The apex Muslim organisation, Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has said that unauthorised Islamic Preachers should abstain from conducting sermons this Ramadan, for peace and unity to reign.
In an address by the Secretary General of the JNI,Prof Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, a copy made available to journalists, the JNI reminded that Ramadan is the Month of the Quran, a time for deep reflection, sincere devotion, and profound understanding of its meaning and interpretation.
“As we prepare for the forthcoming Ramadan, let us remind ourselves of the transience of life. Many of us witnessed last years Ramadan, but today, they are no longer with us. We beseech Allah’s mercy and forgiveness upon them. Let us also recognise that some of us here today may not live to witness this Ramadan or see its end.”
“Therefore, we must approach this blessed season with sincerity, humility, and a sense of purpose, making the most of the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Allah (SWT), our creator and nourisher.
The month as it was in the other years past, was enriched with many Mufassiroon (commentators of the text of the Quran) and the atmosphere was mixed with both the good Ulama that do conduct their various Tafsir sessions in a good manner and orderliness.”
“Some others were moderate and decorous in their presentations. Unfortunately, there is a rise on the third category who are uncharitable, excessive and indecorous in their utterances, who at the end of it, succeed in confusing the Ummah.Such scenario causes hatred, and sometimes even acrimonious exchanges of words among the Mufassiroon which should not be in the first instance and should not be condone,” he said.
Prof Khalid explained that issues worth noting during the recent past years’ Tafsir sessions under review were:”A lot of the Mufassiroon (Quran exegesis) do not have the basic knowledge of Tafsir.
They therefore, lack the capacity to conduct Tafsir. They are at best supposed to be disciples before learned scholars to acquire the required knowledge, before associating themselves to Tafsir.Some scholars Tafsir sessions were full of mockery of others, rather than uplifting the spiritual well-being of their respective listeners.”
“There were some scholars whose sessions were merely insightful.
The most dangerous session of Tafsir which once again surfaces recently into the public domain of Tafsir is that of one.. who sometimes in 2012 sued the JNI, its leadership and myself – for the first time in my life was in court-dock for cross examination.”
“His Tafsir sessions are being aired in some Radio and Television Stations. Its negative impact on the established creed of the Islamic Faith is gradually crawling into the Muslim Ummah again.Some Mufassiroon delved into unnecessary juristic arguments on issues which are categorically clear and on which there are consensus.”
“Nonetheless, on the whole there were few Mufassiroon that were observed to have been very excellent in their conduct, before, during and after Ramadan fast.
The Necessity of this Pre-Ramadan Meeting
It is worth noting that Jamaatu Nasril Islam (JNI) has long been committed to organising this Annual Pre-Ramadan meeting to set the right direction for Tafsir sessions across the country.”
“Although for many years this meeting did not hold, except for the 2024 programme themed Ulama as Guiding Light: Nurturing Sacred Wisdom and Scholarly Integrity in Quran Tafsir, held at Lelewal Motels Limited, Yola, Adamawa State, on Monday, 16th Rajab, 1445AH (26th February, 2024). Alhamdulillah, JNI continued to monitor Tafsir activities.”
“While some Mufassiroon abided by the Tafsir guidelines, many deviated, leading to confusion and division within the Ummah. This underscores the need for this meeting to ensure that scholars remain true to the principles of Tafsir and uphold the integrity of the Glorious Quran.”
“As we are all aware, being an assemblage of Ulama’ the Quran was revealed for guidance and piety, not for personal gain, sectarianism, or political manipulation. It is not for any Mufassir to twist the words of Allah, the Most High to suit personal agendas. Therefore, we reiterate our call for all scholars to abide by the JNI Tafsir guidelines, which align with the Quran and Sunnah.”
“The Dangers of Social Media in Spreading Discord:A growing concern in recent years is the negative role of social media in the dissemination of Tafsir. Many so-called scholars seek fame and recognition by airing their Tafsir sessions without adhering to proper scholarly ethics. This has resulted in:The spread of misinformation and misinterpretation of Islamic teachings;
Public disputes and attacks among scholars, which confuse the Ummah and weaken our unity;
The manipulation of Tafsir for personal, sectarian, or political purposes and;
The promotion of unverified religious rulings, which lead to Fitnah and discord among Muslims.”
“JNI strongly implores that these practices be avoided and urges all Mufassiroon to handle Tafsir sessions responsibly, for our common good, peace and security. We call on social media platforms and broadcasters to exercise caution in airing Tafsir sessions and to ensure that only qualified scholars, adhering to proper guidelines, are given the platforms to air their Tafsir sessions.”
The Need for Unity and Responsibility among Muslim Scholars
The recent trend of scholars openly attacking one another is highly unbecoming of their status. Such conflicts, when displayed publicly, cause disunity and weaken the influence of scholars in guiding the Ummah. We call on all scholars to exercise restraint, wisdom, and humility in addressing differences. The Prophet (SAW) taught us to engage in disagreements with respect and wisdom, not through public condemnation and vilification, which undoubtedly does more harm than the perceived or supposed image and/or face often intended.”
Role of the Affluent in Supporting the Needy During Ramadan
As we approach Ramadan, we must also reflect on the economic hardship faced by many Muslims. The wealthy among us must remember their duty to support the less privileged. The Prophet (SAW) said: He is not a believer whose stomach is full while his neighbor is hungry (Sunan al-Kubra). We therefore call on individuals, Muslim organisations, and philanthropists to provide food, financial support, and other essential needs to the poor and needy, ensuring that every Muslim has the means to observe the fast with dignity. The Mufassiroon should also use their respective Tafsir session to echo the call for economic support through a well-established Zakah and Waqf platforms for the benefit of the Ummah.”
“Revival of Zakah and Waqf in the Emirates
A critical issue that ought to have been given serious attention is the revival of Zakah and Waqf within our Emirates. I therefore plead with our Royal Highnesses to give Zakah and Waqf the desired attention in line with the JNI 2017 Central Council resolution. Fasting in Ramadan is one pillar of Islam, but Zakah is equally fundamental. In 2017, a resolution was passed in this very hall emphasising the need to institutionalise Zakah collection and distribution across all Muslim Emirates. It will interest us to note that ever since the resolution was passed on Bauchi Emirate had officially launched its Zakah and Waqf Committee and it was done on the 15th July, 2017 after the JNI resolution. Lest I forget, Jigawa state Emirate Councils are shining examples in the collection, administration and distribution of Zakah. Hadeija, Kazaure and Dutse are exceptional in that regard.”
“JNI, in collaboration with the Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators in Nigeria (AZAWON), has now resolved to pursue the full revival of Zakah and Waqf in all Emirates, in-shaAllah. The necessary structures and guidelines for this revival have been provided by the JNI and AZAWON, and it will be distributed to all Emirates here today. We urge our Royal Fathers to provide the necessary support and enabling environment for the immediate commencement at their respective domains, as it is a divine obligation that directly addresses poverty, economic imbalance, and social welfare in our communities. We as an Ummah must rise to the occasion in addressing social and economic inequality ravaging our communities before things get out of hand.”
” The world is watching and we need to proactively act and the time is now.
Recommendations for Effective Tafsir Sessions and Ummah Development
To address the challenges highlighted, we recommend the following:. Scholarship and Conduct of Tafsir:
Muslim organisations should thoroughly assess the qualifications of scholars before assigning them to Tafsir roles.
Scholars must avoid personal opinions and sectarian propaganda in Tafsir.
The use of refined language and wisdom should be prioritised in Tafsir sessions.
Regular academic and practical training should be organised for scholars.”
Ethics of Broadcasting (New/Social and Traditional Media):
Only verified and qualified scholars should be allowed to air Tafsir on public platforms.
Tafsir content should be moderated to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Scholars should use social media responsibly, promoting unity rather than division.”
Community Engagement:
Royal Fathers through their aids should monitor Tafsir activities within their domains and intervene when necessary.
Scholars should encourage their audiences to uphold social responsibility, good character, and peace.
Regular visitations and exchanges among scholars should be promoted to foster unity.”
Welfare and Social Responsibility:
Wealthy Muslims should increase their charitable giving, especially during Ramadan.
Emirate Councils should fully implement the Zakah and Waqf revival initiative to alleviate poverty.
Mosques should establish sub-committees for economic guidance, youth empowerment, and drug abuse prevention.”
“Policy and Regulation:Government agencies should regulate religious broadcasts to prevent misuse of Tafsir sessions.JNI should continue monitoring Tafsir sessions and intervene appropriately where necessary.It should be noted that the Ulama as heirs of the prophets are supposed to be role models in speech and in action. Regrettably, there is reverse in some scholars,” he said.
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