Truth Is Bitter Series (Ep 15)

Short satirical reflections on faith, society and the uncomfortable truths we avoid. First published in the Ramadan/Shawwal 1438 AH (2017) print edition of The PEACE Magazine.

By Abdulfatth AbdusSalam

The Metaphor of Truth
One of the names of Allah is Al-Haqu the Truth. To be Truthful in actions, speech and saying the truth no matter whose Ox His gored, is highly rewarded by Allah the Owner of the Name “the Truth”. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also shared this attribute and was named Al-Amin, long before his call to Prophet hood. A famous aphorism on Truth says Truth is the conscience of a nation. Every child, of a family is preached unto, the virtues of being truthful. Today, the speaking of truth or bluntness, by Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, may however become his archway to dethronement. A keen watcher of situations in and around the royal seat of Kano Emirate would have noticed the Emir’s outburst in recent times definitely makes haters of Truth uncomfortable. His actions and statement put him in the line of fire in a society predominately, traditional and controlled by politicians. The tradition in the Emirate does not favour an outspoken Emir, but the bluntness in Emir Sanusi, might not allow him to keep quiet either. Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II represents modernity and charming personality, which ultimately gives the Emirate good outlook. On most issues he speaks the truth and reality but some powerful elements in his Emirate detest his truthfulness; there lies the metaphor.

Death Wish?
Death is a creature of Allah and only Him gives command to it to take a soul of whom time is up. He says, every Soul must taste death and no one can avert death nor delay it. A discerning Muslims knows that much and the reason why we are told to prepare for it. President Muhammad Buhari is a discerning Muslim by human standard, all his being is towards that understanding. Therefore, being the president of the country does not take that thought away from him. If Allah says his time is up, he will be glad to obey his Creator. Ignorantly, some evil-minded Nigerians are arrogating to themselves the power that belongs to Allah, by wishing the president death. Sadly, they go about it in an alarming way. Imagine cloning British Broadcasting Corporation, (BBC) website, in announcing such evil News. One may ask for what reason are they wishing him death; definitely for selfish reasons? or is it because he is fighting corruption in our country. Allah knows their intentions.

Harmony of Mind Brings Peace
Islamic history records robust relationships the Prophet Muhammad had with Christians and Jews in the formative years of the Ummah. He counted them to be part of his neighbours that must be accorded respect and honour. In the glorious Qur’an, Allah gives out guidelines on how relate with Christians and in nowhere did Allah tell Muslims to kill or maim Christains. Therefore, if Muslims and Christians of Nigeria can imbibe the teachings as contained in their books certainly, peace shall reign over the land. In furtherance of those teachings Muslims and Christians must go the extra mile to ensure peace is on the land. Killing and wanton destruction of one another should not be on our minds. Clerics should admonish brotherliness of Nigerians regardless of Faith, Colour or Race amongst their congregations.

Editor’s Note: Truth Is Bitter is a weekly reflective and satirical column drawn from the “Front of the Book” pages of PEACE Magazine. It seeks to provoke introspection, not hostility; reform, not ridicule.

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