By Salisu Sani-Idris

An Abuja-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahya Al-Yolawi, on Friday emphasised the need for Muslims to exhibit good character in dealings with all human beings regardless of their social status in the society.

Al-Yolawi, who is the Chief Imam of Nurul Yaqeen Jumma’at Mosque Life Camp Abuja, gave the advice while delivering his Jumma’at sermon titled,” the Significance of Good Manners in Islam.”

The cleric said that good character would be the heaviest righteous deed to be placed on a person’s scale of deeds on the day of judgement.

According to him, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)said no deed would be placed on the scale of deeds on the day of judgement will be heavier than good character.

Al-Yolawi added: “Indeed, a person with good character will attain the rank of those with a good record of voluntary fasts and prayers.

” It is one of the deeds that leads people to enter paradise the most.

“When the Prophet was asked about which act leads people to enter paradise the most, he replied, piety and good character.”

Al-Yolawi said that perfection of noble character was one of the most important objectives of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) mission to the world.

He said: “The Prophet Muhammad once declared I have been sent to perfect noble character.

“This statement makes it clear that one of the reasons behind the Prophet’s mission was to elevate and perfect the moral character of the individual and society.

“Noble character is part and parcel of belief when asked about the best of the believers, the Prophet replied that they are those who have the best characters and manners.

” In fact, the Qur’an uses the comprehensive Arabic word birr to refer to faith. As the Qur’an stated righteousness (birr) does not lie in turning your faces during prayer to the East or to the West.

“Rather, those with true devoutness are the ones who believe in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book and the Prophets.”

According to Al-Yolawi every time Allah commands the believers to perform an act of worship, He draws their attention to its moral significance or its positive effect on the individual and society.

The cleric said: “Examples of this are numerous and include the followings; the prayer: “ establish the prayer, for the prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds.”

Al-Yolawi also said the Muslim faithful pay the obligatory charity payment, Zakkat from their wealth to purify and cleanse themselves with the act.

He added: “Besides showing kindness and giving comfort to people, zakaat refines benefactor’s character and purges it from evil practices.

” Indeed, noble character characterised muslims’ relationship with all members of society: There is no difference whatsoever between rich and poor, black and white, Arab and non-Arab, or a prince and a pauper.

” Allah commands us to show kindness and courtesy to everyone without exception, for justice, kindness and mercy are aspects of good character which a muslim observes in his words and deeds with Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

” A Muslim ought to embody good character traits as a means to call others to this great religion of Islam and noble character is not confined only to human beings.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Stakeholders at the Intl Human Fraternity Day Celebration in Abuja.

By Bridget Ikyado

His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has advised Nigerian leaders to promote human dignity and oneness in line with the Human Fraternity Rules to enhance peace in the country.

Onaiyekan gave the advice in a key note address to mark the International Day of Human Fraternity.

The event, which held at the Catholic Secretariat on Tuesday in Abuja, was organised by the Department of Mission and Dialogue, supported by Caritas Nigeria.

It had the theme ‘Interfaith Relations in Nigeria; Diversity, Dynamism and Strength’.

The Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together is also known as the Abu Dhabi Declaration.

The Declaration was signed by Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on February 4, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirate.

The cardinal outlined 11 points which should be adopted by individuals and leaders to promote unity, peace and progress in every society.

He listed the points to include belief in the oneness of God, human dignity and equality before the law, religious diversity, and the importance of family in building a nation.

Others included care for children nurtured through marriage, and abhorrence of homosexuality in any form.

“Respect of human life is absolute; abortion, mercy killing and murder are crimes and sin,” Onaiyekan said.

He noted that the document was emphatic on the fact that there should be no killing in any form in the name of God, and declared that terrorists were ungodly and irreligious.

Onaiyekan said that every responsible person and leader should condemn kidnapping and other forms of terror as part of the drive to ensure a peaceful society.

“The dignity of women is to be recognised and women are to be given full dignity,” he said, adding that leaders should expunge laws that undermine women.

Onaiyekan also prayed for peaceful and successful elections in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had lay faithful, clergymen and other stakeholders who sued for peace and unity in the country. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

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Edited by Ephraim Sheyin

Clergymen at the prayer meeting 

By Bridget Ikyado

The Archbishop of Methodist Church Abuja, His Grace, Michael Akinwale and some other clerics on Saturday urged Nigerians to pray for free, fair and credible elections in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the clergymen made the appeal during a prayer meeting organised by the National Hospital Abuja Chapel, in collaboration with Green Flames Film and Television Academy.

Akinwale said the present situation in the country necessitated prayers for the peaceful conduct of the general elections.

The Archbishop who preached on the topic “The battle Christians face in politics”, believed that only fervent prayers of the righteous would prevent any form of violence or distractions.

He prayed God to give Nigerians peace, guidance and understanding to make informed choices of political leaders during the general elections.

According to him, the only solution to bad governance is the election of righteous leaders.

He said God will not forsake Nigeria, adding that “God is looking for men and women who will stand in the gap, as the scarcity of righteousness makes evil prevail.”

Similarly, the Presiding Bishop of the Dominion Chapel International Church, John-Praise Daniel, advised Nigerians to shun politics of bitterness.

“We need to remember that peace and unity has bonded us together and no politics of bitterness should try to separate us.

“We have to engage in issue based politics; Only God should choose our leaders.

“Let us shun politics of tribe, bitterness and religion, we must vote right to change the narrative, so we can put our nation back on track,” he said.

Also, Pastor Godwin Idowu, Presiding Elder of the National Hospital Chapel, reminded Nigerians that their unity was sacrosanct.

”As we pray and prepare to vote, it is good we note that the nation needs a servant leader, the nation needs people with the heart to sacrifice,” he said.

The Founder and President, Green Flames Film and Television Academy, Appiah Simon, said the event was organised to pray for the nation ahead of the elections.

She added that the event would be used to enlighten the youths on the dangers of electoral violence.

“We have NYSC members and various groups of youth here and they form the majority in the electoral process, so we will use the avenue to talk to them.”

She urged Nigerians to vote competence and integrity, while advising all politicians to avoid politics of rancour.

A film maker, Dimbo Atiya, who spoke on the role of the media in the electoral process, urged journalists to abide by the ethics of the profession, as their reports could make or mar a nation.

NAN reports that prayers were offered for the country and INEC to conduct peaceful and free elections.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Mrs Rukayyat Atiku, wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has enjoined Muslim Women, especially the hijab wearers to always exhibit good conduct wherever they find themselves.

Mrs Abubakar gave the advice at a public lecture to mark the 2023 World Hijab and World Cancer Days organised by the Coalition of Muslim Women, held at the Abuja National Mosque, on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the title of the lecture was: ‘Hijab: More than Just a Covering’, delivered by Madeenah Sanni, Founder, Mtalks Life and Marriage Coaching.

Atiku said the commemoration of the world hijab day across the globe was a reminder to all the Muslim Women that wearing of hijab was an act of worship.

Represented by Sen. Zainab Kure, she said wearing of the hijab had been existent since when Islam started as a religion.

” Of course, wearing the hijab is not just a necessity but a must. Therefore, the hijab wearers must cultivate and imbibe the culture of Islam.

” Like the title of the lecture say it is beyond adorning in Hijab. It has to do more than wearing the hijab. It has to do more with the behavior of the person wearing the hijab.”

Also, the wife of the former Vice President, Mrs Amina Namadi- Sambo, urged Muslim women to realise that wearing of hijab was not just about covering the body, but ensuring good conduct.

Represented by Mrs Aisha Bukar-Ali, founder and Coordinator, Diabetic Help Enlightenment Organisation, Namadi-Sambo, reiterated her commitment to continue to support hijab awareness campaign in the country.

She said: “A hijab wearer is expected to do everything in accordance with the Islamic injunction and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ( peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).”

On her part, the Coordinator of the coalition, Mrs Rahamah Sani, emphasised the need for all private and public institutions to understand that the use of hijab by the Muslim women was an obligation not a choice.

According to her, just like observing five daily prayers and fasting are compulsory, so also the wearing of hijab is mandatory on Muslim women.

She added: ” So, if we can be allowed to practice our religion, observe five daily prayers, go for hajj and other religious obligations, why can’t the hijab be accepted?

” And so far you have seen even legal cases against institutions that opposed the use of hijab have been taken to courts and we have won many times.

“All we are saying is that, please institutions should accept that wearing of hijab is not a choice, but a religious obligation and we should be allowed to dress the way our creator ordered us to do.

” Because, the right to religion is a fundamental human right and wearing of hijab is part and parcel of our faith and therefore, we should be allowed to dress the way our religion dictate without any form of discrimination.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the event was a subsidized cancer screening and sensitisation by the Mission for Education, Social and Health, an NGO, with the theme, ”Cancer Care: the Role of Muslim Community”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Bridget Ikaydo

Deaf persons in the Federal Capital Territory have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct special enlightenment programme to educate them on the forthcoming elections.

They said that so far, there has been no programme to educate deaf persons on the electoral process, especially the new processes introduced by INEC for the elections.

The deaf persons expressed their concerns on Thursday during a sensitization programme for deaf women on Voter Education and Mapping in Kuje Area Council of the FCT.

Mrs Hellen Beyioku-Alase, the Executive Director, Deaf Women Aloud Initiative, said the situation may likely disenfranchise some of the deaf people, if not addressed.

“We want government through INEC to include the deaf in the election exercise, to vote and be vote for.

“The programme on voter education is to enlighten many girls and women who do not have access to vote because of communication barrier.

“There are no interpreters; there are new processes introduced by INEC to be used to vote, but because of less information and interest to educate the deaf, many of them are reluctant to go out and vote.

“We have over 30 million deaf people and only a few vote; we decided to organise this on our own to sensitise them on the voting processes,” she said.

According to her, INEC has so far shown low level of concern on the matter.

Beyioku-Alase, who is also the President, Deaf Women Association, said the deaf needed to exercise their civic responsibilities as citizens.

She also called on security agencies to protect deaf people during the elections, as they needed to be guided from harm.

Also, Anthonia Onda, Senior Programmes Officer, YIAGA Africa, who made a presentation on voter education, said the deaf needed information on what to do and how to go about it during the elections.

“We urge INEC to get sign interpreters to ensure they are carried along,” she added.

She told the deaf people that they could vote, be voted for and act as agents for various parties.

Mr Shama Balami, Programme Officer YIAGA, educated the participants on the use of BVAS.

A participant, Godiya Akun said with the sensitization, she was no longer afraid to go out and vote.

She appealed to INEC to keep to their promises to ensure people with disabilities were given attention during the elections.

Also, Mrs Enuiyin Bose, a Counsellor, thanked the association for the enlightenment, especially on how people with disabilities would be carried along.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised in collaboration with ABIODUN ESSIET Initiative For Girls, with support from the US Embassy.

It was aimed at promoting the participation of deaf girls and women in the ongoing political process.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Founder of the Love of Christ Generation Church, Rev. Esther Ajayi, has urged Christians to back their prayers with action by getting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and vote in the forthcoming general elections.

The cleric, also known as Iya Adura, gave the charge in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Ajayi enjoined Christians to exercise their civic duties by voting to install their preferred leaders in the forthcoming elections.

She noted that her charge was not to belittle the importance of prayers but to stress that prayer alone is not enough in the matter.

“My advice to Nigerians is to look at this card I’m holding, this is my PVC. It is your power.

“I wanted to talk to my people about it today but that didn’t happen because I had to come here. It’s my agenda for our meeting next week.

“The PVC is your power, don’t lose it. Go and vote; that is the only way you can change whoever is leading.

“At least your conscience tells you that you’ve got to vote. So, go and vote!

“Prayer will help you. Prayer is important, but when you carry out the practical aspect of prayer, it enhances the prayer, and makes it go straight to God,” she said.

Ajayi also hinted on how Nigerians could navigate the year 2023 successfully and tagged the year as “2023: the Year of Possessing My Possessions”.

She urged Christians to be more graceful, and more loving, quoting that the Bible described love as the principal virtue.

Ajayi also called on Christians to develop and nurture relationships just as Jesus Christ.

She, however, advised Christians to be mindful of acquaintances with ulterior motives, but as much as possible have peace with all men.

“There is a place for healthy interpersonal relationship. That’s what Hebrews 12:14 tells us.

“That is the counsel of God, and the benefits are not just personal but goes a long way,” she said.

Ajayi also noted that though globally, times are hard, but Christians in response to the economic difficulties should stay prayerful and try to improve on their approach to evolving innovations and technologies.

“Times are changing fast, and unemployment rate is increasing.

“Even well-educated people are finding it difficult to get jobs, and this puts extra strains on families.

“But with prayers and the right attitude to emerging fields and current technologies, I’m sure Nigerians will have better chance,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Uchenna Eletuo

Some Muslim women on Sunday expressed  love and care to one another to mark the annual Ummahaat (married women’s) Day.

The event organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN),  Lagos State Unit, included enlightenment on cancer prevention and treatment.

The event, held at Yaba College of Technology , Lagos State,  had the theme:  “Seasons and Anchors”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a  team of medical experts enlightened participants on early cancer  detection, management and treatment.

Participants had an opportunity to hear from an oncologist and a cancer survivor.

The prevalence of the disease, especially in African, has become a huge concern to governments, individuals and organisations.

The guest lecturer and oncologist, Dr Balikis Mabadeje,  said that upsurge of the disease and its increased human casualty index in the developing world, had become worrisome.

According to her, many people are unconscious of the risk factors.

“Use of contraceptives is a common cause of cancer in women. Pills contain agents that have the capacity to trigger a cancerous body system.

“An improperly-treated infection can inhibit the body system and cause hormonal disorder that can lead to cancer.

“Early and late menstrual periods can pre-dispose one to cancer.

“A girl that starts seeing her period before age 12 and a lady that, at age 62 still sees her monthly cycle, stand the risk of having cancer,” she said.

The expert said that massive body weight should be discouraged, adding that such should be reduced through light exercises in order to prevent one from being prone to cancer.

She advised  women to embrace routine  check-up for early detection and treatment of cancer.

She decried stigmatisation on cancer patients, saying that showing care and love to them would go a long way in helping them to recover.

A cancer survivour, Hajiah Adekoya Meslimat-Olamide, said that adherence to prescribed medication was important to survival.

Meslimat-Olamide encouraged women to maintain good life-styles.

She added that adequate relaxation and light exercises were helpful. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Ijeoma Popoola

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Chief Imam of Area 10 Garki, Abuja Mosque, Sheikh Yahya Al-Yolawi has cautioned Muslims against indulging in unlawful sexual intercourse to avoid severe punishment in this world and in the hereafter.

Al-Yolawi made the call while delivering his Jumma’at sermon titled, ‘Evil Consequences of Fornication and Adultery,” on Friday in Abuja.

He said fornication and adulterywere some of the highly self-destructive and major sins in Islam, adding that an adulterer was one of the three people Allah would not talk to in the day of resurrection.

He said that islam as a religion was very much concerned with establishing decent moral standard in individuals within the community, thus constituted laws that promote chastity and regulate strong sexual desires in a bid to control them.

Al-Yolawi also said that Islam encouraged remaining firm in faith (Iman) and warned against transgressing the limits of Shari’ah laws by all means.

The cleric said:”Islam has preserved people’s dignity and protected families from being mixed. Therefore, fornication and adultery are forbidden and classified as major and destructive sins.

” Islam has forbidden not only committing fornication but everything that could lead to it , such as mixing of the opposite sexes.

“Others are immoral exchange of looks between the two sexes, immoral words, seductive moves between a man and a woman or being in seclusion in a room, office, car, phone, shop, online and anything else which could lead to this awful sin.

He also listed three people to whom Allah, the Most High will not talk, nor will He forgive them of sins nor look at them: An aged person guilty of adultery, a King who lies and a poor beggar who is proud

Al-Yolawi said fornication and adultery had personal, religious, social, economic, and health consequences such as; poverty, constant humiliation and disgrace as well as darkness of face that would be obvious to people and darkness of the heart.

He added: ” Fornication and adultery combine all evils; weakness in commitment to the religion, as we can see lack of piety, destruction of mind men and women and the decrease of praiseworthy jealousy.

” You will never find an adulterer or fornicator who is pious, fulfills his promises, truthful in his speech, maintains friendship or has protective jealousy over his wife.

“He will be characterized by lies, deception, betrayal, devil- agents and not being mindful of Allah.”

Al-Yolawi condemned the increasing rate of indecent dressing of matured ladies in offices, campuses, parks and other social gatherings.

The cleric also enjoined Muslims to avoid online and offline temptations and keep away from anything that might stimulate desire.

They include: Looking at the opposite sex with desire, talking, touching, shaking, kissing, hugging, watching sex pictures and movies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani