By Amos Tauna
The Council of Imams and Ulamas, Kaduna State chapter, northwest of the country on Monday, condemned in strong terms unguarded utterances of politicians raining curses on their political opponents, describing such act as umgodly and unIslamic.
At a recent gathering of the ruling party, All Progressive Congress, APC, where flags were handed over to the party candidates in the just concluded local government elections, Governor Nasir el-Rufai was said to have asked God to punish the Senators from the State for refusing to support the $350 million loan request from the world bank.
Sequel to the outbursts among several other issues, the council of Imams and Ulamas while addressing newsmen on series of issues in the state and the country at large, said, “Politicians employed all ethical and unethical means to intimidate and demean their opponents, using foul language, political thugs, physical attacks and destruction of properties.”
The text of the conference jointly signed by Sheikh Usman Abubakar Babantine and Imam Musa Tanimu, Chairman and Assistant Secretary respectively said,
“The discernible sense of disillusionment of the masses was clearly seen during the just concluded intra party local government primary elections in many states in the country which resulted into rioting, use of weapons, massive killings and vandalism, “This shows that we are still lacking qualitative and responsible political leadership.
“In a prophetic Hadith by Abu Zaid Ibn Dhahak narrated, the prophet (S.A.W) said a person cannot offer as a vow that which does not belong to him, cursing a believer is equal to slaying him (Buhari and Muslims).
“In another narration, the noble prophet says: when a person curses something, the curse ascends to the heaven and all the gates of heaven are closed against it. Then it decends to the earth and the gates of the earth are closed against it, it turns right and left and when it finds no exit it turns to the one who has been cursed and attaches itself on him if he should be deserving of bit, but if not, it returns to the one who uttered it” (Abu Daud).
“The recent utterances by a leading politician (well known for reckless statement) from Kaduna state by use of harsh language, calling names and cursing of political opponents is very unfortunate and may likely trigger violent actions, counter reactions and portents a lot of danger to the country, the extent of which only Allah could tell.
“This type of political terrorism is against the teachings of Islam and contrary to the provisions of the constitition of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and common sense.”
The council also called on those involved in the killings of innocent people to desists from such acts, adding that they should fear God and repent, seek for forgiveness because Allah is all forgiven.
The council called on the federal government to adopt proactive implementation of the economic policies of agriculture, industrial and manufacturing development towards improving the welfare and quality of life of Nigerians.
The coulcil said, “Government should adopt deliberate policy to propel the economy through massive injection of funds.”
The council called on preachers during the month of Ramadan and after to fear Allah and adhere to the guidelines for preaching which they all know.
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2018/05/14/news/nigeria-kaduna-lg-polls-we-will-investigate-allegations-of-malpractices-el-rufai-says-apc-lg-congress-peaceful/