What is happening, Dr Gumi?
To differ in understanding and elucidation of the verses or Ahadith (sayings and action of the prophet Muhammad SAWA) can be excused, because human intellect, as well as background knowledge and information differ. However, common sense (where available) should pilot us on hows to differ. Yes, you can have different view or understanding of some […]
To differ in understanding and elucidation of the verses or Ahadith (sayings and action of the prophet Muhammad SAWA) can be excused, because human intellect, as well as background knowledge and information differ. However, common sense (where available) should pilot us on hows to differ. Yes, you can have different view or understanding of some aspects of the religion, but that does not give you the license to revile or curse, talk less of abuse another person that holds a different understanding.
Indeed, the concept of unity in Islam does not necessitate a common and unified understanding and stand on all matters in the religion. Rather, it demands to disagree with respect and maturity. It also calls for giving excuse to other’s opinion and understanding so long as the counter opinion is based on specifics which may not be available to you. In this respect the effort of Nigerian supreme council of Islamic Affairs NSCIA to bring together the Islamic scholars and make them abide to refrain from outright denunciation and discourteous utterances of the Ulama to one another during their tafsir in this holy month of Ramada demands approbation.
The NSCIA summoned the major scholars of Izalatul Bidia Wa Iqamatussunah and Dariqa groups but failed covertly or overtly to call the Shia scholars. Perhaps, they very well know that the Shia Ulama are not a party to sowing the seeds of discord in the Nigerian Muslim ummah.
The trend of the tafsir so far indicates some restraint on the parts of Ulama of Dariqa and Izala from trading words among themselves. However, based on the utterances of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi on Shia and their Ulama one is forced to ask whether the consensus reached at the NSCIA meeting precludes abusing and accusing the Shia.
Otherwise one wonders how can somebody that is supposed to be an Alim be ignorant of the origin of Shiism and the role of Shia Ulama in safe guarding and protecting the Muslims Ummah in general through the history of Islam. Dr. Gumi’s unfounded allegations on Shia can least be described as regrettable. No right thinking person will have anything to benefit by abusing the Sahaba (companions) of the prophet (SAWA) as claimed by Gumi. Incontestably, there have been differences in understanding and actions with the early Muslim generation that led to development of Shia-Sunnah understandings. History is very well around for any truth and right thinking person to explore. Gumi claimed that Shehu Danfodio (may Allah have mercy on him) established an Islamic state on the concept and understanding of Ahlussunah wal jama’a. Sure, Danfodio did great work of establishing an Islamic state but he had at no time quarreled with anybody that differed from him in understanding. He has been reported saying “his was an Islamic society where no single Mazhaba or Dariqa will be enforced”. By the way if I may ask Dr. Gumi, was Sheikh Danfodio a Dan Izala? Indubitably the answer is NO, then, going by the perceptive of Izala, the being of Sheikh Danfodio a Muslim is questionable. How dare you then quote Danfodio in trying to bamboozle the Muslim Ummah? People should not be taken in by misguided words of Dr. Gumi.
Unity among Muslims is what is most needed at this intricate time. Indeed our unity is our strength. Going by the words of late Imam Khomeini (Q.S) “those that are trying to sow the seed of discord among Muslims are neither Shia nor Sunna”. They may be the agents of the Jews and other enemies of the Muslims who stand to benefit from our disunity. It is therefore imperative that NSCIA should call Gumi to order.
Dr Gumi’s regrettable utterances did not stop at cursing the Shia and its Ulama in Nigeria at the hem of which is Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky. He has gone ahead to attempt linking up the Islamic Movement in Nigeria with the Boko Haram idea. It is obvious that Gumi has mixed things up as he normally does in his tafsir or he is singing the praise of his domestic masters. Barely a week after the emergence of Boko Haram an ostracized “Sheikh” in Zaria by name Albani has tried during a phone in Radio Kaduna programme to associate the idea of Boko Haram with Sheikh Zakzaky. To any right thinking person, the idea nursed by Gumi and his likes can in no way be attached to the Islamic Movement being led by Sheikh Zakzaky. How the sheikh excelled in his academic pursuits is no hidden secret. Among his disciples are Engineers, Medical doctors, Academicians who are gainfully employed and discharging their responsibilities. Two of his children are in the universities while the rest are attending schools in Zaria. How do all these tally with your ineffectual idea that Sheikh Zakzaky is the founder of Boko Haram idea? It is Haram to lie!
To sum it all, we know Gumi’s masters (both locally and abroad) are seriously disturbed by the growth of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria popularly termed Shia. A pertinent question that Gumi and his cohorts that should find answer to is why is Shiism gaining ground in Nigeria? Perhaps people are tired of the tyrannical government that is oppressing them daily and typical with the true Shia of Imam Husain (A.S) they never keep mute and surrender to tyrants and oppressors. Such brave action of Imam Husain is what led to the tragedy of Ashura. Therefore, so long as there is oppression and there are those that are trying to emancipate the oppressed (like Sheikh Zakzaky) from the shackles of subjugation, then Shia and Shiism will continue to grow.
Similarly one may ask are Gumi and his likes on indenture to prepare the ground for the government to lunch its offensive on the Islamic Movement? Recent actions of the government have indicated its open declaration of war on Islam and Muslims in the country. Whatever plans are in the making, Allah is a witness over both yours and our actions and He has decreed to help the truth and those that stand by it.
Dr Abdullahi Danladi is of the Resource Forum of Islamic Movement in Nigeria