FROM THE MIMBAR
By: Abdur-Rasheed Adeoye
HAVING acknowledged the might of Allah and His overwhelming mercy on mankind, we beseech His mercy on our great leader Muhammad Al-Mustafa (SAW) whose migration made a landmark in the history of the world, may the Muhaajiruun [travelers] also benefit from this mercy including the Ansar [helpers] and all believers who are sincere with His religion till eternity, Amin.
Some moments are remarkable and can’t be downsized when the history of the world is being peened down. From the creation of Adam till the Ark of Nuh [Noah], the inprisoning and enthronement of the handsome Yusuf [Joseph], the defeat of the giant Goliath by the young David, the wisdom of King Sulaiman [Solomon], the firm faith of Ibrahim [Abraham] and the punishment of the people of Lot, the discharge of the Israelites from Pharoah by Musa [Moses], the birth of saint Isaa [Jesus] by virgin Maryam [Marry] and the birth of Muhammad 1487 years ago as well as his migration from Mecca to Madina 50 years after his birth made significant impact in the world.
Extracting the migration of Muhammad [SAW] along with his friend Abubakr from Mecca [Ummul Qurah] to Madinah after the permission of Allah for them to leave. This permission is granted due to the persistence persecution of the early Muslims by the Quraish and the hindrance in practicing the religion of Allah at it’s fullest. Hence, the Hijrah was necessary. Therefore, a lot of lessons abound in this event that took the Prophet [SAW] from Bakka to Yathrib.
Firstly, the power of planning: The journey of the prophet was well planned. Abdullah bn Uraykit, a guide who knew short but safe routes to Madinah was hired to lead the trip in order to protect the joutney from the menace of the Meccans. A food supplier, and a journalist who brought news of the community were also integrated into the plan; to supply them with necessary items and also information on the safety of their trip. A shepherd also moved his herd along the path of the Prophet (SAW) and his companion so that the Quraysh would not easily locate them by tracing their steps. All these are pointers to the fact that, proper planning prevents poor performance. Before you embark on any endeavor ensure you plan for it for he who fails to plan has surely planned to fail.
Another lesson that can be derived from this historic journey is the exceptional honesty displayed by the Prophet [SAW]. Despite the torment and torture, he suffered from the Quraish, the Prophet [SAW] didn’t abscond with the property that were kept in his care even though he would be in need of them when he arrives Medina. He dropped all the items and money (that had been kept with him) to All ibn Abi Talib to deliver them to their rightful owners. Its is also worthy of note, that despite the myriads of victimization unleashed by the Meccans on the Prophet [SAW], he still remain the just adjudicator who mediated amongst them when there were in disputes. So endeavor to maintain a healthy relationship with others even when they are the oppressors, teach them honesty and sound behaviour.
“ Show me your friend and I’ll tell you who you are” is the saying which goes in line with the hadith of the prophet in Bukhari and Muslim. “
A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift or you might buy some from him or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace.” Abubakr was indeed a friend in need who gave the required support to the Prophet [SAW] before, during and beyond the journey. He was indeed the companion Allah referred to as ‘Sohabah’ in the Glorious Quran; Q 9:40. The best of our companions should always be the truthful ones, Q 9:119.
The sacrifice of the prophet to leave his homeland to a foreign land is remarkable. He did this for the progress of Islam and the welfare of his Ummah. He remarked on how dearly Mekka was to him while leaving the city but he had to leave for the progress of the work of Allah. The Muhaajiruun and the Ansar also displayed high level of sacrifice. We had among the former those who left their booming businesses, family, property and wealth for the sake of Allah among them was Abu Salmah. The Ansar welcomed the Muhajiruun warmly giving them all necessary provisions and care in order to make them feel at home. Property were shared, building divided, businesses created, even wives were divorced by the Ansar for their brothers in Islam to marry. This level of brotherhood was so remarkable that Allah mentions it in Q 5:119. Similar rewards and blessings are indeed still reserved for anyone who can still make sacrifices for the sake of Allah. That’s one of the lessons Hijrah comes to teach us. Let us be more willing to give to the cause of Allah for “indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.” Q12:90.
Lastly, the hijrah symbolises the commencement of the counting of the Islamic calendar. Though the conventional usage of AH [After Hijrah] started during the caliphacy of Umar [the 2nd Caliph after the prophet] but the hijrah still refers back to the migration of Abu Qasim [SAW] and the calendar was commenced from that date. When a significant event was to be used in the counting of the Islamic year, the Hijrah was adopted because it is a uniquely remarkable event in history of Islam, and indeed, the world. It’s a symbol of justice, sacrifice, perseverance, honesty, effort and faith. Please note that the calendar with Allah is the lunar months; Muharram to Dhul-Hijjah as Allah said in Q9:30. This lunar counting is as old as the world itself as said in the verse above and as Muslims we should be aware of the months and the days in it with their significance more that the Gregorian calendar which was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII.
Knowing the importance of these months amount to the fact that we are expected to evaluate our selves before the beginning of each year. By the glory of Allah, the new year should commence tomorrow, Sunday 1st of October, 2016. Evaluate the way you spent your 1437 A.H checking your achievements and yet to accomplished goals while having realistic plans towards 1438AH. What, how and to what extent do you want to explore this year in your academics, spiritual, human relationship, Islamic knowledge, Arabic proficiency, Qur’an, family life among others. This Muhasabah [self-appraisal] makes our new year distinct from that of others.
The government should explore the opportunity of the Hijrah as well to do a holistic evaluation of her strategy especially during her independence atmosphere. Yes! We are in the period of Change, failing strategies should be reviewed while looking at ways of increasing the standard of living and decreasing the cost of living for Nigerians. Hijrah has come to teach us to be just, honest and evaluate ourselves. Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria.
To all UNILAG students, exam starts in a week’s time. We can still dot our Is and cross our Ts within the one-week lecture- free periode. Please don’t turn it to a reading- free week. Get necessary materials, conclude all readings, solve past questions, participate in group studies, and pray to Allah for success in your examinations. You can as well follow this link to download a pamphlet to guide you in examination success du’a:
http://www.mssnlagos.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_details&gid=82&Itemid=
PLEASE NOTE: The best place to be after your exam is the Da’wah Camp @ Akoka Central Mosque, Pako bus stop from Fri. 20st to Tue. 24th Muharram, 1438 AH [Fri. 21st to Tue. 25th October, 2016]. This year’s theme is The End Time with N1,500 as the camp fee. Come and get spiritual inspiration and increase your wealth of knowledge before the commencement of your holiday.
May Allah grant you succinct success in your examination as we prepare for Da’wah Camp.
IMAM Abdur-Rasheed Adeoye
Amir, MSSN UNILAG ’15
08099786263
