By Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai
As the saying goes, “Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” – Benjamin Franklin.
According to Aretha Franklin, “you cannot define just one thing. You can’t just forget all these wonderful and good things that a person has done because one thing didn’t come off the way you thought it should come off.”
These sayings will serve as a guide for seriously taking caution when uttering a false accusation, as everyone will always get what they deserve at the end.
Their remarks against the person of Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i could be said to be too late, as the former Governor already stands tall and has gone far.
The funny allegation that El-Rufa’i hate reciters alone clearly shows where the reciters group, through its spokesperson Sheikh Sidi Ali, stands in the eyes of the public.
One might keep on wondering how comes reciting the glorious Quran (a highly rewarding act of Ibadah) became something to be used for worldly gains?
Is recitation a source of earning a living? What is the status of non-members who recite ? Again, are their actions and utterances in accordance with the teachings of the Glorious scripture.
Their utterances and allegations are controversial and inflammatory in nature, whereas their body language and outbursts are indirect answers to the questions above.
As such, it reveals clearly what they represent in terms of their character.
So, it is considering the contents of the statement issued by the spokesperson of the reciters’ organization, Sheikh Sidi Ali, describing Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i as a divider and someone who has no place in public service.
Where was this coalition when the Middle Belt Forum alleged that Malam Nasir was working with another group to turn Nigeria into a Muslim country?
Ignorance is not an excuse; as such, one should understand a person or scenario before delving into allegations and condemnations.
They may wish to also refer to another statement by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN Kaduna State chapter, around March 2023, to ascertain who the real dividers are and who promote religious politics that eventually will lead to losing conscience, compassion, and progress.
The gravity of false accusations is indeed a serious one because false accusations are worse than backbiting.
It’s certain that this transgression is the most wicked of attacks upon the prestige of a person or believer.
Allah SWA, the most high, said, “And whoever commits a fault or a sin, then accuses one innocent, he indeed takes upon himself the burden of calumny and manifest sin.”
He also said, “Surely (as for) those who speak evil of Allah and his apostle, Allah has cursed them in this world and hereafter, and he has prepared for them a chastisement bringing disgrace.”
Similarly, the Holy Prophet Muhammad S.A.W said, “Anyone who falsely accuses a believer, male or female, of what is not in him on the day he will be raised, he will remain in Tinat Khabal until he is released from it.”
Rasul S.A.W also said, “Anyone who falsely accuses a believer, Allah will imprison him in the pus from sexual organs of prostitutes, until he is released from what he said.”
As the old saying goes, knowledge is power, and every Muslim is obligated to seek knowledge regardless of their gender, age, and social status.
Before one utters a word, let him check and cross-check. If Allah decrees goodness for a person, He gives him the understanding of the religion.
The reciters Group needs to know that Islam is not only a belief but also a complete way of life.
It’s the identity that Muslims worldwide must hold firmly and practice strictly, as stipulated in the Glorious Quran.
No matter the situation, a Muslim is a brother to a Muslim.
As a religious or community leader, one should be mindful of what comes out of his/her mouth as disgruntled politicians could indirectly use them.
Also, their romances with certain groups of politicians in Kaduna would earn them nothing but the loss of conscience and dignity.
Religious groups should not allow themselves to be used for mischief-making or achieving selfish political interests.
For instance, the protest by some few elements under the group who called themselves ‘Secure the Nation,’ that the Senate should not clear Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i for ministerial appointment is obvious.
The issue raised by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, as well as mischievous allegations of revocation of land titles and allocating the same to family members, is laughable.
From all indications, these are indirect political issues being peddled through Groups and coalitions.
El-Rufai seems the most criticized politician in Nigeria for no reason than being bold to take difficult decisions no matter whose ox is gored.
That notwithstanding, he is admired and respected by right-thinking citizens who are guided by their conscience.
As such, whether or not his haters like it or not, he is and will continue to remain not only relevant but a key player in the nation’s political space.
His track record is there for anybody to see. Surely those who watched his seamless screening at the Senate chamber must have realized this. His nomination for a ministerial appointment by President Bola Tinubu and eventual screening by the Senate have put shame to the politico-religious associations.
For now, they have two options: repent and seek forgiveness from Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and the almighty Allah for the mischievous allegations that attract Allah’s punishment, or continue with what they have started while shame and failure await them at the end of their actions.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the writer and do not reflect those of Daily News 24 or its associated entities.
