As the saying by Benjamin Franklin 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.”
And 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.”
The sayings above will serve us as a guide for seriously taking caution when uttering a false accusation as everyone will always get what they deserve at the end.
Mischievous remarks for whatever reason 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 beyond the reach of his enemies.
The funny allegation that El-Rufa’i hates Qur’anic reciters alone clearly shows where the so-called Quranic reciters group through its spokesperson Sheikh Sidi Ali stand in the eyes of the public.
One might keep on wondering how reciting the glorious Quran (a highly rewarding act of Ibadah) became something to be used for worldly gains? Forming an association in the name of Quranic recitation means such “reciters” use it for a purpose other than earning rewards from the Almighty Allah.
Is Quranic recitation a source of earning a living? What is the status of non members who recite the Quran? Again, are their actions and utterances in accordance with the teachings of the glorious scripture they claim to read?
Without convincing answers, the religious knowledge they claim to have as well as their actions direly need to be examined.
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. Their actions are an indirect display of ignorance with regards to Islamic teachings and political arithmetic.
So, it is considering the dirty contents of the statement issued by the spokesperson of the so-called coalition of Quranic reciters organization by Sheikh Sidi Ali describing Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i as divider and who have 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 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 are real dividers and who promote religious politics that eventually will lead to losing conscience, compassion and progress.
The gravity of false accusations by the group’s spokesperson Sheikh Sidi Ali 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, 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 so-called Quranic reciters group needs to know that Islam is not only a belief, but it is 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 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 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 atrocious 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 so-called groups and coalitions.
El-Rufa’i 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 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.
Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai wrote in from Kano, Nigeria