] Watch] Civil Society Practical steps for the unity

Hajiya Bilkisu

Twith

he last two articles published in this column titled Ramadan Strategy for Muslim Unity reported on the pre-Ramadan event that focused on the unity of the Ummah. They highlighted the outcome a national conference organised by the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) with the aim of discussing issues related to the multifarious challenges affecting Muslim Ummah’s unity in Nigeria. The conference was chaired by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of JNI, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar. Papers were presented by Muslim scholars and leaders of Islamic organizations from all parts of Nigeria. Five papers were presented, including that of Sheikh (Dr.) Haroun O. Ajah who was the Guest Speaker, Sheikh Sani Yahya Jingir, Sheikh Qaribullahi Nasiru Kabara, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi among others..

Papers were presented and extensively deliberated by discussants who added additional perspectives to the topic addressed by the main speakers. Some time was also provided for questions and answers from the audience but time constraints did not allow for a more robust discussion of issues raised in the technical sessions. The paper presenters were drawn from the various groups such as leaders of Tariqa and Izala movements as earlier reported in this column.

There were representatives of various Muslim Women’s groups. During the break between the opening ceremony and the technical sessions we exchanged views. The sister sitting next to me said she was amazed at the body language of some of those who have been known for their contentious and divisive style of preaching who seemed to have hanged their garb of hostility. I cited various efforts I had witnessed where attempts were made to unite the rival groups by bringing their leaders to meet, eat and pray together. At such dialogue forum, the leaders would come down from their hills of hostility and sing the tune of unity but as soon as they returned to their followers, they jettisoned the understanding reached to promote unity and resumed their mudslinging against other scholars who do not belong to their group or disagree with them.

Against this background, the spirit of accommodation and unity among the paper presenters was remarkable. Some of the speakers and participants were delighted by what they recognized as a further move towards uniting the various groups and ending the rivalry and Pull Him Down (PHD) syndrome among the ulama.

The conference communiqué signed by the Chair of the Local Organising Committee, Prof S.W Junaidu and the JNI Secretary Khalid Aliyu Abubakar made vital observations on the challenges facing the Ummah and provided practical steps for achieving unity. It observed as follows:

-Although the Muslim Ummah is faced with a multitude of challenges in Nigeria, disunity seems to be the greatest challenge that prevents the Ummah from harnessing its immense potentials and moving progressively on the path of development and progress.

- Ignorance and personal interest are among the vices that aggravate disunity among Muslims.

- It is Allah’s divine will that human beings will always have diversity and differences in their understanding and interpretation of religious issues.

- The Sokoto Caliphate was built on Taqwa (piety), knowledge, justice and strict adherence to the laws of Allah.

- Coming and working together as a community and as a people are essential for survival of citizens and ensuring peace, security and development in Nigeria.

- Since the introduction of the JNI Pre-Ramadan meetings by His Eminence, the Sultan, there has been a remarkable reduction in the level of rivalry , condemnation of others and a general steady improvement in the conduct of Ramadan Tafsir.

- Nigeria is witnessing difficult times with belligerent insurgency, incessant killings, maiming and abduction of innocent citizens in the country, especially in the North-East zone. The conference then resolved as follows:

- Diversity and heterogeneity should be seen as sources of strength by all Muslims rather than basis for mistrust and hostility. Hence, the appreciation to Allah, the Most High, for His guidance in closing the gaps. For peace to reign, and for Muslims to live in mutual trust, respect and dignity, leadership of all Muslim groups should imbibe the culture of healthy intellectual dialogue and exchange of goodwill.

- Muslim scholars should desist from all abusive statements and acts which are capable of causing disunity and disrespect among the Ummah.

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- Contemporary Nigerian Muslims have a lot of practical lessons to learn from the legacies of the Sokoto Caliphate triumvirate, i.e. Sheikh Usman bn Fodio, Sheikh Abdullahi bn Fodio and Sultan Muhammad Bello.

- In discussing issues of religion, scholars and their followers should always stick to the Islamic ethics of managing disagreement as expounded by the Quran and Sunnah and explained by pious Islamic scholars.

- In the forthcoming Ramadan, Muslim scholars are urged to consider the spirit of love, cohesion and compassion which Ramadan stands to teach, and use their Tafsir programmes to instill in their listeners the fear of Allah and the spirit of love, hard work and compassion towards others. All those conducting Tafsir should strictly adhere to the Tafsir Guideline developed by the JNI and agreed upon by all members.

- Muslims and Nigerians in general should follow the path of truth and justice for peace to be achieved in Nigeria.

- The Federal Government of Nigeria is urged to intensify efforts in tackling general insecurity in the country.

- Considering the universal acceptability of dialogue in resolving crises, insurgency and all other forms of insecurity, the Federal Government of Nigeria should also consider the dialogue option.

- Leaders at all levels of governance should abide by the rules of accountability and justice as the surest means to peace, stability and development.

- As we approach the month of Ramadan, traders of foodstuff and essential commodity sellers are implored not to take undue advantage of the Ramadan period, by increasing prices.

The impressive conference was declared open by the Rt. Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Barrister Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, Matawallen Sokoto, and was attended by His Excellency, Alhaji Saidu Usman Nasamu Dakingari, Sarkin Fulanin Gwandu, the Governor of Kebbi State; HRH, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, CFR, and other amiable Emirs.

Notably also was the presence of the Muslim Ummah of SouthWest Nigeria (MUSWEN) and a good representation of Muslims from the South-East and South-South. Special prayer was conducted by Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, OFR, for the departed souls of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero, CFR, Emir of Gombe, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Shehu Usman Abubakar and Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Shehu Idrissa Timta. In the same vein, prayers were offered for the successors of the late emirs and also for peace, security and development in Nigeria.