About two weeks after the controversy that led to the suspension and counter suspension of Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil from the chairmanship of Kano State Council of Ulama, the cleric has finally broken his silence.
He described the controversy as the will of God, whom He said tested him to see how steadfast he is in Islam.
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The cleric spoke in Kano, on Saturday, when he played host to the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria.
Daily Trust had reported that Sheikh Khalil was suspended by some members of the Ulama Council, after accusing him of politisicing its affairs.
He was replaced with Professor Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan in acting capacity.
The suspension, however, met stiff resistance from different clerics in the state.
But speaking on Saturday, Sheikh Khalil said, “Allah has promised to test us in everything. What happened was probably something that Allah wanted to use to see how steadfast we are in His course.
“I see it as a test, but thank God that it has now showed us that we are one, but we still Allah for forgiveness.
“I also appreciate all those who stood by us for the sake of unity, including those who are not even clerics.
“Such voluntary solidarity is something we are proud of. I will forever become indebted to all those who showed concern and this Shariah Council for the solidarity,” the cleric added.
Earlier speaking, on behalf of the Shariah Council, Malam, Jamilu Mu’azu Haidar, said they were in Kano on behalf of the entire states excos to show their solidarity to Sheikh Khalil’s leadership.
Haidar, who is also a member, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), explained that they had been briefed on all the issues surrounding the controversy and were given assurance that the state government has no hand in it.
He said, “We therefore call on other clerics to fear Allah and come back to continue the journey as one, as Sheikh Khalil tried to do.
“The Council of Ulama benefits more from his wisdom and leadership than he benefits from it.”
Daily Trust reports that Council of Ulama is seen as the apex religious body in Kano.
