Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Member representing Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency at the National Assembly, Honourable Shaba Ibrahim, has lamented that the Islamic religion is under siege with the unholy activities of insurgents, bandits and kidnappers especially in Muslim dominated areas of the country.
The lawmaker bared his mind on Saturday in Lokoja during the commemoration ceremony of the 622 AD migration (Hijirah) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
Hon. Shaba who noted with dismay, the rate of indulgence by some Muslims in crimes and other corruption related activities, called for a change of attitude towards one another as well as adherence to the message of God as delivered and preached by the holy Prophet Muhammad.
While condemning the unpatriotic, treasonable and felonious acts by the Boko Haram insurgents, the lawmaker advised all Muslim communities across the country to be steadfast in the defence of Islam by obeying strictly the commandments of God and the message of peace as transmitted by His Messenger the holy Prophet Muhammad.
On the uprising by bandits across the northern part of the country, Shaba urge the residents and the youths from the affected areas to rise to the occasion by forming formidable vigilante forces to assist the Police and other relevant security agencies to combat the menace and restore peace .
Going down memory lane, he said the history books had recorded the warm reception accorded the Prophet and his entourage by the people of Medina when the pagans of Mecca could not tolerate the message of Islam. Followers of Islam were persecuted and killed hence the migration of the first batch to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and the final movement led by the Prophet headed to Medina.
He therefore called on Muslims to embrace one another and maintain and sustain the teachings of Islam topmost of which is peace.
A paper was presented at the ceremony titled “Youth Involvement In Social Vices : A Challenge To Muslim Ummah”, by Ustaz Yusuf Muhammad Jamiu
The presenter noted that social vices are fast becoming national and global trends, cutting across,ethnic nationalities,races and even religious cleavages. The vices include armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, examination malpractice ,prostitution ,indecent dressing, cyber crime, drug addiction, cultism and vandalism just to mention but a few.
He advanced that these vices are not only a challenge to the Muslim Ummah, but are at variance with social norms and values, which include, beliefs, honesty, customs and tradition and ideals, which an upright society cherishes and passes on from one generation to another through formal and informal education.
Ustaz Jamiu explained that ” social vices affect both individuals and the whole Muslim community as well as the community as a whole, especially the mental, physical, academic and moral aspects of the individuals are negatively affected.
“Students divert their attention to these vices instead of being serious with academic work, leading to poor academic performance.
” Deadly diseases that can lead to termination of lives and careers are contracted,while smoking, alcoholism,rape, consumption of illegal substances, hooliganism and thuggery and other violent crimes may lead to prosecution, imprisonment or death
“It weakens faith, uproots piety and protectiveness ,corrupts morality,wipe out values….”
He however observed that the bane of the present social vices among the Muslim youths stems from the attitude of the society to the teachings of Islam and the insatiable greed to acquire worldly and material things at the expense of the religious teachings and dictates.
Hijira (migration) which took place when the Prophet and Muslims were persecuted and chased out of Mecca in 622 AD and escaped to Medina, marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar. This year is 1442 AD and in the Month of Muharram.
