H.A..L.A.L.W.O.O.D: Creating A Lawful-Certified Muslim Film Industry

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL

be a superstar for islam

“Today, many Muslim youths, even non-Muslims have continued to learn great lessons from the story of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the life of his companions through The Message, the first major film about Islam, released on January 1, 1976, by Mustafa Akkad (1935-2005).

Documentary films about Islam such as Islam: Empire of Faith, Inside Mecca, The Trouble With Atheism, An Islamic History of Europe, Real Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People, ‘Ardul il Quran’ (interpreted in Yoruba), American Jihad among others have gone a long way in reshaping the orientation of Muslims and some non-Muslims as well.”

 

I am among the few Muslims that advocated Muslim movies industry (halalwood). I strongly believe that if there exist a sophisticated film industry for Muslims, such movies will not only educate the Muslims, but also slam western propaganda machines such as Hollywood, Bollywood, Nollywood, e.t.c, by releasing some movies or animation about Iraqi war, Palestinian crises where the heroes would be the Muslim fighters against American and zionist oppression.

For instance, we can have a movie where you will see a just Muslim whose wife, daughter, and son are murdered by Israeli and American terrorist soldiers who are stealing their oil. The Muslim would have to fight his way through many lawful ways even with difficulties. At the end of the movie, the relentless Muslim man will defeat the imperialists.

Also, we can have a record of over 50 episodes of soul inspiring short sitcoms for television, that would teach young Muslims morality and instill in them correct perception of Islam and the Muslims in a multi-religious environment like Nigeria, where the dreaded terrorist group, Boko Haram has been terrorizing both the young and the old Muslims and non-Muslims.

2015 edition

Obviously, whether conscious or unconscious, there are Muslims in the industry who can act wonderfully. But many of them are not representing Islam. Those few ones have limitations. Sometimes, they play good roles while at other times they play bad roles. Some play the roles of idolaters, Shaytaan (Devil), e.t.c. 

Meanwhile, there are Islamic rules on this issue. Sheikh Abdullah ibn Humayd said it is not permissible under any circumstances for Muslims playing the roles of unbelievers. Muslims should not make themselves resemble a Kaafir or Mushrik, who is an enemy of Allah (SWT) and His messenger, and of the Islamic religion. Neither should he make himself resemble the Shaytan (Iblees), who is the enemy of mankind. It is not permissible for a Muslim to do such thing and speak the words of Kufr by playing the role of Abu Jahl or Utban ibn Rabee’ah or any such person.

The reason behind this restriction, according to Al-Lajnah Al-Daa’imah is that such Muslim who plays those terrible characters may have to utter words insulting the companions, Allah (S W T), His Messenger and the message of Islam that he brought. Undoubtedly, this is a great evil (Al-Lajnah Al-Daa’imah, in Majallah AL-Buhooth AL-Islamiyyah Vol. 1/223)

Besides, the movie industry is saturated with all forms of indecency. In Islam there is no controversy concerning the impermissibility of movies that involve promiscuity, mixing of opposite sex and other vices. They are all prohibited for Muslims. It is even a great sin for Muslims to patronize such movies.

However, contemporary scholars, among them Sheikh Muhammad ibn Saalih ibn Uthaymeen, differ on the kind of movies or acting, which is done by two or more people in front of a group of others, using actions and dialogue, in other to teach Muslims and non-Muslims about Islamic worship and morals, or to help them understand reality and corruption, or to teach them the glories of the past, or for the purposes of entertainment- in which they may represent themselves in a way that differ from the way they really are, while some condemn it outrightly.

To learn and follow the guidelines - especially for Muslims who intend to go into movie production, grab a copy of MUSLIMS AND THE THREATS OF MEDIA, available at major Islamic bookshops nationwide.

Title: Muslims and the Threats of the Media 

Author: Rasheed Abubakar 

Price: N350 only 

Publisher: Salsabil Associates 

Year of Publication: 2015 

No of pages: 110 

Reviewer: Mahfouz A. Adedimeji, Ph.D. 

Foreword: Zafaran O. Adeniyi, Ph. D. 

Distributed Nationwide by: 

1) SALSABIL BOOKS & ISLAMIC MATERIALS: 

12 Ogo-oluwa street, Bariga, Lagos. 

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8 ADEOYE STREET, OSHODI. 

3) TOFA ISLAMIC BOOKSHOP. 

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THREE YEARS AFTER, AREMU GAWAT IS STILL MISSING

BY FEMI ABBAS

GAWAT

Retrospectively, Tuesday, July 10, 2012 can be described as a shocking day for Nigerian Muslim Ummah. That day, the Nigerian electronic media waves throbbed with a shocking and unbelievable news that the popular Islamic programme (e dide e mu saari je) presenter was missing. The waves added that whoever knew his whereabouts or heard any information about him should report to the nearest Police Station or any other relevant authorities. The breaking news sent jittery to millions and puzzled millions of others. Here was a well-known human being and not a chattel. Where and how do you start looking for him?

Brothers and sisters immediately went into action by taking up the matter as a knotty task that must be unraveled. Text messages and phone calls, e-mails and face-book communications began in earnest. In less than one hour after the outbreak of the news the entire world had known of it. And that evidently confirmed the global village created by the modern technology called internet. Thus, the search for ‘a golden fish’ in a turbulent ocean became a task for all and sundry.

Thereafter, the Nigerian factor set in. Rumors began to fly across boundaries as evil agents added their inputs. First, we heard that Gawat had been found and taken to his family. Then, a devilish rumor came in insinuating that the episode was a complicity in which his wife’s hand was vivid. The evil rumor mongers even had the audacity of sending text messages to me saying that his wife was already in Police gulag. I immediately called the innocent woman (Hajiya Fatima Gawat) to enquire about her whereabouts. And when she told me that she was in her husband’s home with her children I heaved a deep sigh of fervent relief. It was one moment of embarrassment at its topmost peak.

It is possible to be dead suddenly by whatever means but the body will be seen and the grave will be a witness. However, in a jungle-like country like Nigeria, it is possible for a prominent person of Gawat’s status to be kidnapped for a ransom by hoodlums and their godfather. But in this case, what is unimaginable and which remains a puzzle is for a person of Gawat’s personality to suddenly disappear so mysteriously within the city of Lagos without any trace.

And now, all said and done, three years after that agonizing episode, the common question that remains on the lips of all well-meaning people is: ‘where is Gawat?

WHERE IS GAWAT?

BY RASHEED ABUBAKAR

No one can say categorically the whereabouts of the famous broadcaster, whether dead or alive. However, there were different speculations of what could have happened to him. It all started like a rumour, on that faithful day, until it was confirmed by the police.  The former Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, Ngozi Braide insisted that it was a case of a missing person and not kidnap, adding that, “investigations so far showed there was no sign of struggle where his vehicle was found at Apongbon end of Eko Bridge. The car was neatly parked.”

...WITH SHEIKH SHAFII, SHEIKH ADANGBA DURING THE FUEL SUBSIDY PROTEST IN 2012 IN LAGOS

The Chief Executive Officer of Gawat Communications was said to be on his way to his Adeniji Adele home about 11pm when the incident occurred. Multiple sources said his black Toyota SUV, with Lagos registration number RE 77 AAA, was discovered on the Eko Bridge inward Apongbon about 11:45pm by LASTMA officials, led by the Zonal head, Mr. Akinpelu Ayuba during their safety checks on the bridge. 

All efforts to find him proved abortive, even though there were speculations that his corpse was found under the same bridge. Some reports even said he had been found by prominent Islamic activist, Prof. Lakin Akintola in Ibadan, Oyo State, a claim the scholar later debunked.

The once upon a time joyful Ramadan turned sour for the family of the eloquent broadcaster and Master of Ceremony. His wife, Alhaja Fatimah, children and sympathizers were in pensive mood when AL-FAHM visited his Lagos home recently. She declined to speak with our reporter.  

There were promises, assurances and optimism from the police and the Lagos State government that Gawat would be found. “I am optimistic that we would find him,” said Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), the former Lagos State governor, urging everybody to remain hopeful that Gawat would be found.

“I know the police are working. They have some useful information that they are sharing with. We are pursuing the leads, though it might take time. We are checking every information. So, anybody who has any information that may lead us to him should let us know. My number is 08034301122”, said the former governor.

Three years after, another Ramadan is here without Gawat. The question on the lips of many is where is Aremu Gawat, Dead or Alive? And the answer lies with Allah. But, then, it is our prayer that the government of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos State Governor would re-open the case and order the security agencies to begin/or continue fresh investigation and unravel the circumstances that led to his disappearance. 

It is our believe that those who planned harm for him did it because of his activities. Hence, this should serve as a lesson to every journalist, Islamic cleric etc. We have to be cautious of what we say, write and where we say it. Some prominent Nigerians, including Islamic scholars have met the same fate, not to talk of many cases unrecorded. 

May Allah continue to protect us from all evil and free all the innocent people, including our brother, Aremu Gawat, from their abductors. ameen

NIGERIAN MUSLIMS COMMENCE RAMADAN FAST ON THURSDAY

+ All You Should Know About The Holiest Month

By Rasheed Abubakar

 

Nigerian Muslims will on Thursday, June 18, 2015, join their brethren all over the world to commence the 1436 A.H (2015) Ramadan fasting, AL-FAHM investigations can authoritatively reveal.

This will be based on the sighting of the moon on Wednesday, June 1’s night, which is equivalent to 29 of Sha’ban, eight Islamic calendar. However, if the moon is not sighted, the month of Sha’ban will be 30 on Thursday, and Friday, June 19 marks the beginning of the fast in the blessed month of Ramadan.
 

Although, there is no official statement from the Sultan of Sokoto, who is the President of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) confirmed June 18 as the probable date.
 

In an exclusive interview with AL-FAHM, a member of the committee, Imam Abdullahi Shuaib said: "Based on available date before the NMSC and astronomical calculation which will complement the Shari’ah based-method of moon sighting, the probable date insha Allah may be 18 June, 2015 subject to the announcement to be made by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto." 

Sighting of moon is a general rule for commencement and termination of Ramadan fasting. According to the Qur’an, Almighty Allah says, “The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’an was revealed as a guidance for humanity and clarification of that guidance and a standard. So whoever witnesses (shahida) the month among you, let him fast” (2:185).
 

Many Islamic scholars have clearly stated that in the above verse the word “month” actually refers to the crescent moon of the month and was called “the month” (al-shahr) due to everyone knowing of its arrival.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), clarified this further in the following Hadith, as narrated by Abu Hurayrah:
 

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) made a mention of the new moon and (in this connection) said: Observe fast when you see it (the new moon) and breakfast when you see it (the new moon of Shawwal), but when (the actual position of the moon is) concealed from you (on account of cloudy sky), then count thirty days.

ORIGIN

Ramadan started in the month of Sha’aban (eight month of Islamic calendar) around 624 A.D, two years after Hijrah (the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina). According to Qur’an, chapter 2: 183, Allah (SWT) says fasting in the month of Ramadan is for believers alone. This was because Allah (SWT) used the month to celebrate the revelation of the Qur’an as cited in the above verse. Hence, fasting in the month of Ramadan is not meant for non-Muslims. Even when they try to observe it, probably to strengthen their relationship with Muslims, they’ll have no rewards. However, Islam has not prevented Muslims from relating with people of other religions, they are expected to be good and live in peace with them, especially in this blessed month.

NECESSITY

The fast of Ramadan, according to the Qur’an, sunnah (the Prophetic ways of life) and consensus of all the scholars, it’s obligatory upon every sane, adult, healthy Muslim. Some people are, however, exempted. They are categorised into two, namely, those exempted for life and those that are exempted but must repay it. Those exempted for life are not going to pay back. All they need to do is to feed fasting Muslims, which is called Fidya in Arabic. This includes aged males or females and those who suffer illness that cannot be healed again. Those exempted but will pay back include travellers, pregnant and breastfeeding women and chronic sicklers. They will have to pay back the missed days. As for Muslims doing hard labour, it’s advisable for them to go on leave or vacation as there is no evidence of exemption for them.

WHY IT’S UNIQUE

In Islam, Friday (Yaomal il Jumuah in Arabic) is regarded as the best day of the week and Ramadan is the best month of Islamic calendar. In other words, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said it is a blessed month, in which, “The gates to paradise are opened and the gates of hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night (during this month) which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived (of something great).”

HOW TO PREPARE

…Medically fit

Preparing for Ramadan goes beyond buying plenty of foodstuffs as most people do, even though it is necessary. Fasting in the month requires a lot and it was reported that early Muslims would start preparation six months ahead. The top on the list is the state of health of a fasting Muslim. He’s expected to go for medical check-up to know if he’s fit or not.

… Spiritually fit
The month of Ramadan requires high level of spirituality from Muslims, it’s important we prepare to engage in acts of worship, with the intention of moving close to Allah.
While preparing for Ramadan, fasting Muslims are to make ready items such as Qur’an (possibly the ones divided in parts), misbaha (rosary), jalabia (praying gown), praying mat that will aide their Ibadah (worship) and adhkar (remembrance) etc.

INTENTION

It is mandatory to start fast by making intention known. Without it, the fasting is null and void! The intention has to be made before fajr (dawn) and during every night of Ramadan. Saying out the intention is the common mistake people make but  it need not to be spoken, as it is in reality an act of the heart which does not involve the tongue. It will be fulfilled by one’s intention to fast out of obedience to Allah and for seeking His pleasure.

WHY DO WE TAKE SAHUR AND IFTAR

Sahur means early morning meal and iftar is the meal we take while breaking fast. They are technical words in the Islamic jurisprudence for commencement and termination of fast and it’s expected of every Muslim to abide by it even if it’s a sip of water, one must take something. There is the impression among non Muslims that fasting in Islam is not something serious or difficult, because it’s only the lunch meal that’s missing. While explaining the wisdom behind it, an erudite scholar, Shaykh Luqman Abdur Raheem, said, “It’s ordained by Allah and we must abide by it. We are not like those who invented lies into their doctrines after the demise of their leaders. In Islam, we don’t do innovation. But, the issue is when you’re thirsty during the day, you can’t take water; when you are hungry, you can’t eat even though you have the money. You can’t sleep with your wife until you terminate your fast at night and the essence of fasting is more than that. it’s taqwa (piety) that Allah wants.”

HOW TO COMPLETE TWO QUR’AN IN RAMADAN

Reading the glorious Qur’an is the best act of devotion in Ramadan, said the Prophet (SAW). Our findings therefore have shown that the glorious Qur’an has 600 pages approximately. If you divide it on 30 days, that’s 20 pages a day. You might find it difficult to read 20 pages in a day but if you divide it on the five prayers a day, it gets easier; if you read four pages after every five daily prayers in Ramadan, then you’ll complete the Qur’an in 30 days. If you want to complete it twice, you read four additional pages after every prayer plus initial one before prayer. Therefore, make sure you don’t miss all your prayers and try as much as possible you get to Mosque at least 20 minutes before prayer and stay for another 20 minutes after prayer.

OBSERVING TARAWIH, OTHER NAWAFIL

Nawafil (Nafilah, singular) are voluntary prayers but are essential for every fasting Muslim. The foremost during Ramadan is Tarawih and it starts on the very night in which the moon was sighted, because that night is also among the nights of Ramadan. Other superogatory prayers expected include solatul duha (prayer during sunrise), solatul Hajjah (prayer of need), among others. It is also important to note that any voluntary prayer after Ishai prayer during Ramadan is called Tarawih; but in months other than Ramadan it is called tahajjud or qiyamul lail because they are all observe in the night. The tarawih prayer is 11 raka’ats long according to the practice of Allah’s Messenger. It can be observed once or divided into two part of the night and should be observed with the recitation of long verses, chapters of the Qur’an. For those who can’t recite fluently, it is advisable to join the congregational prayer in their locality, where it will be observed with solemnity and full submissiveness.

ADHKAR

Adhkar means remembrance and it’s an obligation for every Muslim to remember Allah during Ramadan and every other day. This is evident in the word of Allah, where He says, “...and remember your Lord much and glorify Him in the evening and in the early morning,” and “Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides...” (Q. 3:41, 191). It’s therefore expected of every Muslim to chant countless of adhkar during this month so as to seek Allah’s guidance, mercy, blessing protection and forgiveness. If Prophet Muhammad (SAW), whom Allah (SWT) has forgiven his sins, would do 70 istigfar (prayer of forgiveness) in a day, what stop us from doing more than that?

TAFSIR-IL-QUR’AN

Attending sermons, especially tafsir-il-Qur’an (explanation of the Qur’an) is also another act a fasting Muslim should engage himself with. In doing this, he’ll not only be rewarded by Allah, he will also be enlightened about his religious injunctions. There are several centres where this takes place. 

UNDERSTANDING I’TIKAF

The term, I’tikaf, according to the sharia (Islamic law), is an act of staying in seclusion in Mosque in which five prayers are held in congregation. Apart from having facilities like rest and bath rooms, it must be a mosque where solatul jumah (Friday prayer) is being established. The intension behind seclusion should be strictly for worship and becoming closer to Allah. A person, both male and female, doing i’tikaf should busy himself/herself with a lot of act of worship such as reading the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah, voluntary prayers among others. Acts like backbiting, gossiping and all vain and forbidden utterances should be avoided during I’tikaf. It’s however painful to see some places of I’tikaf becoming halls of discussion, story-telling, arguments and other vices. There is nothing wrong with visiting a person in I’tikaf, especially visits by members of his or her family. Several sayings of the Prophet (SAW) supported this but the main objective of seclusion is to witness Lailatul-qadr (Night of Majesty) in prayer and devotion. It ends immediately the new moon of Shawwal (tenth month of Islamic calendar) is sighted.

WHAT IS LAILATUL QADR

Allah has blessed the Muslims with Night of Majesty, the most virtuous of the year during Ramadan. It’s a night that is better than thousand months and any action therein, for instance, reciting the Qur’an, is better than acting for one thousand months which do not contain the night of qadr. Scholars hold different opinions as to the night which is the night of qadr but some say it’s 21, some say 23 and others say it’s between 25, 27, 29 night of Ramadan respectively. The most popular opinion which is based on the tradition of Prophet Muhammad is 27 night of Ramadan.  Despite different views, scholars unanimously agreed that the Night of Majesty falls within odd number, 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29.