*EID EL MAWLID SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF IMAM OF THE LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR AMIDU OLALEKAN SANNI*
In his 1978 (revised 1992) ground-breaking "The 100. A Ranking of the most Influential Persons in History", the American astrophysicist, Michael H. Hart ranked the Prophet Muhammad as number 1, as ".. the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels". So, the celebration of his birthday should be an occasion to reecho the ideals and achievements of a WORLD CITIZEN, who came as a role model for humanity, whatever their identities and affiliations. Although many Muslims around the world often celebrate his birthday as if Muhammad exclusively belongs to them, the universal truth and morality which he upheld and practised have confirmed that only those who adhere strictly to his teachings and precepts in their personal and communal lives can legitimately lay claim to belonging to his mission. Religious leaders who are fervent protagonists of the prosperity doctrine, traders in human parts and organs, percentage takers from kidnappers, Yahoo-Plus icons, and human traffickers, cannot be taken as genuine followers of the Prophet Muhammad nor indeed of any true Prophet of God or adherents of a true religion.
I wish to appeal to all Nigerians, especially the political class of whatever affiliation, to make the mission and vision of the Prophet Muhammad their guiding principle of life, as encapsulated in Qur'an 21 verse 107 " And we have not sent you (O Muhammad) but as a MERCY to the worlds". The pervasive reign of deprivations, corruptions, insecurity, overt and covert suppression of dissent, among other infelicities, have given the strong impression that the current managers of our socio-political and economic space are adept at applying analogue formulae, hands, and minds to digital problems, generations, and times. Old dogs can never be taught new tricks. Adopting several examples from the style of the Prophet in putting the best hands in the right places would make life better for all.
The Islamic community in Nigeria and indeed around the world should use the occasion of the Mawlid (Birthday of the Prophet) to join genuine efforts at eliminating the loss of innocent lives of children and women, destruction of public facilities and education infrastructures in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and in other distressed parts of the world. The flood disasters in several parts of Nigeria and elsewhere demand proactive and sustained measures on the part of the government and local stakeholders.
We call for the unconditional release of genuine protesters against hunger and corruption in public and private institutions, speedy prosecution of truly culpable suspects, reduction in the overcrowding of correctional facilities, rehabilitation of released inmates, and redemption of those suspects in custody who have spent more than they would have even if convicted. Civil society and NGO establishments, as the only enduring barometer and regulator of good governance in the absence of a credible opposition in Nigeria today, should be allowed to operate freely within the dictates of the rule of law.
While wishing everyone a unique opportunity to recalibrate our personal and communal lives along the sublime precepts of the Prophet Muhammad whose advent brought a new world order in all spheres of life, we pray for divine guidance to the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government of Lagos State, and the management of the Lagos State University under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello.
Signed
Distinguished Professor Amidu SANNI, Chief Imam of the Lagos State University
Sunday, 15 September 2024/12 Rabiu l awwal 1446AH
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