable;

Assumes leadership and the honourable follow.

3. Astonishingly you find in them among others;

Pious ones becoming ostracized strangers.

4. So, you lounge for better life of celebration;

As real donkey assumes lion's disposition.

The above poem describe the lopsided nature of merit in terms of position of authority in Nigeria. Our society is where the competent hands abdicate responsibilities for the lesser qualified. The better qualified could not have performed better but for the situation of godfather and unbecoming attitude of the political elders.

Above all, the Glorious Qur'an 28:77 concerns Muslims with four main rules of engagement including: looking forward and preparation for future (life after death); leaving a life of celebration; goodness to others in all ramifications; and avoiding havoc in dealings with others.

It deposits when placing on record a directive given unto Qarun during the period of Prophet Musa: "But seek with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you the home of the Hereafter, Nor forget your portion in this world: but do you good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief." 

The Qur'an portion implants greatly on both Godly and humanly goodness in life. Using personality to savage political situation amounts to Ibaadah (worship). Politics and engagement in its like.

DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN,

Imam Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Ipaja Branch, Lagos State.

- Nigeria