Ramadan: NASFAT calls for closeness to Allah, says, hardship inevitable
Zainab Tanimu
Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria
Nastrul -L-Fatih Society NASFAT has called on Nigerians especially the Muslim ummah to adhere to the teachings of the Holy Quran in order that one can enjoy peace.
The present hardship being experienced it described as a test from the Almighty Allah because Allah’s words in the Quran states that human beings shall irrespective of statue, will at one time of one’s life be tested with hardship, and hunger is one of such hardships.
What is needed at this trying period it said is closeness to one’s creator, seeking the face of Allah.
This admonition was given during its pre-ramadan lecture, titled, “DEALING WITH A DIFFICULT TIME: Hunger Alleviation Within the Muslim Ummah in the Spirit of Ramadan,” held at NASFAT village’s mosque Kaduna.
The erudite Islamic Scholar, the Zonal Missioner, NASFAT FCT, Sheik Dr. Sharafadeen Aliagan in his inspirational message stated that after hardship there is always succour because Allah has stated in Quran 90:4, that, “We have certainly created man into hardship”.
Imam Sharafadeen called on individuals particularly the Muslim Ummah to redouble their faith in Allah at this trying period.
Difficulty is a trial from Allah. And that
it is good to experience difficulty, saying, some of these experiences need to happen in one’s life otherwise, one will not be a complete Muslim.
He used the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAW) who experienced lots of difficulties. “So, who are we not to experience difficulties?
“Remember amongst the 99 names of Allah. There is ‘Al Darr,’ in Allah’s name. (meaning, the Distresser ) So, Allah is behind the difficulties we are experiencing. We need to welcome it, for us to have peace. He stated
Quoting from the holy Quran:
“Allah says, whatever difficulty you will experience, it cannot be quantified to my blessings. No matter who you are, you will experience hardship. Hunger is part of hardship.
Expantiating further.
“We have economic challenges. So anytime we hear the word, difficulty, do not run away. It is part of us. It is inevitable.
He gave a number of ways by which one can surmount difficulties.
“You must know how to deal with difficulties because it is inevitable. The question is, how do you deal with it lslamically?
“Make your faith remain intact. Make sure it is unshakable. You must be patient, making sure that people do not know what is wrong with you at the time of difficulty because when it was rosy, it was not announced. As human, one should always be grateful to Allah in whatever condition one finds himself/herself.
“Always rely on the supreme being , Allah. Cry on to Allah not to your fellow human beings. Be more conscious of Allah at this time. If you’re conscious of Allah, you will be more pious and with that, Allah will remove whatever affliction, saying, Allah’s name is ‘hope’ as such one needs to be hopeful. Do not associate anyone with Allah. He cautioned.
Continuing his admonition,
“People of faith in time of difficulty always have hope in Allah. Be confident but not over confident.
“Learn to be economical at this period. Do not be wasteful, anyone who is wasteful at this period will offend Allah because some cannot afford even a meal.
“Prayer is better at this time. Prayer is everything and sometimes, prayer is not everything. Strive for better things to come your way as you back it up with prayers. He added.
“One needs to do a lot of sadaqah. (giving of alms) It is very important. And you should have a strong faith that no condition is permanent. He advised.
There are eight things one has to experience as a human being during one’s lifetime. Sheik Aliagan explained.
“Firstly, happiness. And the second one is sadness.
“No matter the situation of every human being, whether Christian or Muslim, old or young, you must experience happiness, and you must experience sadness.
The third is togetherness. It must happen to everyone in this life. And the fifth one , loneliness.
When we meet together, we still have to disperse. So if we come together today, we disperse tomorrow, no matter what.
Indeed, you will be together with some people, then, you will be alone and get separated from them.
Another one is that, difficulties and ease must happen.
Sickness must be experienced too by every human being and lastly, no matter how bad the situation is, somebody must be well at a point in time.
So, these are the eight things every human being must experience in life.
What we are saying in essence is that these things, we must experience it as an individual and we should expect it when it comes because is one of the difficulties of life. It is a fact that everyone has to live with.
The Zonal Missioner, NASFAT Kaduna Branch, lmam Ma’rooph Muhammed Raji in his contribution urged for calm and tolerance as every situation comes from Allah.
Explaining,
Speaking in a brief interview with Zainab Tanimu of Newsreservoir shortly after the lecture, former Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba commended NASFAT continuous efforts in enlightening the people. She described the lecture as educative and inspiring. She urged people to take what ever is happening as a test from Allah and to develop the habit of assisting one another.
“The lecture is excellent, educative.
Educative to Muslims on what lslam says about difficulty and what we are going to experience because Rasulullahi (saw) passed through so many difficulties
Let’s develop the habit of assisting one another.
Let us look at difficulty as an advantage for Allah to test us and also see what we can do.
This is ramadan month, let’s contribute to feed the needy. No matter how small you have, it is always good to give because the hand that gives is always on top.
She urged the women aside contributing by way of cooked food to promote the spirit of unity.
NASFAT has been doing a lot and l hope other religious organizations will also emulate.
NASFAT Kaduna Branch Chairman, Alhaji AbdulAkeem Adeniji also contributing said,
On the issue of feed the needy programme,
Chairman Feed the Needy Committee, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Amusa described the ‘feed the needy’ as an important Ramadan program.
But that this year’s ramadan ‘feed the needy’ is taking a different dimension considering the present economy situation of the country.
This year’s own we are doing it in different way because this year’s ramadan is coming at a time when there is serious hunger in the land.
Before, we were doing a general package which we give to all the members but this time, we are try identify the vulnerable ones. People that don’t have the means to fast with ease. Those who would have to go through hardship to be able to perform this obligatory act of worship, (fasting).
Packages are given to ease the hardship on them and by so doing putting smiles on their faces rather than observe the fast under hard condition.
Individuals should also assist. He pleaded.
