ISLAMIC ETIQUETTE OF FOOTPATH

Assalaam Alaykum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuh

  Oh Muslims! The fear of Allah is the virtue of all goodness and thanking Him for His grace is douth. The utmost of His grace is favouring us with the path of the blessed ones — the religion of Islam.
 Allah says;
“Rather, Allah has conferred favour upon you that He has guided you to the faith}” [Al-Hujraat: 17]

  It is no gainsaying on the part of every subservient servant of Allah that His commandments should be our utmost regard. Premised on this, Allah legislates on all the affairs of Muslims which no gray area can we lay our hands on. He enjoins the need to seek knowledge, which its understanding fashions a brilliant atmospheric well-being of all Muslims.

 It is fundamentally established in Islam that the wisdom and rulings of footpath and etiquette both in the Quran and words of our beloved Prophet are more than what this century could consume.
Allah says;
“And the servants the most Merciful are those who walk on earth easily, and when the ignorant address them (harshly) they say peace” [Al furqan: 63]
 
  Likewise the Prophet of Allah (may peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) was reported to have said; “Beware of sitting in the roadway. They say; Oh Messenger of Allah , we must have places where we can sit and talk together. The Messenger of Allah said, if you must sit there then give the roadway its right.. They asked what is the right of the roadway oh Messenger of Allah. He said lowering, refraining from causing annoyance, returning the greetings, commanding the right and forbidden the wrong”[Reported in Bukhari and Muslim]

  In another Hadith, the Prophet (may peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) was also reported saying; “your smiling in the face is a charity, enjoining the good and forbidden the evil is a charity, your guiding a man that has lost his way is a charity, your leading the blind is a charity, your removing of stones, thorns and bones from people’s path is a charity and you putting some water from your bucket in your brother’s bucket is a charity for you”.

 The above cited authorities are some Islamic ethics as regards footpaths. To every Muslim, our modern day society has been driving us long away from our ideal Islamic sense of reasoning to what we call an organic sense of Western distortion. We tend to jettison our diamond for the pebbly desires  of this world without paying attention to the gradual extinction of our Islamic etiquettes, one of which is the theme of this write up. Everyone who professes Islam is expected to inculcate these etiquettes as a means to ease peace and tranquillity in the society at large.
 Allah says:
“Those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish worship and pay poor due (Zakat) , their reward is with Allah and no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve”.[Al- Baqarah:277].

 It is thus evident that Allah enjoins the roadway be given its right, the following will serve as an outline of Islamic etiquettes while using the footpath. Muslim males and females alike are expected to be modest and walk with dignity by avoiding stamping the feet while using the footpath in order to preserve the identity of an ideal Muslim. Offering the Tasleem (word of peace) to every Muslim without differences and also replying to same.
The Prophet said; “ you will not enter paradise until you believe and you will not believe until you llove one another. Shall I tell you that which will strengthen love between you? Spread (the greeting of )Salam among yourselves. Reported by Muslim..

Tasleem should be given preference with regard to greeting while using the footpath (as well as other places). Lowering the gaze while using the roadway. Allah says:
 “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze  and be modest . that is purer for them lo! God is aware of what they do” [An Nur: 24].
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest…” [An Nur: 25]

Allah instructs all believers to lower their gaze as a safeguard for preserving their modesty and chastity, to fall victim of Shaytan’s evil whispers and plots as man will account and be rewarded for every bit of his actions as evidenced in surah al Zalzalah verses 7 and 8.
 Neither should a footpath serve as a rendezvous nor should it be for unnecessary prolong greetings.
 Muslims should avoid walking arrogantly and proudly as a result of their status or calibre in the society.
 Removing all forms of harmful objects without underrating any from the footpath for even this is a sign of Iman. The Prophet said ; “Iman has more than seventy branches. The most excellent among it is saying that there is no God but Allah and the smallest of it is to remove an obstacle from the wayside. And Haya(modesty) is an important branch of  Iman”[ Reported in Bukhari]
Showing ways to travellers or visitors in your environment, Helping those in hardship and avoid sitting on the roadway.

Moreover, women should avoid walking in the center of the road because this may involve wanton display and they should prevent their adornment from being revealed.

    Without limitations to any, Muslims are expected to be the agents of appropriate social change, the tools for an environmental orderliness through their ideal knowledge of truth from falsehood, modest from obscene changing every community to a better one. It is on this note that I raise my pen and submit that; when we learn, we should practise and keep on striving for steadfastness. May Allah root our feet on the path of righteousness. Aameen.
           
                                             Assalaam Alaykum WarahmatuLlahi  wa bbarakaatuh
                                                  
                                           
Written by: Hassan Taiwo Monsuru  (Abu Abdir Rahman bn Hassan)

Al-a'shura and at-ta'sua (The ninth and tenth days of Muharam); remembering its Sunnah, caution against innovative worships and following the wrong doers

Ar - Risalah (The Message)

Monday, Muharram 9, 1441 (9/9/2019)
#Issue 6

As salamu alaekum warahmatullahi

Al-a'shura and at-ta'sua  (The ninth and tenth days of Muharam); remembering its Sunnah, caution against innovative worships and following the wrong doers.

Bismillah wa solat wa salam ala rosulilah.
In the name of Allah, May the benediction and peace of Allah be upon the prophet. We give thanks to Allah, the One who made Islam a blessing for us.
In every days, weeks and months of the year, there is always a blessing for Muslims.
This episode of Ar-risalah bothers on the;
–Remembering the Sunnah of the 9th and 10th days of Muharam.
–Cautious against innovative worships and following the wrong doers.

1. Remembering the Sunnah of the 9th and 10th days of Muharam.
The 10th day of Muharam is the most significant of the above. It is a blessed day which is equivalent to the day Prophet Musa(ASW) and the children of Isreal was freed from the autocratic leadership of Pharaoh. Historians have also deduced that the 10th day of Muharam is equivalent to the day Prophet Nuhu (ASW) left the Ark Allah asked him to build after the unbelievers had perished. Similarly, in islamic history, it was equivalent to the day our Prophet may the peace of Allah be upon him arrived Medina. In one of the traditions of the prophet may the peace of Allah be upon him related by Ibn Abass ( may Allah be pleased with him ) said: "The Prophet ( peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of 'Ashura' . He said, 'What is this?' They said, 'This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.' He (SAW) said, 'We have more right to Musa than you.' So he (SAW) fasted on that day and commanded [the Muslims] to fast on that day." [ al-Bukhari, 1865].

Ibn Abass also related; " I never saw the Messenger of Allah ( peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of 'Ashura' , and this month, meaning Ramadhan." (Bukhari, 1867)
 √ Fasting on the Ninth day; the sunna of fasting on the ninth day is deduced from the tradition of the Prophet where the Prophet said;
 ' If I live until the next year, I will certainly fast on the ninth day' (Muslim 1134). Scholars gave two major reasons for this hadith in its explanation.
 The first was; Muslims should fast on the ninth day of Muharam to be different from the people of the book who also fast on this day. Infact the people of Quraish even fast on this day before the call of the Prophet. Aisha (RDT) related that the Prophet fasted in Mecca on this day before he migrated to Medina. So to be different from other religions was the main reason Muslims should fast on the 9th day.
 The second reason is to be on a safe side as to if there was a mistake in the counting of the days or sighting of the Moon.(see Al-fatwa al-kubra part6).

2. Caution against innovative worships and following the wrong doers
Any act of worship which is done even for the sake of Allah which is not on the path of the Prophet is in vain. There is no reason behind congregational prayers, congregational dinners, special prayers and night vigils on these days. Muslims should not exceed the limit set by the Prophet and the ones that followed the early Muslims.
Those we mean here as the wrong doers are the Shittes. They have a very tight connection with the day of Ashura. They mourn the death of Husayn Ibn Ali the grandson of the Prophet on this day. They engage in different types of mourning habits, like striking themselves with chains, knives, sword on different part of the body all in the name of mourning. As if that is not enough, they rain curses on Aisha the wife of the Prophet, Abu bakr, Umar and Uthman (may the peace of Allah be upon them). They go on pilgrim to the tomb of Husayn Ibn Ali and observe the prayer called; "ziyart al-ashura" facing the tomb of the Prophet's grandson.
Muslims should avoid celebration on this day lest they become a wrong doer.

3. Virtues of fasting on Al - 'ashura
Fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ does expiate for the past year sins, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah' I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162.

May Allah ease our Affairs.

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Ibn Haroon "Akewshola" - 08172523485

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Hijra; The prophet migration in Islam; milestones, lessons and cautions

Ar - Risalah (The Message)
#Issue 5

As salamu alaekum warahmatullahi

Hijra; The prophet migration  in Islam; milestones, lessons and cautions.

Bismillah wa solat wa salam ala rosulilah.
In the name of  Allah, May the benediction and peace of Allah be upon the prophet. We give thanks to Allah and facilitate with our fellow brothers and sisters in Islam for the blessings of living up till this time. We beseech Allah to make us witness another and many years of hijra to come.
This episode of Ar-risala shall feature;
–milestone events of Hijra
–lessons of Hijra
–and caution against innovative acts that arise from Hijra celebration.

1. Brief history of Hijra
Writing a whole series of stories of the prophet's migration from Mecca to Medina will result to nothing but repetition of the effort of the earlier writers, scholars and historians who had written enormously on this topic. However, because the story is important to our religion and in the life of every Muslims. We shall point briefly to milestone events relating to the prophet's migration.
The proclamation of prophecy by the Noble prophet as ordered by Allah and his frequent preaching of the words of Allah to the people of Mecca led to the persecution of the Prophet and his few followers. Some of them were harrased and killed. It was unbearable that he had to ask a few Muslims under the leadership of Jafar (RDT) to migrate to Absynia (Ethiopia) in the year 615 CE. The persecution persisted and this time the Prophet and his few followers were restricted indoor to pray. During this time he lost his first wife and afterwards his uncle. This persecution continued from the people of Mecca and also the people of Toif stoned him mercilessly when he approached them. All this led to the Migration of the Prophet from Mecca to Yethrib (Medina) in 622AH. He sneaked out of Mecca with his friend Abu Bakr the first Man to accept Islam among the Early Muslims. He was received by the people of Yethrib (Medina) with good hearts and kindness. Soon after, the people of Yethrib began to accept Islam in numbers. The Muslims of Mecca began to sneak into Yethrib in numbers leaving behind their properties and families. The Prophet soon established a State at Yethrib and it was subsequently known as Medinat Rasul (The City of the Prophet). The early Muslims who migrated to Ethiopia came back in Dozens at a moment when the Prophet was celebrating a victory in one of his battle. The territory of Islam began to expand and the people of Mecca later surrendered to the Prophet begging for his Mercy.
 Allah thus said;
إنا فتحنالك فتحا مبينا(١) ليغفرلك الله ما تقدم من  ذنبك وما تأخر ويتم نعمته عليك ويهديك صراطا مستقيما(٢)
1. Surely, We have granted you a clear victory (O! Prophet)
2. So that Allah may forgive you your shortcomings, whether earlier or later, and may complete His favours upon you and guide you to the Straight Way.
In 638CE or 17 year after the Prophet's migration when Umar was the leader of the Islamic States, he designated a calender system that counted from the year of the Prophet's migration.

2. The lessons of Hijra
The lessons of Hijra cut through every aspects of Muslims life. It goes beyond the religious lessons alone. It also encroaches on muslims life economically, socially and culturally. Muslims should learn the following lessons from the Prophet's Hijra;

  *Holding steadfast to the rope of Allah; No matter what happened to the Prophet he held to the rope of Allah and never let it off. The people of Quraish offered him the position of a king and treasures but he never let the love of life pull his covenant with Allah down and so he excelled.
  *Determination and Sturdiness; No matter what the pagans of Mecca did to the Prophet and his followers they were determined. The sufferness was so much that the enemies were forced to ask; "When will the help of Allah come?". Irrespective of the persecutions and harassments they suffered, while some of them were even Murdered! the Muslims remained sturdy and beared with the situations. So they surpassed every living being at the end.
  *Sincerity and strong believe; They never underestimated the Prophet and his God. They stood with him, believed in impossibilities – unseen. They risked their life in the cause of Allah and at last they attained the position which no one had ever attained. As for the hypocrites, they suffered the pain and curses which anyone had never suffered.
  *Leaving behind what you Cherish for better; The Prophet left Mecca with sadness, he had no hope, no foresight of what would happen in future, all he had was the promise of Allah. Because they believed strongly, he and his followers left all they had behind at Mecca for a place where they did not know anyone. They took the risk and became the World best!
In essence, the foregoings are key ways to success in every aspects of life. First, have Faith in Allah, work towards it, endure the pains and you will get to the peak of your ambition or attain a position which no one has ever attained. Allah says;
والذين جاهدوا فينا لندينهم سبلنا وإن الله لمع المحسنين
But as for those who strive hard in Our cause We shall most certainly guide them onto paths that lead unto Us: for, behold, God is indeed with the doers of good (Q29:69)

 3. Caution against innovative actions that arise from Hijra celebration.
For every thing, there are conditions and guidelines. Islam frowns at innovations and insincerity in acts of worship. It is important to note that;

√ The Hijra day is not an Eid day (festival day) as some people do think. Sidelining this day to be a day of eid like other eid days is strange in Islam and has no evidence from the traditions of the Prophet and the early Muslims.

√ There is nothing more in this story than to learn and reflect over the wonders of Allah in the lives of early Muslims and so set a standard of living from their own stories.

√ All acts of celebration to make this day special such as; rallying round, organizing a party and the likes should be shuned to avoid innovations in islam.

May Allah ease our life for us and count us among the early Muslims whom He promised the paradise (Amin).

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Ibn Haroon "Akewshola"
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Ghashiyah Challenge: Let Us Take Caution

Ar-Risalah (The Message)

#Issue 3 (Special edition)

As salamu 'alaekum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

#Ghashiyah_Challenge: Let Us Take Caution.

The revelation of the Qur'an is a guidance to man ___ healing of all ailments and a Book of Eternal Bliss.

Muslims have the duty to preserve the Book through learning, recitation, memorization, studying and spreading its teachings in order not to be amongst the category of people who desert the Qur'an as Allah said in Surah Al-Furqan, Verse 30:
وَقَالَ الرَّسُولُ يَا رَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِي اتَّخَذُوا هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ مَهْجُورًا

"And the Apostle cried out: O my Lord! Surely my people have treated this Quran as a forsaken thing."

In order to encourage Muslims to learn and memorize the Qur'an, a lot of competitions have been staged locally, nationally and internationally and outstanding performances at these contests are usually awarded with a lot of prizes.

Although, some scholars disapprove Qur'an competitions for reasons like __ it is not revealed for that purpose, more so, people compete with the intent of winning the prizes alone, and a lot of other reasons. On a contrary note, many other scholars approve Qur'an recitation and memorization competition based on a number of evidence from the Shari'ah.

Scholars who permit Qur'an competitions have nonetheless admonished participants to engage in it with sincere intentions and see it as a means to encouraging the learning and memorization of the Qur'an.

Just about last week, the social media witnessed yet another Challenge but this time, it is a challenge on reciting some verses in Suratul Ghashiyah with the elongation of voice without taking a breath.

Without delving into much, who started it and why was it started? The challenge cannot be disproved in its entirety as it encourages one to learn the Qur'an and it equally lays another path of engagement rather than the usual challenges on immorality and immodesty. However, we seek to admonish the enthusiastic Muslim youths who want to partake in this challenge to take caution and abide by the following guidelines:

* The Qur'an should be recited with the ethics of recitation and Tajweed.

* One who cannot recite the Qur'an should not partake because of the saying of our Salaf that says: "Many are those who recite the Qur'an and the Qur'an curses them." ( See what Imam Gazal told Anas in Ihyahu Ulumi Ad-din 1/274).

* Rather than dedicating more time to partake in the challenge without proper recitation, one should reflect and ponder over the meanings of the verses. It is the Khawarij sect that read the Qur'an for the sake of reading. The Prophet says;

"......ﻳﻘﺮﺃﻭﻥ ﺍﻟﻘﺮﺁﻥ ﻻ ﻳﺠﺎﻭﺯ ﺣﻨﺎﺟﺮﻫﻢ“
"They read the Quran and it does not exceed their throats"  see (Al-Fatawa Al_Islam 25570, 9265, 25436). This means that, they do not bother to reflect on the Qur'an.

* To the ladies, do not use this opportunity to reveal your nudity all in the name of #Ghashiyah Challenge.
Allah says;

"ما أنزلنا القرآن لتشقى"

"In no way have We sent the Qur'an upon you for you to be wretched" Q:2:20.

In fact, only ladies that are properly covered using the Burka should engage in the challenge. It is a clip that may reach anywhere and everywhere in the world. Hence, care should be taken lest Fit na will be caused.

* It is not compulsory to read with an elongated voice. Qur'an can be read at your pace with carefulness and ease.

* Rather than subjecting the Qur'an to an Instagram or WhatsApp challenge, let us all challenge ourselves to go back to Madrasah and Circles of Knowledge to acquire basic Islamic Knowledge.

In conclusion, #Ghashiyah Challenge cannot be condemned on the face of it but the modalities employed could lead to its prohibition.

May Allah grant us better understanding of the Deen.
_____________________________________
Ibn Haroon "Akewshola" 08172523485
Dan Saliu
08098323948

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Lessons from Eidul Adha

Ar-Risalah (The Message)

Thursday, Dhul Hijjah 14, 1440A.H
(15/8/2019)

#Issue 3

As salamu alaekum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

Lessons from Eidul Adha

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The 1440A.H Eidul Adha was indeed joyous as Muslims all over the World celebrated in grand style just as always. The three Days After the tenth Day of Dhul Hijjah were also days of celebration and merriment __ eating and drinking. We give thanks to Allah for making us witness the Eid.
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Now that the festival is over, the lessons from the Eid should not be forgotten so soon and Muslims must ensure that the lessons manifest in their daily lives.

1- Piety:
Allah calls the attention of all Muslims in Surah Al-Hajj, Verse 37 to the importance of Piety over the Feast.
Allah says:
لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

"There does not reach Allah their flesh nor their blood, but to Him is acceptable the Piety i. e guarding (against evil) on your part; thus has He made them subservient to you, that you may magnify Allah because He has guided you aright; and give good news to those who do good (to others)."
Anyone who feels the size of his Sacrifice (Animal) or the quantity of its blood would earn him rewards without Piety should have a rethink.
In whatever act of worship we engage we must always do that piously to earn handsome rewards from Allah.

2- Generosity:
On the day of Eid, it was difficult in most places to identify who slaughtered and who did not slaughter animals because everyone had enough to eat. The rich gave to the poor and everyone was so generous to exchange sallah gifts with their neighbors, kins and kiths. Alhamdulillah, it was Òdun Ayò for everyone. Now that Eid has gone, let us relent not in giving out charity to the poor and the needy because the Prophet of Allah (SallaLLahu Alayhi Wasallam) admonished in the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“There is no day on which the people get up but two angels come down and one of them says, ‘O Allaah, give in compensation to the one who spends (in charity),’ and the other says, ‘O Allaah, destroy the one who withholds." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1374; Muslim, 1010.

3- Unity:
The Unity of Muslims fostered by the Eid celebration cannot be overemphasized. On the day of Eid, all Muslims trooped out in large number with their families and friends chanting the Takbeer and going to the praying ground for the same purpose. This reflects the Unity admonished to us in Surah Aal-e-Imran, Verse 103:
"وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا"
"And hold fast by the covenant of Allah all together and be not disunited..."
The Unity amongst us should not pass away by the passing of the Day of Eid.

5- Decency:
On the day of Eid, the Muslim Brethren trooped out in a well-groomed agbada and Jalabs and the Muslim Sisters were seen in their Khimars and Abayas. Your modest look on the day of Eid that conforms with the stipulation of the Shariah should remain your daily outfit. Islam gives credence to morality and does not tolerate nudity of half naked dressings. One of the lessons of Eid is that you appear before Allah always in a modest outfit guided by the regulations of the Shariah. Is it only on Eid day that you appear before Allah?

There are many more lessons derived from Eid and we hope that all lessons would manifest in our day-to-day dealings.

May we witness many more Eidul Adha (Ameen)

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ETHICS OF EID

Ar - Risalah (The Message)

Thursday, Dhul al-Hijja 7, 1440 A. H (8/8/2019)

#Issue 2

As salamu alaekum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu.

ETHICS OF EID
Eid Al-Adha is here again! Alhamdulilah.
Eid is named 'eid' because it is celebrated annually and consistently. ( Fathul Bari 6/171). It is the recommended tradition of the prophet that every Muslim should be happy and rejoiceful on this day. In this episode of Ar-risala we shall discuss briefly the etiquettes of eid viz a viz the prophetic traditions and the doings of his early successors. It's very much important for us to note that eid is a blessed day where Allah showers his blessings upon Muslims. We should not do things that would in turn anger Allah on this day. Rather, we should receive these blessings by following the commandments of Allah, the paths of prophet and that of his good early successors .The following are the guides on how to celebrate a good eid;

1- Taking the ritual bath of eid. It related by al-faryabi to sayib bin al-musayib that he said; The sunna of eid al-fitr are three: Walking to the prayer ground, eating before going out, and taking the ritual bath". Sahih ja'mi (3/104).

2- Wearing the best of your cloths without extravagant. (Bukhari 948), Imam Malik says:' I heard that the people of knowledge loves cleanliness and adorement on the day of eid' (Ibn Qudamat, Al-mugni 2/274). However, dressing in an illicit  way is not allowed. for instance when a woman wears make up without covering them up among others.

3- It is not permissible for Muslims to fast on eid. Abu seyid Al-khudri relates that the prophet says; "there is no fasting on two days; the day eid of fitr and adha".(Bukhari 2/61).

4- It is Sunna not to eat anything on the morning of eid before the eid prayer and until after the eid. Abdullah bn buraida relates from his father that; 'the prophet would not go out on the day of eid al-fitr (to eid) until he eats, and he wouldn't eat on the day eid Adha until he prays' (Tirmdhi 2/42)

5- Every Muslim should go to the prayer ground on this day. Including the old, and women in their menses. Women in their menses would give room for others at the time of the solat.  I.E they will not pray with them. (See lulu Marjan 511)

6- It is sunna to walk to the praying ground. Ibn Umar(RDT) says; "the prophet would leave his house on the day eid walking and also return walking_".(Ibn maja'i 1/411).

7- Muslims should listen to the Khutba of the imam as they do on Friday prayers. They should not be distracted by other activities like sharing greetings and chatting on the praying ground.

8- Muslims should share greetings among each other. The early Muslims would greet  each other with 'Taqabal Allahu Mina Wa minkum'. The status of this prayer is however of a mandub. I. E anyone who says it. It is good and if he doesn't there is no sin (Majmu Fatawa 24/253), (Fathu al-bari 2/446).

9- It is also sunnah to take different roads to and fro to the prayer ground. Jabir bn Abdullah says; "the prophet would change the road on the day eid to and fro" (Bukhari 9)

10- Do not be shy of saying the takbir it is indeed the tradition of your Prophet. Imam Bukhari says; "The son of Umar and Abu Hurayara would go out to the market in the ten days of zul Hijja saying the takbir and the people will say the takbir like them" ( Al-banni; irwahi al-galali 651)

11- the takbir of prophet is:Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar la ilaha ila Allahu Allahu Akbar Allah Akbar WA lillahi al-hamdu. (Al-banni; irwahi al-galali 3/125)

12- Praying two Rakats at home after the eid prayer. (Sunan ibn Maja'i 1/410)

13- shunning of eid celebration with what Allah made forbidden. See Suratul Lukman v 6, Bukhari 6/8.

14- Distributing our slaughtered animals  (Ram, Sheep, Goat, Cow, Camel) according to our Neighbors and the poor who do no slaughter.

May Allah accept our celebration as an act of worship from us (Ameen).

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The best 10 days is here!! (1 - 10/12/1440 AH ~ 2 - 11/8/2019)

Ar - Risalah (The Message)

Thursday, Dhul Qa'dah 30, 1440 A. H (1/8/2019)

#Issue 1

As salamu alaekum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

The best 10 days is here!! (1 - 10/12/1440 AH ~ 2 - 11/8/2019)

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah which occassions the day of 'Arafa and Eid is few hours away. Pilgrims from all walks of life are prepared to earn Allah's mercy and forgiveness as they visit ka'abah to perform their hajj rights.
As Muslims, we need to be conversant with the days, times and places that enhances the multiplication of the rewards of our actions. Not that the little we do wouldn't be accepted by Allah, but because we need to do more to earn more.
Few months ago, the Last ten Nights of Ramadan witnessed billions of muslims intensify in their ibadah, du'a and all forms of highly rewarding acts because they all seek the pleasure of Allah through the Night of Majesty (Laylatul Qadr).
Ramadan has gone and we fasted for six days in shawwal and the sacred month of Dhul Qa'adah is rolling by, behold the 10 days of blessings, mercies, forgiveness and acceptance of prayers.
In the hadith of Abdullah ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with Him) Prophet Muhammad  (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) , said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these 10 days.” The people (the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them) asked: “O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the path of Allah?” He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Not even Jihad in the path of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing (lost both his property and life).” [Al-Bukhari].
My brother and Sister in faith, now is the time for you to increase your acts of worship so as to earn the pleasure of Allah. Wake up in the Night for Tahajjud, Recite the Quran always, moist your tongue with rememberance of Allah, be generous to the poor and needy, visit the sick and Family relations, etc.

Let your motivation be:
"And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty” [Qur’an 15:99]

May Allah be pleased with us and accept our acts of worship.

NAMLAS_UNILORIN MISSIONARY BOARD

XENOPHOBIA ATTACK IN SOUTH AFRICA: AN ISLAMIC LAW APPROACH

🎇NAMLAS ONLINE ACADEMIC DISCUSSION🎇

Topic - XENOPHOBIA ATTACK IN SOUTH AFRICA: AN ISLAMIC LAW APPROACH
Delivered by: AROMARADU ABDULKADIR SALIU

Assalãm Alaekum Wa Rahmotullah Wa Barakãtuhu

 A spirited effort has been made to explain what xenophobia is, position of Shariah on the exhibition and demonstration of such. The recent xenophobia attack in South Africa and  Nigeria's reactions and recommendations.
 XENOPHOBIA in Arabic parlance is referred to as "معادة الأجانب" The word xenophobia comes from the Greek ‘xenos’, meaning both the stranger and the guest, and ‘phobos’, meaning fear; therefore, the term literally means ‘fear of stranger.’  Anatole France was possibly the first person to use the term ‘xenophobia’ in Europe, in his novel Monsieur Bergeret à Paris (1901). The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines xenophobia as the collective “fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners or of what is strange or foreign" (Mish 1997). The definition could  incorporate ensuing aggression by a community against foreigners or non nationals such as immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

ISLAMIC APPROACH TO INTER HUMAN RELATIONSHIP:
One of the roles of Islam is to exalt human dignity and equality, and therefore, both the teachings of the Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad detest attitudes of hatred towards one another. As Muslims, not only as Nigerians, we are making a fervent humanitarian calls via this discussion on this platform to the recent outbreak of xenophobic violence like the instance  of brutality attack perpetrated against Nigerians in SA. The notion of equality between locals and non nationals or “all” people is established via the ayaht. Allah (SWT) say;
“O people! Verily, We created you from a male and a female, and made you  into nations and tribes so that you may know one another…”  (Q49:13).

"The believers are but brethren, therefore make peace between your brethren and be careful of your duty to Allah, that mercy may be on you (Surah Al-Hujraat verse 10).

"And one of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your tongues and colors; most surely there are signs in these for the learned (Surah Ar-Room, Verse 22).
Hence, society is bound together by a common origin and includes a host of differences within its oneness without minding the disparities as to place of birth or tribes.
More so, apart from the aforementioned ayaht, Ahadith and similar textual examples which established the egalitarian relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims, nationals and non-nationals. Prophet (SAW) said;

“…Let people stop boasting about their ancestors. One is only a pious believer or miserable sinner. All people are children of Adam, and Adam came from dust” (as narrated in Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi).
This substantiates the equality of all people and enjoins spirit of tolerance and hospitality.

Furthermore, in another Hadith, it is said that,
“Humanity is the family of God, the best human being is kind to His (God’s) family” (as reported in Mishkat).
Thus, society is bound together by a common origin and comprised of a host of differences within its oneness. Consequently, the society should be extending helping hands to ‘foreigners’ just as they extend hands to their own family members.

During Khutbah Al-Wada‘ (farewell/final sermon) of the Prophet Muhammad, it was said by the holy Prophet (SAW)
“Arab has no merit over non-Arab” or nationals superiority over non-nationals; hence “all people are family.”
In the context of the above position;
I call on all Muslims across the globe including those in S.A to imbibe the teachings of Shariah in dealings with one another as it is highlighted and also not to fold their arms but they should let all hands be on deck in standing against xenophobic attack.
S.A should desist from perpetrating similar. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Hujraat, Verse 9:
And if two parties of the believers quarrel, make peace between them; but if one of them acts wrongfully towards the other, fight that who acts wrongfully until he returns to Allah's command; then if he returns, make peace between them with justice and act equitably; surely Allah loves those who act equitably.
Regarding the recent xenophobic attack, there is no quarrel between both parties. The demonstrated belligerence came from one party alone. Diplomatic steps have been taken by the Nigerian Government by sending envoys, requesting compensation, all these were turn off; yet Nigeria switched to evacuation of her citizens, the evacuation was also frustrated. However, the interest of South Africa in Nigerian is adequately protected. Even though the president of South of Africa, Cryil Ramophosa dispatched envoy to Nigeria to deliver solidarity message and his people also come out massively to ask Nigeria for forgiveness today. This is good; yet a strong signal needs to be sent to them, like using the term “XENONIGERPHOBIA”, since the related violence/hatred was targeted against Nigerians.

As Muslims, we also have an added responsibility of protecting the vulnerable who have become victims of these unfortunate circumstances, and we should contribute towards relief efforts. We need to restore the dignity of these people because their pride has been trampled upon. I urge authorities and every individual to urgently take necessary steps to address this matter. All resources should be brought to bear to safeguard life and property for all.

CONSTITUTIONAL APPROACH
The nationals of the SA should endeavour to comply with their constitution that encourages non-national to reside in their country and promote spirit of hospitality. One of the main humanitarian provisions in the Constitution of South Africa revolves around the aspiration towards equality, human dignity and the advancement of human rights for everyone. Chapter 2 contains a Bill of Rights which outlines the various human rights that all the people in South Africa ought to enjoy. In addition, the Constitution’s preamble unequivocally states that “South Africa belongs to all who live in it ” without any reference to places of birth or citizenship status. Xenophobic attack in South Africa is not a completely new phenomenon.

Human rights are rights inherent in all human beings, irrespective of nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. Section 9 of the Bill of Rights stipulates that all people are equal and must be treated equally. Section 10 of the Bill of Rights states that “everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.” The constitution is anti-xenophobia but it is quite bewilderment to see that SA nationals refuse to promote the spirit of constitutionalism in their nation. This shows that the founding fathers of SA expect people from all nooks and crannies in their nation with full protection of life and property.

From the above discussion, it is safe to conclude that Islam frown at any act that will expose humanity to threat of inhuman treatment and degradation. Islam encourages and enjoins inter-human relationship with justice and fairness. Likewise, the very act of xenophobia attack does not have any place in grund norm of SA. The constitution also enjoins  tolerance and hospitality.
 On this note, we say we desire nothing but reform, this is how far  I am able to go on this topic, none but Allah is the direction of my affair to a right issue; on Him do I rely and to Him do I turn.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
Surah As-Saaffat, Verse 180:
*سُبْحَانَ رَبِّكَ رَبِّ الْعِزَّةِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

 Glory be to your Lord, the Lord of Honor, above what they describe.

Moderated by:
NAMLAS ACADEMIC SECRETARIAT

_Brought to you by:
NAMLAS PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT
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THE RUDIMENTS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

🎇NAMLAS ONLINE ACADEMIC DISCUSSION🎇

Topic - THE RUDIMENTS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW
Delivered by - ELEJA MARYAM

Assalãm Alaekum Wa Rahmotullah Wa Barakãtuhu

 THE RUDIMENTS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW
 These are the outlines:
1. Concept of international law
2. Importance of International law
3. Sources of International las
4. Branches of International law
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1. Concept of International Law
This simply means what international law entails. International law is the branch of law that deals with the interaction of nations and these interactions are put into enactments and embodied in statutes and these enactments are laws that govern the interaction and relationship of these nations. As opposed to general misconception, international law doesn’t only relate to official relationships of these nations but also include relationship of corporate entities and citizens of countries. Nations are divided by borders. Any place that falls outside a border of a state falls outside its territory.
Simply put, international law is the law governing dealings between independent nations. For example, international law is the branch that deals with how Nigeria interacts with USA and other countries. We also have international bodies and international institutions which makes up different states and they see to the enforcement of international laws.

2. Importance of International Law
Since this is not a textbook discussion, I would bring practical examples. In the past, we have had world wars and wars between countries. This is one of the reasons why international bodies were put in place and international laws were enacted. To prevent recurrence of dehumanizing past events and to see to the social, economic and peaceful development and co existence of neighboring states and the international community. States in agreement also send ambassadors to friendly states to serve as representatives.

3. Sources of International Law
There are FOUR (4) main sources of International law and they are:
I) Treaties
II) International customs
III) General principles of law
IV) Judicial precedents

 4. Branches of International Law
Some of the branches of International law are: International humanitarian law and international refugee law among others. We also have international courts like the International Criminal Court and international court of Justice.
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Below are the questions with their answers:

Question 1
Can you please give an example of international custom?
 Answer
An example of international custom is sending ambassadors to friendly states. Another example is diplomatic immunity given to high commissioners and ambassadors so they cannot be prosecuted or imprisoned in friendly states.

Question 2
For the purpose of exercising it jurisdiction, the ICJ will be duly constituted by how many judges?
Answer
15 judges

Question 3
What is your view as regards the Xenophobia activities in south Africa, is it a good idea for Nigeria to seek Judicial Redress?
Answer
Please refer to the published article by ILSA on our views on the recent xenophobic attack.And as regards the issue of seeking judicial redress, this is an international matter. Individuals cannot singularly prosecute in international courts. So they cannot seek for personal remedies in INTERNATIONAL courts

Moderated by:
NAMLAS ACADEMIC SECRETARIAT
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STUDENTS' LEGAL PRACTICE: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

🎇NAMLAS ONLINE ACADEMIC DISCUSSION🎇
Topic - STUDENTS' LEGAL PRACTICE: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD
Delivered by - HON. JUDGE A.A KETU

Assalãm Alaekum Wa Rahmotullah Wa Barakãtuhu

The topic of discussion will be discussed under the following headings;
1. What is Students' legal practice?
2. What are the challenges?
3. What are the way forward to those challenges?

*What is student legal practice?
It can simply be explained as the act/art of practising the law while still learning it. It is doing an act or art which a lawyer or a judge does. Then, what does a lawyer/judge do? A lawyer gives legal advice, draft legal documents, gives legal opinion, advocate for his clients and many more while a judge presides on cases, evaluates facts and legal argument, gives legal verdict, grants Orders and Prayers etc.
 In our context, where students engage in this arts/acts, it will be called Student Legal Practice. It can be understood that students' legal practice is not restricted to the bar but you can also practice from the bench as a student. The most commonly means of practice in our jurisdiction is adjudication, therefore this discussion will feature more situation from the court room than other aspects of legal practice.
Having explained what student legal practice is! It is a known fact that every endeavour will have challenge(s). As a student who engages in legal practice, there are possible challenges that such person will encounter, they are thus;
1. Striking of balance between Academics and Legal Practice
2. Discouragement/Disappointment
3. Time-Management
4. Impromptu challenge
5. Frustration
(The list is not exhaustive)

Academics vs Legal practice:
Our primary agendum in the school premises is to bag our LLB. (Hon.) Degree. Some students resolve to engage in other activities which include students' legal practice within the school premises. The foremost challenge is how to strike balance between Legal practice and Academics. The battle may not be tersed from the beginning but it will come to a stage that you will be thinking of jettisoning one for the other. It had happened that I had assignment to submit and a judgment to be delivered all within the same deadline. You will have court sitting within the time you suppose to be preparing for stipulated or impromtu test. Then, you will be faced with challenge of maintaining a balance between the two or even more activities.

Disappointment/Discourage:
 It is part of life to encounter disappointment. This may discourage one to continue the practice. In our jurisdiction, there have been occasions where parties and their  counsels will have been around but it will be inevitably necessary to adjourn the case due one reason or the other. Students who are sacrificing their leisure time for the legal practice will be disappointed by this situation. It happened a day that a Counsel come to court so late and he was arguing that his client's right to fair hearing would be breached. The excuse he gave for lateness was that I slept off. In another situations, court will be on ground to hear the case, before you know it parties are not where to be found, there will be no option but to give the parties another opportunity. All these situations among others can be from either bar or bench, it is a disappointment to the parties who are at the receiving end. The victim can be from the bar or the Bence. These are discouraging situation among others that students who engage in legal practice will face.

Time-Management:
 Time is said to be precious, it moves so fast whether notice or unnotice. In our Jurisdiction, the time for Court sitting is closed to dawn so much that at times, there will be need to lighting the court room with torch light.  Upon finding yourself in the realm of Students' legal practice, time-management will be a challenge. This is because a court proceeding is like a war, you know when it starts but you cannot foresee when it will end. There will be different issues and matters on which every party must be heard on merit, (we all know the principle of fair hearing and the implications of not fulfilling same). Before you know it a lot of time will have been spent. If you have a plan to do any other things after court sitting, you just need to know that you are practically deceiving yourself. At time, you will have a very limited time to prepare and serve court processes on the adverse party, the court is not ready to listen your excuses for failure to comply.

Impromptu challenge:
In students' legal practice, you will be faced with unforeseeable situations and issues. At times, you will come to know new laws and legal positions in the court room, this point of law can even be the basis upon which your case can be struck out. This is not a challenge to the bar but also to the bench, there was a time that issues like Academic Suit, Amicus Curea, Order of mandamus, locus Standi, public officer, Pre-action notice and many more had generated opporibum in our jurisdiction. These are sideline issues that doesn't concern with substance of the case. Still, they must be resolved one way or the other, counsel must give legal opinion and positions on them. As a student that engages in Students' Legal Practice, this is part of the challenges that are faced in the system.

Frustration:
Our engagement in Students' legal practice is not without frustration. As a student lawyer, you will be encountered some arguments that are sweet and melodious but they are not legally danceable. At time, the adverse may not show up in court without any prior notice. You will be faced with numerous preliminary objections on both substantive and procedural aspect of the law. The preliminary objections may or may not be necessary but it must be heard once raised. It happened in case where claimant did not signed copy of court processes served on the defendant, the case was struck out on that basis. A student who printed the court processes with his money and without any hope that he would be paid, such person will be frustrated but there is nothing court can do than to ensure serenity.
As student judge, there is nothing that motivates us other than sitting on cases and the name. At time, court will need to be teaching counsels what they suppose to have learned from their principal. I could remember a day when a Counsel compared court with the market where you could talk out of turn, it was not funny. The court has be battled with securing a venue for its sitting, there are several cases of lateness and flaunting court orders. All these cause frustration which is also a challenge to any student that finds themselves in legal practice in the school

*****
WAY FORWARD
1. Proper planning and preparation
2. Reasonable placement of priority
3. Be professional
4. Personal Development
5. Self Determination
6. You should always have reason(s) to continue

Proper preparation and planning:
 Planning is important in any action one wants to take, in order to strike balance between Academics and Students' legal practice, one should have practical plan for both. It is said that one who fails to plan is planning to fail. As a student, you must not forgo you academics likewise you must not contempt Students' legal practice, if you want to be successful either as judge or lawyer during your studentship. You should also make proper use of your time by planning ahead of situations. No matter how good your plan is, it must be SMART (Simple, Measurable, Articulate, Realistic and Time-bound), otherwise you are deceiving yourself.

Reasonable placement of priority:
We were taught in Economics that human wants are insatiable, as such the wants should be place on scale of preference. You must know how to prioritise your goal and time. Your priority of interests should be reasonable. A rogue was once asked, 'why didn't you participate in the fight, he replied, 'it is not coward but one must know when to step in and when to back off'. As a student, you must know when to step in and when to back off.

Be professional:
In any endeavour, there will be situation that will warrant emotional reaction. Nevertheless, either as a lawyer or judge, you should not be emotional but be professional. You need to have control over your anger and emotion. In any discouraging or frustrating event, you should handle same with caution and care.

Mentorship:
 New wigs or starters in Students' legal practice should attach themselves to person they believe can guide them properly. It will facilitate quick blending into the system.

Self Determination:
Every student engages in Students' legal practice for certain reasons and goals. There should be strong determination to achieve our main aim. It is said that if your goal is not big enough to force to act, it is better you reset it. We should not look at the odds because they are scary, we should only concentrate on the goal and be determined.

You should always have reason(s) to continue:
 It is said that if life gives you hundred reasons to give up, you should show life infinity reasons to continue. The challenges are not stronger than what we have surmounted in the past. We should raise up to them and emerge victoriously.

Above all, we should always involve Allah in all our endeavour.

Moderated by:
NAMLAS ACADEMIC SECRETARIAT

_Brought to you by

NAMLAS PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT
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