The Chairman of the Fatwa Committee of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sheikh Shariff Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini, has urged Nigerian leaders to take decisive actions against root causes of insecurity and tackle poverty ravaging the country.
The scholar disclosed while delivering a speech commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), at his Zawiyah in Gwange, Maiduguri, Borno State at the weekend.
The cleric said Nigerian leaders must as a matter of urgency make wise and just decisions to address the root causes of insecurity, ensuring peace and stability for the nation’s citizens.
During the event, which was attended by dignitaries, religious scholars, and community leaders, Sheikh Shariff offered condolences to the victims of recent floods in Maiduguri, acknowledging the loss of lives and destruction of property.
He praised Allah for the mercy evident in the lesser impact of the floods compared to other global calamities, such as earthquakes and wars, and expressed hope for swift recovery and divine compensation for those affected.
The Sheikh also conveyed his deep sympathies to victims of kidnappings, particularly in northern Nigeria, where traditional rulers, political leaders, and common citizens alike have been targeted. He specifically mentioned the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Sarkin Gobir Alhaji Isa Bawa.
The speech highlighted the ongoing difficulties facing the global Muslim community, including internal conflicts, natural disasters, and socio-political instability. He lamented the ongoing bloodshed in countries like Sudan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Libya, where Muslim nations are divided and fighting each other, often in collaboration with external powers.
The Sheikh also condemned the continued Israeli aggression against Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, which he described as “barbaric” and called for international action to stop the attacks.
Addressing the audience, Sheikh Shariff emphasized the importance of unity within the Ummah, reminding Muslims of the Prophet’s teachings on mutual mercy, compassion, and cooperation. He noted the tragic state of the Muslim world today, saying, “The Ummah suffers from severe humiliation, disgrace, and shameful impotence,” urging believers to engage in sincere reflection and self-accountability to return to the true path of Islam.
He also touched on natural disasters, rising poverty, and health challenges, including the ongoing threat of genetically modified foods and unnatural freedoms such as same-sex marriages, which some groups are advocating for in Muslim-majority countries. He described these issues as divine warnings for believers to heed and correct their ways before facing more severe consequences.
In his call for unity, Sheikh Shariff urged Muslim leaders, scholars, and preachers to work together to avoid divisions and to promote justice and fairness in all spheres of life. He highlighted the responsibility of leaders to show compassion to their people and establish justice as the foundation of effective governance. Quoting a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, he said, “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock,” stressing the need for leaders to be mindful of their responsibilities.
Sheikh also urged leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to continue their efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians and address these pressing issues.
Sheikh Shariff concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to the Governor of Borno State Babagana Umara Zulum, for his efforts in providing aid to victims of Boko Haram violence and the recent floods. He also praised the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai, for his leadership and contributions to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
