As we enter in to 1435AH

The story of the past 364 days, for most Nigerians, is simply a tale of woes. The persistent failure by government to tackle even one out of the numerous challenges confronting the country is one strong indicator that continues to expose the many weaknesses of Goodluck Jonathan as a clueless and very incompetent president whose […]

The story of the past 364 days, for most Nigerians, is simply a tale of woes. The persistent failure by government to tackle even one out of the numerous challenges confronting the country is one strong indicator that continues to expose the many weaknesses of Goodluck Jonathan as a clueless and very incompetent president whose only skill in governance is the ability to play the script of his kith and kin. As a consequence of his managerial and intellectual deficiencies, President Jonathan is no more than a puppet in the hands of his ethnic commanders and political servants.
As 1434AH comes to a close, our obvious ‘carry-overs’ in the new hijrah year from the cargo of problems bedeviling the country would surely include the epileptic supply of electricity from the public power source-the PHCN; a troubled aviation sector; continued insensitivity of government to the genuine demands of ASUU and ASUP; poverty; unemployment; epidermis of preventable diseases such as cholera and Lassa fever; intractable insurgency in parts of the country; and the latest thoughtless ‘transformation project’ called national conference. Jonathan’s administration has indeed become a burden on Nigerians. It is to President Jonathan’s credit that the impunity with which corruption has become pervasive in the country can only happen under his wasteful years of leadership.
Nonetheless, we have every cause as believers to be grateful to God. Remembering just our sober moments in the last one year may not absolutely guide us to appreciate Allah’s mercy and grace. His favours include sparing our lives to this moment. We thank Allah (SWT) that we are alive to complain about the use of public funds by Stella Oduah to purchase bullet-proof cars! Only the living tells stories. Inspite of our alarming level of indiscipline, irresponsibility, and dishonesty as leaders and as followers; Allah (SWT) is kind to spare our country from natural disasters including drought, earthquakes, volcanoes and hurricanes, which have left some countries devastated.
Ushering or celebrating a new hijrah year goes beyond merry-making. It is a period for us to check whether our al-Kafan (the white sheet for shrouding the dead) is still intact or has changed colour due to long period of storage. If anything has happened to it, then now is a period for you to replace it. If you have not provided yourself with one, you are probably one of those who do not remember that death is an inevitable event that awaits every mortal. If you live in a place where people buy land to bury the dead, you should inquire at a time like this whether the C of O for such a land (if you have acquired one) is still valid, expired or revoked.
The beginning of a new hijrah year should also be used to update our wills (wasiyyah). Imam Bukkhaari and Muslim both relate on the authority of Ibn Umar (RA) that the Prophet (SAW) said: “It is not right for a Muslim who has properties or wealth to bequeath, that he should pass two nights without having a testamentary will with him”.
The updated rate for monetary Zakkat is another matter which believers should get themselves acquainted with at the beginning of a new hijrah year. According to figures recently released by the Society for the Propagation of Islam, the minimum taxable amount (Nisab) upon which 2 1/2% is payable as Zakkat in the year 1435AH is put at N705,281.00 which is the current cost of 20 pieces of gold (dinar). The minimum amount of money payable as dowry as well as the least theft of property that can attract amputation of hand in the year 1435AH is N8,816.00 which is the cost of a quarter of a gold (rub’u dinar). The sum of N36, 803,303.00 (over N36 million) is the blood-money (diyyah) payable for manslaughter.
The sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) recommends for believers to observe voluntary fast on the 9th (Tasu’ah) and 10th (’Ashurah) of the first month (Muharram) of the Islamic year.
Let us begin the New Year with sincere resolutions which should include repenting from our sins, big and small. Let us promise Allah (SWT) that we will henceforth abide by his injunctions. O Allah! Give us the ability and capacity to do good at all times. Guide the corrigible from our leaders to lead with piety, justice and equity; and take the incorrigible ones out of the country’s path to greatness. In order that our prayers may be accepted, however, we must equally resolve to shun anything that is forbidden (haram) from what we eat, drink or wear. Unless we resolve to earn our living from legitimate sources, our prayers as explained in the tenth hadith of Imam Annawai’s collection of the forty traditions are not likely to be heard. May Allah (SWT) remove anybody and anything that constitutes an impediment to our becoming a prosperous nation, amin. Happy New Year!