Hailing the appointment of Abuja national mosque overseer, Imams

Over two years now, the Abuja National mosque remained gloom since the demise of late Sheikh Musa Muhammad of blessed memory. The late sheikh, a poised cleric stirred the affairs of the Mosque with equity and justice and embraced all Muslims in brotherhood regardless of ethnic and geographical groupings. After his unfortunate demise (May the […]

Over two years now, the Abuja National mosque remained gloom since the demise of late Sheikh Musa Muhammad of blessed memory. The late sheikh, a poised cleric stirred the affairs of the Mosque with equity and justice and embraced all Muslims in brotherhood regardless of ethnic and geographical groupings. After his unfortunate demise (May the Almighty Allah continue to have mercy on him), the mosque came under a sectional and sentimental driven leadership which imbibed ab-intio an agenda driven with sole aim at promoting particular sect/denominational creed. The attitude and style of leadership anchored by the deformed administration and connivance on the mischief of the self-acclaim chief Imam almost dragged the Mosque into serious chaos but for Allah’s (SWT) guide of the Amir al-Mu’minina of Nigeria.

Our thought was that the then deputy Imam who was also part of the success story from inception in 1992 and presided over the affairs of the Mosque when the late Imam was away for pilgrimage for almost three years in acting capacity would have been saddled with the leadership of the Mosque as chief Imam. If this had happened, it would have given the Muslim Ummah the benefit of his acquired vast experience and knowledge of the Qur’an and its sciences being the prerequisite of Imam-ship base on the saying of the Prophet: “the one who is vast among you in recitation of the Qur’an should preside over prayer.’’ Khalid and Abdurrahman Bin Awf, were both companions of the messenger, when one day Khalid criticized Abdurrahman bin Awf over becoming first on an issue, he was warned by the Prophet (SAW) never should he criticize his companion who embraced Islam before him. For the interest of justice, peace and equity and the for the neutrality of the institution the trained deputy should have been allowed to replace his master.

Be that at it may, cavort, the appointment of a pioneer Vice chancellor of the then Sokoto University, an erudite scholar of Islamic Studies Professor Ahmad Sa’id Galadanci by the EGPC NSPCIA under the able leadership of his Eminent Sa’ad Abubakar the III on 9th October, 2017 during their 6th regular NEC meeting was a wise decision at the right time.  Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had enjoined Muslims not seek for lmam-ship but to accept if invited to serve. Professor Ahmad Sa’id Galadanci has showcased in its apt and clear sense this religious teaching when he declined at the inception of the mosque haven being appointed Nigerian ambassador to Saudi and again when confronted during the late chief Imam. 

The appointment of Professor Sa’id Galadanci is a welcome development as it falls in line with our call for rightful appointments to public and Islamic positions has begun to yield positive result as his knowledge and brinkmanship would set things aright. In words of the Prophet (SAW): “Whenever issues of public affairs were saddled to inexperience ones, wait for the last hour.’’ And, “among the signs of the last hour; whenever ignorance is given preference than knowledge.’’ On the other hand the Prophet (SAW) was asked about a Ruwaibidha, he replied as: “a trivial person having a say about public affairs.’’ With Professor Ahmad Sa’id Galadanci’s education, experience and exposure to Islamic knowledge, this hitherto gaps are covered. It is our hope that Professor Sa’id would reintroduced coexistence among the Imams and worshippers of the Mosque.

That he will also bring in the division of labour on the basis of expertise and duties among the Imams base on specialisation. 

 Religious teachings and sermons by the Imams and from local and external scholars should be reintroduced and intensified.

That the Professor would affirm actual teachings of the Prophet and throw away contemporary modifications and innovations of all kinds.

That all sermons should be written and scrutinised before presentation in order to have documented literature and to checkmate instigative sermons that are tantamount to tarnish personalities, creeds and drag Islam to disrepute.

That the new leadership would reintroduce Islamiyyah schools from primary to tertiary institution in line with the teachings of the Prophet where his mosque was a centre of learning. 

My prayer and that of well-meaning devout members of Islam is for Allah’s guidance and wisdom in this onerous task that is before you. My confidence in your ability and objective is unflinching. Accept my congratulations Professor Ahmad Sa’id Galadanci and Prayer.

Dr. Muhammad is the Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Abuja.