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.

RAMADAN AND THE GODLINESS IN YOU: MY ENCOUNTER WITH AREA BOYZ By Rasheed Abubakar

NAIRA BET JOINT

There is Godliness (Ar-rabbaaniyyah) in everyone, no matter how terrible they might be. My recent encounter with some street urchins popularly known as area boys, who were also preparing for Ramadan, has proven so.

No doubt, area boys are known for their reckless lifestyles and hooliganism. We live with them and obviously, we’re aware of the troubles they cause. But when the month of Ramadan approaches, the Muslims among them amend their ways and lead a Godly life.

I intentionally listened with rapt attention to the conversation between two popular street urchins at Ijeshatedo area of Lagos days ago, for the purpose of this article. Sir Fathy (real name, Abdul-Fatah) just left his regular gambling joint, when he met ID (real name, Idowu), who challenged him in their local street parlance – Were!! E ma wo oloriburuku yi sha! O si n ta naira bet. Ti awe ma beere l’ola. Oo le kuu re, walai! – meaning – Mad man! See this unfortunate being. You still playing naira bet, when Ramadan begins next week! I swear, you can’t die a noble death!”

AREA BOYZ: WON TI DA GOBE SILE...

Sir Fathy replied, Oga gbagbe! Mo ju n be. Omo boi lati sare shey runs kekere ki awe to beere. Osha mo, ti awe ba bere n’sin, no more betting. A ma kawo so ke fun saati ramoni ni. K’omo boy sare je nkan ti ma fi s’awe. O saa mo. jeun soke n tie – meaning – Brother, forget it. Don’t mind me. I have to quickly do some “runs” before Ramadan starts. As you know, once Ramadan begins, there’s no room for betting and gambling. We will have to submit ourselves to the Great One. Let me quickly earn some cash to feed myself during fasting”.

The last Solatul Jumah (Friday prayer) of Sha’ban, the month preceding Ramadan, was over-crowded in most central mosques in Lagos, because of the arrival of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Sir Fathy was among a handful of Muslims who bought Islamic items at Folawiyo Central Mosque, Surulere, Lagos, in preparation for the Holy Month. I guess it was from gambling money he purchased a new jalabia (robe), cap, rosary, among others.

Did I hear you say ‘gambling money’ to prepare for Ramadan? Exactly, that’s what he did. But before you condemn him, there are many so-called Abdul-Fatahs (Sir Fathy) among the fasting Muslims out there. Forget about the fact that he’s a street urchin who earns his living from gambling, what about you? Do you think your source of income is pure enough for you to maximize the rewards of fasting in the month of Ramadan? Think about it now!

Who am I to judge you, but what is certain is that it’s a sin for anyone to eat from haram – things Allah has forbidden, not to talk of taking it to observe Ramadan. There will be no reward of fasting for such a person.

Allah (SWT) warns in the Glorious Qur’an, “O ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith we have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is (indeed) He whom ye worship.” (2:172)

In another verse, He (Allah) says, “O ye Messengers! Eat of the good things, and do right…” (Quran 23:51)

In the hadith of Abu Hurairah, Prophet Muhammad (saw) told his companions, “Allah the Almighty is good and accepts only that which is good.”  

The Messenger of Allah narrated the case of a man who, having journeyed far, is disheveled and dusty and who spreads out his hands to the sky [saying]: O Lord! O Lord!-while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully, so how can his invocation be accepted.” The above narrations showed that it’s important we are conscious of what we eat, drink and where we get the money to buy those things we wear, especially in the month of Ramadan and beyond.

But, come to think of it, what’s so unique about Ramadan that suddenly transforms many unrepentant sinners to God-fearing beings. Why is the month special to many people, irrespective of their personalities, especially somebody like Sir Fathy who spends most of his life gambling?

The answer to the question lies in the hadith (sayings) of the Prophet (peace be upon him), when he said, “During Ramadan, the gates of hell are closed, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the devils are in chains. An angel calls out: ‘O you who intend to do good deeds, have glad tidings. O you who intend to do evil, refrain, until Ramadan is completed.”

That’s the secret. Ramadan is the most sacred of all months. Everybody wants to benefit from the holy month by enjoining good and refraining from evil. That’s why most fun spots, especially bars, clubs, etc that have long enjoyed high patronage of Muslims, witness low turn-out. Most conscious hoteliers too reduce their activities to honour the month.

GODLINESS

Truthfully, if you can become godly in Ramadan, then it’s possible for you to be godly throughout the rest of your life. Forget about the unchained devils, he’s your enemy, my enemy, and you should not allow him and his agents to mislead you.

According to the Qur’an, Shaitan succeeded in misleading our first parents, Adam and Hawwa (Eve), and has promised to mislead his progenies (you and I) from following their Lord’s guidance. Surah Al-A’raf (Q.7; 16-17), Shaitan said to Allah, “Because You have sent me astray, surely, I will lie in wait against them (human beings) on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, You will not find most of them as thankful ones…”

My brethren, godliness can be attained, even after Ramadan. Shaitan wants you to be swimming in sins, but you must fight your ways to desist from all forms of sin. Although it’s not easy, the following steps would help you achieve godliness.

1. The worship of Allah

You should at all times know that it’s only Allah alone we worship and Him alone you seek for help. You should not seek other lords beside Allah, not to seek other helper, protector or gods beside Allah. (Study the following verses, Q3: 164, Q.3:162, Q.3:14)

2. Fear of Allah

But as for him who feared standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires and lusts. Verily paradise will be his abode. According to Qur’an 79: 40-41. Imam Al-Qurtubi commented: “his fear of Allah while on earth that made him to abstain from sin when he was about to commit it” (Al-Qurtubi 19\208)

3. Know, you can’t hide from Allah

Truly, nothing is hidden from Him, in the earth or in the heaven, says Allah in the glorious Qur’an, 3: 5. “It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceal his speech or declares it openly, whether he hid by night or goes forth freely by day.” Qur’an, 13:10, “And Allah is with you (by His knowledge) wheresoever’s you may be. And Allah is All-seer of what you do.” Qur’an 57:4. Always know that Allah sees you.

4. Self Evaluation

There is need for sincere evaluation of one’ self, the essence: “Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allah, verily Allah is All-aware of what you do.” Qur’an 59:18. Also, “That day shall you be brought to Judgement, not a secret of you will be hidden.” Qur’an 69:18 For instance, Umar bin kathab (the second caliph of Islam) used to beat his leg and say: “What have you done today.” Another companion, Ibn Summah, a devout, once counted his days on earth, when he was 60 years old. It totalled 21,600 days. He screamed: “Am I going to meet Allah with 21 500 sins?! How if I commit thousands of sins every day?!” he collapsed and fainted.

A. Practical steps to achieving self evaluation

Consciousness at all times. Prepare an answer for all your saying and deeds. Belittle your righteousness. Do not undermine your sins, Have a time for self evaluation. Reflect on all your action for the period. Thank Allah for your righteousness. Rebuke yourself for your inactions and all misdeeds. At bed-time know that it could be your last night. If eventually you wake know that it is a respite for you to repent and it could be the last. Be sad when you miss an obligation. Be sad if you do not increase in virtue. Know that your time ticks away very quickly. Review your actions at every Salat and make mend.

B. Repentance of Allah

Essence of repentance: To desist from all forms of sin, to regret all past misdeeds, to determine never to return. It is obligatory: “And repent to Allah all of you, O believers, that you may be successful” Qur’an 24:31. Also, “And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed the wrongdoers.” Qur’an 49: 11And the Prophet says: “A repentant from his sin is like who had never committed one.” All sons of Adam are fallible. The best among the fallible is the repentant.

C. Conditions of repentance

To be remorseful, to desist from sinning, to determine never to take other people’s belonging, to do righteous in place of every sin. “…verily the good deeds remove the evil deeds” Qur’an 11:114, “and follow every evil deed with a good one. It will wipe it off…” said the Prophet (peace be upon him).

D. Benefits of repentance

The one with a satisfactory soul: he sustains his repentance and makes up for his past misdeeds and never thinks of going back. That is the perfect repentance (at-taubatun- nasuh).

The one with a reproaching soul: he is consistent in his repentance from major sins but sometimes commits minor ones unconsciously but quickly repents.

The one with a weak soul: he is inconsistent in his repentance. Follows his lust and deliberately sins again but wishes to repent again.

The one with an evil soul: repents for a while but quickly returns to his sinful life without thinking of repenting again.

5. Remembrance of death

As Muslims, we should always do remember of death at every time, this will make you to fear Allah and shun evil.