Truth Is Bitter Series (Ep 3)

Short satirical reflections on faith, society and the uncomfortable truths we avoid. First published in the Jumadah thani/Rajab 1440 AH (2019) print edition of The PEACE Magazine.

By Abdulfattah Abdussalam

Ignorance Under The Veil

It is a Command from our Creator that our Muslim women-girls should naturally cover their bodies except which are open. This is the Hijab, that many Muslims now champion, through court cases, houses of parliament laws, peaceful protests and persuasive preaching around the world particularly in non Islamic countries. It is now common to see Muslim females dressed and covered up in different styles: some adorn ankle or ¾ length hijabs, some in cape Hijabs and some in trendy ones as if it was fashion clothing. Few others graduated to Niqab standards. Alas, many of these women are ignorant of basic Islamic knowledge! Our fndings suggest Hijab among some women are mere clothing expressions. Ask basic knowledge about Islam, one will be shocked at the answers. Questions as simple as how many compulsory salah are there for Muslims, how to perform wudu, Ghusul Nifas, Heelah, some even find it diffcult to rightly recite Surah Al-Fatiha. This is repugnant, we should therefore while asking for Hijab on our women; teach them basic Islamic knowledge. Some of our women under the hijabs are very ignorant of Islam.

Stealing Allah’s Money

Allah reveals in His glorious Qur’an no single act of man is hidden from Him, even if it is an atom of deed good or bad. If this is entrenched in the Qur’an one wonder why some Muslims will go to Mosques and steal sadaqat contributions of other Muslims. Sadly the stealing is often with the supposedly offcials of Mosques. Not too long ago, the NEWS awash with stories of how monies often disappear from the Tills of the National Mosque. Abuja until the current Secretary General of The Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs. Professor Oloyede, devised means to stem such nefarious activities. This situation pervades in some other mosques and Islamic Societies. Do we know why our mosques remain underdeveloped for years and why Islamic activities and Dawah always at the low ebb? It is because many steal from Allah’s Money. The monies we give out as sadaqat belong to Allah. “Who will give a good loan to Allah so that He will multiply it for him manifold? Allah straitens and increases (the sustenance). and to Him you shall return.” (2:245).

Your Phone Steals Your Rewards

Man (Jinns) is created to worship Allah and every one strives to do that so as to eam good rewards in this world and hereafter. However in as much as man wanted to be in the good books of our Creator one of His creatures, in line with his pledge with Allah is working harder than many to ensure he prevents them from good rewards. Iblis Shaytan, is using our mobile telephones, to distract us from the true worship of Allah. A cursory look around reveals many idle away on their phones than having time for Allah. Many go to mosques with their telephones and when it rings, it distract the congregation. Some even at Jumah prayers, will rather be busy with their handsets, than listen to the khut bah, same on eid prayers. Worse on the Day of Arafah, rather for many to be embedded in Du’a many often engage in using their phones for mundane things including photography, long calls, WhatsApp chats, Instagram and Tweeter. Subhanallah, these acts with our mobile are stealing away rewards and if we do not desist, on the Day of Qiyamah our books of Records might be empty. Few minutes of concentration in the sight of Allah are achievable, if we can keep our phones away when necessary. “O Children of Adam! Let not Shaytan deceive you. as he removed your parents out of Paradise.” Qur’an 7:27

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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