By joshua 
As Muslims world over prepare to begin this years 1443 AH Ramadan fast, Jama’ atu Nasril Islam JNI Kogi State Chapter in conjunction with other Islamic organizations have held a press briefing in Lokoja to sensitize the Ummah and its Leadership on their responsibilities during the Holy Month.
Addressing newsmen at the JNI secretariat in Lokoja, Amb. Usman Bello, Chairman, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Kogi State Chapter, in an address he delivered to mark the annual Pre- Ramadan briefing on review of guidelines,
enjoined all Muslims to use the Holy month of Ramadan to pray Allah for His forgiveness and
have mercy on us.
While reading out the guidelines which he noted was carefully put together by consensus of Ulama, Critical Islamic Jurists and Major Critical Stakeholders, considered, presented and accepted by the National body of Jama’atu Nasril Islam under the Leadership of His Eminence, Alh. Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, The Sultan of Sokoto and president General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam/Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs charged clerics to preach Peace during the Ramadan.
The Chairman of the JNI also emphasized that the focus of preaching and Tafseer should be to explain the meaning of the Qur’an, Hadith and the statements of the past renowned scholars with the aim of increasing fear of Allah and Peity in the hearts of the Muslims.
Amb. Usman appealed to opinion moulders to abide strictly by the guidelines as laid down by JNI Headquarters, appreciated the clerics profusely for observing the guidelines of the previous years for Ramadan, hope that they will all do the same this year.
He urged the Clerics to make the Central focus of Preaching/Tafseer to explain the meaning of the Qur’ using the Qur’an, Hadith and the sound statements of the past renowned scholars with the aim of increasing fear of Allah and piety in the hearts of the Muslims.
He urged that preaching should be delivered with major highlights on what is Halal and what Haram and to enlighten Muslims to shy — away from all Mustabahats (Ambiguous thing That the Ulama should not engage in controversial issues that are capable of dividing the Ummah and diverting attention from the problems affecting the Ummah.
That Preaching should address matters that will improve the individual Muslim, his family and the society in general.
Furthermore, the Ulama should during Preaching proffer solutions to problems that have become endemic in our society; specifically, corruption and injustice at all levels, political thuggery – adultery, Secret Society/cultism, witchcraft, ritual killings, breakdown of Muslim family, system, gambling and intoxication.
He said the importance of observing Salat (prayers) in its correct mode (from purification to the end) should be included in the opening or closing remarks of every preaching as well as the correct ways of collection and distribution of Zakkat should be explained constantly during preaching session.
While noting that the pathetic conditions that the Muslim Ummah finds itself in, like ignorance, illiteracy, backwardness and low socio — economic status should be addressed during preaching, urged that preaching should at all-times take into consideration the Maslaha (Co-existence) of the Muslim Ummah as a whole and emphasize the necessity of Muslim Unity, brotherhood and respect for differences of opinion.
As a reminder, he stated that a Mufassir should be guided by the following: not to promote or propagate his personal opinion or creed using the platform.
He should use refined language and explanations during his Tafseer.
It is pertinent upon him to expand his knowledge horizon through researches and preaching.
He should understand the history of the community and the norms, values of different communities
He should avoid using the glorious Qur’an to protect blind followership or personal interest.
The JNI Chairman on behalf of all the Muslims in the state expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to the Kogi State Government under the leadership of His Exellency, Alh. Yahaya Bello for the wonderful supports accorded Jama’atu Nasril Islam, the Umbrella Islamic Organization in all ramifications in achieving the above objectives which have been reported
To the National headquarters of JNI under the leadership of His Eminence, Alh. Muhammadu . Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President — General of JNI, equally thanked His Excellency for extending the same gesture to our Christian faithful through the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The promotion of peaceful co-existence of religious bodies… Continue reading