NIGERIAN UMRAH PILGRIMS 2017

NIGERIAN UMRAH PILGRIMS 2017

ASSEMBLED BY MALLAM ABBA ABANA, KUBWA, ABUJA, NIGERIA

http://variousislamicdawadocuments.blogspot.com

https://web.facebook.com/abba.abana

emails:gonidamgamiri@yahoo.com; abba.abana@gmail.com

 

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah. As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu. Praise be to Allaah; we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (Sallalhu alaihi Wasalam) is His slave and Messenger.

1.0 WHAT IS THE RULING OF HAJJ AND `UMRAH?

Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam. Allah says in the Qur'an {And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither} (Holy Quran Chapter Aal `Imran 3:97).`Abdullah ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying "Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the zakah, making the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan."

So, Muslim scholars are unanimously agreed that Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for those eligible.

As for `Umrah, Muslim scholars disagree whether it is obligatory or merely a recommended Sunnah. However, it is better to perform it in order to be on the safe side.

2.0 IS `UMRAH OBLIGATORY OR MERELY A RECOMMENDED SUNNAH?

The scholars are agreed that ‘Umrah is prescribed in Islam and is an act of virtue. They differed as to whether it is obligatory.

Imam Abu Haneefah and Imam Maalik were of the view that it is Sunnah and mustahabb, but not obligatory; this was also the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah.

They quoted as evidence for that the hadeeth narrated by al-Tirmidhi (931) from Jaabir, who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked whether ‘Umrah is obligatory. He said, “No, but if you do ‘Umrah it is better.” But this hadeeth is da’eef (weak); it was classed as da’eef by al-Shaafa’i, Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr, Ibn Hajar and al-Nawawi; by al-Albaani in Da’eef al-Tirmidhi, and by others.

Al-Shaafa’i (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: It is da’eef and cannot be used as evidence. There is nothing proven that says that ‘Umrah is a voluntary act of worship.

Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said: This was narrated with isnaads that are not valid, and such reports cannot be used as evidence.

Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (7/6): the scholars of hadeeth are agreed that it is da’eef.

One of the things that indicate that this is da’eef is the fact that it was proven that Jaabir was of the view that ‘Umrah is obligatory, as we shall see below.

Imam al-Shaafa’i and Imam Ahmad were of the view that it is obligatory. This view was also favoured by Imam al-Bukhaari. (May Allaah have mercy on them all).

Those who say that it is obligatory quoted a number of things as evidence:

1 – The report narrated by Ibn Maajah (2901) from ‘Aa’ishah who said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, do women have to engage in jihad?’ He said, ‘Yes, they must do jihad in which there is no fighting: Hajj and ‘Umrah,’” Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (7/4): Its isnaad is saheeh according to the conditions of al-Bukhaari and Muslim. It was also classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.

The point in this hadeeth is that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said alayhinna i.e., they must do, which means that it is obligatory.

2 – The famous hadeeth of Jibreel (peace be upon him) in which he asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about Islam, eemaan (faith) and ihsaan, and about the Hour and its signs. This was narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah and al-Daaraqutni from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him), in which ‘Umrah was mentioned along with Hajj: “Islam means to bear witness that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; to establish regular prayer; to pay the zakaah; to perform Hajj and ‘Umrah to the House; to do ghusl to cleanse oneself from janaabah (impurity following sexual activity) and to do wudoo’ perfectly; and to fast Ramadaan.” Al-Daaraqutni said, “This isnaad is proven and saheeh.”

3 – The hadeeth narrated by Abu Dawood (1799) and al-Nasaa’i (2719) from al-Subay ibn Ma’bad who said: “I was a Christian Bedouin… I came to ‘Umar and said, ‘O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, I have become Muslim and I found that Hajj and ‘Umrah are prescribed for me, so I entered ihraam for them.’ ‘Umar said, ‘You have been guided to the Sunnah of your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).’”

4 – The opinion of a group of the Sahaabah, including Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn ‘Umar and Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with them all). Jaabir said, There is no Muslim for whom ‘Umrah is not obligatory. Al-Haafiz said: This was narrated by Ibn Jahm al-Maaliki with a hasan isnaad.

Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “Chapter: The obligation of ‘Umrah and its virtues.” Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: There is no one who does not have to do Hajj and ‘Umrah. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: It is mentioned together with Hajj in the Book of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning): “And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad), the Hajj and ‘Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Makkah) for Allaah”[Holy Quran Chapter al-Baqarah 2:196]. Because it is mentioned together with Hajj, this means that it is obligatory like Hajj.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz said: The correct view is that ‘Umrah is obligatory once in a lifetime, like Hajj. Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 16/355.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (7/9): The scholars differed concerning ‘Umrah and whether it is obligatory or Sunnah. It seems to us that it is obligatory.

It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 11/317

The correct one of the two scholarly views is that ‘Umrah is obligatory, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad), the Hajj and ‘Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Makkah) for Allaah”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Baqarah 2:196]. Reference al-Mughni, 5/13; al-Majmoo’. 7/4; Fataawa Ibn Taymiyah, 26/5; al-Sharh al-Mumti’ by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 7/9. Ref Islam Q&A, https://islamqa.info/en/39524

3.0 INSENSITIVITY OF NIGERIAN MUSLIM GOVERNORS

Dr. Aliagan Imam Abubakr Has This To Say To Nigerian Umrah:

http://www.nairaland.com/3884649/insensitivity-muslim-governors

Allahu Akbar......majority of our Muslim Governors spent the last 10 days of Ramadan in Makkah performing the lesser hajj. They spent huge amount of tax payers’ money on this questionable project which is devoid of any reward. They used 1st class flights with chains of gold digger sycophants. They lodged in the best hotel near the HARAMAIN both at Makkah and Madinah.

Are they so religious in their private lives that warrant such Umrah venture? Addict drunkards pretending to be religious..did I hear you saying that some of them are drug addicts?

A simple layman calculation reveals that such executhieves Umrah trip amount to millions of Naira.....

Governor Expenses= (1st class flight, the best hotel and logistics).

The entourage = (10 sycophants, Business class, middle class hotel and allowances)

The Venal Scholars=( 15-20, whose main job is to pray for continuity in error, Economy class, between $500 to $1000).

1st lady and her group (1st Class flights, The best hotels for ALL, and stop over at Dubai for shopping).

Over #250m must have been spent on just one Umrah trip from the tax payers money (my wrong calculation).

My question is that before these opportunists got elected how many of them ever used Business class flights not talk of 1st class simply because they want to perform a religious duty?

And by the time they vacate the office will they be driven by religiosity to spend such huge amount from their pockets?

Let us be on the positive thinking. Our leaders embarked on such trip especially during Ramadan to get reward from Almighty Allah, but is there not a better way of achieving the rewards as recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (SallalahuAlaihi Wasalam)?

Bringing sucoor to the down trodden masses is far better than the multiple Umrah ventures. I have explained this point in details in my on line academic paper entitled "The concept of Al Istitah and hajj sponsorship in Nigeria" The philosophy of ZAKATUL FITR is another pointer in this direction.

Imagine if such huge waste is used to purchase drugs for free distribution in our HOSPITALS and the ESE KUKU clinics? This would have reduced the spread of cholera and maternal mortality cases.

Imagine if such huge reckless spending is used to rehabilitate our potholes driven streets. Many avoidable deaths through accidents would have been averted.

Imagine if such bonanza is used to fund the educational sectors.. our overcrowded classes would have been a matter of the past

Imagine if the chains of unemployed graduates are given N500,000k to start small scale business. 500 young graduates would have been empowered. Imagine if such is their programme for the past sixteen years they would have empowered 8,000 graduates.

Imagine if such amount is used to purchase tractors and fertilizers to be given to local farmers at subsidized rate, we would have chased the foreign farmers from our land.

Did I hear you saying that the money could be used to pay part of the worker’s salary or to provide adequate water supply? .....well help to share this dream may be they will ponder over it.

4.0 ABUBAKAR JIBIA WROTE ON NIGERIAN UMRAH PILGRIMS

In arguably his best piece of critique, Adamu Adamu reprehended regular Umrah goers. The column appeared in his Daily Trust column in 2002: This is the first article, written by Adamu Adamu sometimes in 2002, arguably his best piece of critique ever:

Memo To Umrah Returnees By: Adamu Adamu

Around Umrah time ten years ago, I suggested to Dr Musa Babayo, Talban Katagum, who had gone to Umrah countless times and was then an intending pilgrim, that there were many more things he could do with his Umrah funds to win him greater pleasure of Allah. Talba accepted my suggestion, and we all saw the many lives he was able to touch with goodies and with much affection. And that is the goal of Islam: to develop people who will adopt the doing of good as personal motto and practice. For this religion is not a religion of rituals as an end but that of rituals as a means to an end, which is public utilitarianism. And Umrah is supposed to make the Muslim community conscious of, and alive to, its responsibility.

Muslims pray and fast and go on pilgrimage so that they become good to people and be witnesses to fair dealing between men, at whose hands no one—whatever his religion—despairs of justice. The best of Muslims is not the most frequent of them in dashing off to Umrah; the best of them, according to the Holy Prophet [Sallalahu Aalaihi Wa Salam] is the one who is most beneficial to others, generally making life better for the bondsmen of the Lord—eliminating the fangs of hunger from their stomachs; lifting the yoke of poverty from their shoulders; and removing the contours of misery from their faces. Islam is not turning your face to Mecca or to any other direction: it is to have God-consciousness in all you do; and when you have that, there is nothing good that you will not, unprompted, do. Today, even with all the promptings in the world, Muslims will not be moved to do what is required of them; because they are not united and are not ready to struggle.

And as we saw, this year alone Umrah returnees spent more than 106 billion naira. If this year’s total Umrah expenditure represented an annual average, more than a trillion naira had been spent within the decade that separated this column from its precursor—the original memo to Umrah goers. And certainly, a sensible community could do a whole lot with a trillion naira. The following suggest themselves:

One, a modern school in each of the domains of the original 14 Danfodio flag bearers to train students in traditional Islamic sciences to become erudite Ulama, whose class, with the creation of Tsangaya schools, will gradually begin to become an endangered species until it finally disappears completely, perhaps within the next three decades or so. While these schools can stop all the roaming and all the begging and all the dirt of the almajirai, they will not produce a single traditional alim on whom the future of Islam—its scholarship, its modernization, its interfaith dialogue and even its relevance—will all come to depend. To be fair to them, they were not designed to achieve that; but a school like this can only complement them, so that Muslims can get the best of both worlds without having to sacrifice their religious tradition at the altar of a new educational policy.

Perhaps the necessity for such a school may better be appreciated when it is recalled that almost all the crises that have erupted within the House of Islam within the past 200 years have sprung from pseudo-scholarship and the related exploits of Western-educated Muslim activists who thought they were Ulama and attempted to replace them and do their work.

Two, in view of the total breakdown of the Western education system itself, the money may instead be used to establish the best university in Africa. Nothing good will come out of this North without real, practical, functional education. And since the rot in education started actually from the root, a trillion naira can be used to rehabilitate the entire lower—primary and secondary—levels in the states of the Umrah goers. And within the next decade in which another trillion can be collected, the graduates of these secondary schools will be in senior secondary schools waiting to enter the new universities that can be built to educate entire generations if the current one can forgo what is no longer a religious trip but mostly a frivolous second-rate tourist vacation. Where is the struggle?

Three, even for less spiritual reasons, at least ten fertiliser factories that will, if nothing else besides, make fertiliser cheaper, available and on time to help save agriculture and boost agricultural production; and at the same time help keep and circulate our money here and not remit it to Ukraine or China. Where is the struggle?

Four, if all the defensive noise recently made about interest-free banking is genuine, this money that can be saved and be channeled to establish an Islamic bank, a Sukouk, an Islamic Mutual Fund or an Islamic Unit Trust; and with their intermediation, this region will be on its way to raising the extensive financing needed for its economic development. Where is the unity?

Five, if every Umrah goer invests the money in agriculture, this food-importing nation will become not only self-sufficient in food production, but will be in a position to export foodstuff and begin the process of true diversification of its economy as the oil dries up. Where is the struggle?

Six, with famine ravaging the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, it is criminal to contemplate going on Umrah with funds that can save lives—yes, and they are Muslim lives too, even though Islam has not asked you to discriminate between grieving souls. Yes, these Northern Umrah-going Muslims are waiting for Catholic Caritas, Christian Aid and Save the Children to come and save their children. Where is the unity?

No doubt, these two most important and most immediately available lessons of the Umrah, unity and struggle—the abiding need for unity and the never-ending necessity for struggle in life—are necessary in order to surmount all spiritual and physical obstacles and to tame nature for the common good of man.

To go on Umrah and Hajj and assume Ihram and engage in Talbiyah is to momentarily abandon this material world behind by doing away with, and casting off, all distinctions of nationality, race, colour or tongue, individual differences of identity, riches, status or rank. Joining the circular caravan of the Tawaf is to lose all personal, sectional and national individualisms and join the great sea of human unity. Lesson number one: nothing spiritual, social or cultural can be achieved without unity. And to go from Safah to Marwah and back and forth, traversing the valley between them, is to engage in an unceasing struggle looking for the water of life—economic, political and social development. The spiritual war in Mina and the physical one between Safah and Marwah are complementary to each other and are designed to define the parameters of good Islamic conduct and inculcate the contours of best practice. Manna will no longer drop from heaven, it will have to spring up from earth.

Muslims must accept that development is not external: it is internal; and it is not money: it is an attitude. And He whom you worship will not change anything for you until you change that which is in yourselves. Or are you waiting for Jesus [AS] to return and request for manna? No, look around you—under the ground where you make the Tawaf. Underneath you lay Sayyidah Hajar.

Hajar was the wife of a Prophet, the mother of a Prophet and, considering our attitude to gender role-play, a woman who ought to have needed and expected and waited for help, and was placed in the valley by the command of God; yet she didn’t throw up her hands in the air and expect God—or some man—to solve her most immediate problem, which was procuring water for her baby. She ran not once but seven times with strength without lethargy, with hope and without despair, with focus and not with aimlessness. She finally found water as a result of the struggle by the baby—proving that everyone, including those considered the weakest, must contribute his quota for the society to advance. Lesson number two: nothing practical can ever be achieved without a focused struggle.

If you go to Umrah and come back without your lesson, you have not understood the acts you performed or their relevance to the world you live in. And today there is no Muslim group in the world in need of greater unity and struggle for a transformational cultural, social and educational programme than the Muslims of Nigeria.

But these Umrah goers, who are mostly men, and are strong and well-endowed with resources, have apparently decided that they have no role to play in the advancement of their societies: they only wish to go to Mecca and pray Tarawih and Tahajjud. They have converted the arena of ibadah into one of competition, not for devotion but for show. They are content to go round the Ka’abah and traverse the valley of Sa’y, and prove to the world that they are prosperous enough to undertake the journey every year—a journey that has become the status symbol for an elite class that is lost and mired in the worst cultural illiteracy seen anywhere in the Muslim World. No, you need a revolution in your thinking or you are fit only for the cemetery.

5.0 GIVING ZAKAAH TO A POOR PERSON SO THAT HE CAN GO FOR HAJJ

Allaah has mentioned the things on which zakaah is to be spent in the verse (interpretation of the meaning): “As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al-Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allaah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise”[Holy Quran Chapter al-Tawbah 9:60].

The scholars are agreed that the phrase “for Allaah’s Cause” refers to jihad for the sake of Allaah. But they differed as to whether Hajj is included with jihad or not.

The majority of scholars were of the view that it applies only to jihad and does not include Hajj. Imam Ahmad was of the view that it includes Hajj as well, and he quoted as evidence for that the report narrated by Abu Dawood (1988) from Umm Ma’qal, who said: “O Messenger of Allaah, I need to go for Hajj and Abu Ma’qal has a young camel.” Abu Ma’qal said, “She is telling the truth, and I shall donate it for the sake of Allaah.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Give it to her so that she may go for Hajj on it, for it is for the sake of Allaah.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

And it was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “Hajj comes under the heading of for Allaah’s Cause.” Al-Haafiz said: Abu ‘Ubayd narrated it with a saheeh isnaad. See al-Mughni, 9/328; al-Majmoo’, 6/212.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said in al-Ikhtiyaaraat, 105: Whoever has not done the obligatory Hajj and is poor should be given what he needs to do Hajj – i.e. from the zakaah funds.

And it says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/38: It is permissible to give zakaah so that poor Muslims can travel to do the obligatory Hajj, because this comes under the general meaning of the phrase “for Allaah’s Cause” in the verse which speaks of the ways in which zakaah is to be spent.

https://islamqa.info/en/40023, Islam Q&A

6.0 SHOULD HE PERFORM THE OBLIGATORY HAJJ OR GIVE THE MONEY IN CHARITY TO HIS NEIGHBOUR WHO IS POOR?

The majority of scholars are of the view that it is obligatory to do Hajj immediately for everyone who has the means.

Ibn Qudaamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said in al-Mughni (3/212):

If a person is obliged to do Hajj and he is able to do it, he has to do it straight away and it is not permissible for him to delay it. This is the view of Abu Haneefah and Maalik. That is because Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allaah], then Allaah stands not in need of any of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)”[Holy Quran Chapter Aal ‘Imraan 3:97]. End quote.

What is meant by having the means is having the physical and financial ability to do it.

It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (11/30):

Having the means with regard to Hajj means being in physical good health; having the means of transportation to reach the sacred House of Allah, by plane, car or mount, or by being able to pay for that according to one’s situation; and having sufficient provisions for the journey there and back. This is on condition that this is surplus to the expenses of those on whom one is obliged to spend until one comes back from Hajj. A woman should also be accompanied by her husband or a mahram even when travelling for Hajj or ‘Umrah. End quote.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

Having the means is of two types: having the physical means and have the financial means. Having the financial means is a condition of it being obligatory and having the physical means is a condition of performing it. End quote. Al-Liqa’ al-Shahri, 1/391.

As you have the means, it is an individual obligation upon you to go for Hajj, and this takes precedence over giving charity to your poor neighbour, because he is one of those on whom you are not obliged to spend and your charity to him – when this is the case – comes under the heading of voluntary and naafil actions, and what is obligatory takes precedence over what is voluntary.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

Doing Hajj in the manner prescribed in sharee‘ah is better then charity that is not obligatory.

But if he has relatives who are in need or there are poor people who are so poor that they need maintenance, then giving charity to them is better.

But if in both cases it is voluntary, then Hajj takes precedence because it is an act of worship that is both physical and financial. End quote. Al-Ikhtiyaaraat, 116

Islam Q&A, https://islamqa.info/en/146390

7.0 OPEN OBLIGATIONS TO NIGERIAN MUSLIM MILLIONAIRES BUT SIDELINED

Many areas of concern in Nigeria by millionaires yet abandoned and spend millions to proceed to Umrah either on Government funding or looters fund or corporate or individual funds.

See the great lapses particularly Internally Displaced Persons (IPDS) in Borno state. Christian Evangelists are taking over IDP camps in Borno and Muslim millionaires are just looking at. None is asking; what do we do to reach out to this children Or else a lot of them will be converted to Christianity?

The church is really working to win souls and most orphans will be victims of such circumstances.

RCCG Gives Free Medicare to IDPs in Borno | THISDAYLIVE.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/ind ex.php/2016/07/03/rccg-gives-f ree-medicare-to-idps-in-borno/

One might assume the IDPs assistance by Christians was deliberate knowing the weakness of the Government and Muslim millionaires? Too bad!

Michael Olugbode wrote:

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has treated people especially internally displaced persons in Maiduguri of medical cases of malaria, hypertension and diabetes.

The treatment were conducted at the Borno Provincial Headquarters as part of the programme line up for the Annual Sisters’ Convention tagged: “All in His Fullness.” Apart from treating people who throng the venue of the programme, free drugs were also given out based on prescriptions.

Speaking on the reason the church decided on the programme, the wife of the provincial pastor of Borno, Pastor (Mrs.) Bolanle Afe Johnson said it was part of the community relations programme of the church and since it was discovered that many people cannot afford to treat themselves of these ailments, it was decided that the church should be of assistance.

She also said it was an opportunity to evangelize to the town by telling the people that the church cares and can always provide a big canopy over their head.

She said over two hundred people were attended it during the two days programme, promising that before the end of the year the church will give free treatment to women with cervical cancer.

Johnson lamented that during the programme, it was discovered that many persons were suffering from high blood pressure which may be an indication that the insurgency crisis in the state may have contributed to this.

She asked that other well-meaning Nigerians should come to the assistance of the state especially internally displaced persons who need to have good nutrition and should be given medical treatment.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/ind ex.php/2016/07/03/rccg-gives-f ree-medicare-to-idps-in-borno/

Another shocking event is the undercover investigation: in Borno, children are dying at idp camps, foodstuffs are ‘disappearing’ at SEMA STORE. Refer to https://www.thecable.ng/undercover-investigation-borno-children-dying-idp-camps-foodstuffs-disappearing-sema-store.

'Half' Nigeria food aid for Boko Haram victims not delivered - BBC News. Refer to http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-40325043

8.0 LATEST UPDATE ON THE DATES OR DABINO SCANDAL

"National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs Re: Distribution of Saudi Arabia Dates to IDPs.

The attention of the National Commission For Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons NCFRMI, has been drawn to a public announcement emanating from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria, to the effect that the dates packaged and distributed as gifts from the Government of Saudi Arabia are being sold by some members of the public.

This has generated comments from the public.

For the avoidance of doubt and further clarification, the Commission wishes to state that the said dates were presented to the Commission for onward distribution as gift to Internally Displaced persons by the Saudi Arabian Embassy on the 7th of June, 2017, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria.

Immediately the dates were received, that same night, the Commission got down to the business of dispatching same to the Beneficiaries in Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Borno, Kano as well as Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi States and the Federal Capital Territory, with the Saudi Embassy's Charge de Affairs in attendance. The exercise Commenced same night between 9pm and 6:00am of the following day. Trucks were hired at the expense of the Commission for the exercise. The IDPs in the Federal Capital Territory were also included in the distribution. The dates were also presented at some of the mosques identified as where IDPs worship.

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons would like to emphasize that no other person or groups of persons were included as beneficiaries of the gift from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. The Commission cannot control what happens after the distribution exercise. Cases of IDPs selling relief materials are not new though, which is why the Commission is focusing on Durable solution strategies in its interventions.

The National Commission For Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons hereby restates its commitment to its mandate of leading and coordinating humanitarian activities in the country, protection and the treatment of its persons of concern with respect and dignity."

Signed

Halima Musa

SA Media to Honourable Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI.

Why diversion: fraudulent activities or corruption, poverty, greed, unemployment etc. caused.

9.0 CONCLUSION

This year 2017 alone Umrah returnees spent more than 106 BILLION NAIRA. If this year’s total Umrah expenditure represented an annual average, more than a trillion naira had been spent within the decade. Nigeria With a population of approximately 170 million, there is no doubt that a conservative estimate of Muslims in Nigeria would be around 85 million. Very high percentage is poor or average or middle class. This is nearly thrice the population of Saudi Arabia. Where are the Muslim millionaires who SHUNNED OR REFUSED TO LISTEN TO scholars in Nigeria? Is that the way IDPs are dying and MUSLIM millionaires and government officials are performing Umrah at such high costs when hunger and unemployment are on high status?

These people going for Umrah in Ramadan are not first timers but continuously going when huge obligations of poor neighbors are on ground at home? The correct view is that ‘Umrah is obligatory once in a lifetime, like Hajj. Let us be on the positive thinking. Our political leaders embarked on such trip especially during Ramadan to get reward from Almighty Allah, but is there not a better way of achieving the rewards as recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (SallalahuAlaihi Wasalam)? Bringing sucoor to the down trodden masses is far better than the multiple Umrah ventures.

The scholars are agreed that the phrase “for Allaah’s Cause” refers to jihad for the sake of Allaah. But if one has relatives who are in need or there are poor people who are so poor that they need maintenance, then giving charity to them is better than Umrah. These Umrah goers, who are mostly men, and are strong and well-endowed with resources, have apparently decided that they have no role to play in the advancement of their societies: they only wish to go to Mecca and pray Tarawih and Tahajjud. They have converted the arena of ibadah into one of competition, not for devotion but for show. They are content to go round the Ka’abah and traverse the valley of Sa’y, and pictures taken to Facebook and prove to the world that they are prosperous enough to undertake the journey every year—a journey that has become the status symbol for an elite class that is lost and mired in the worst cultural illiteracy seen anywhere in the Muslim World.

When do we change to fight against the Satan? Remember Holy Quran Chapter 9.60 on charity, Sadaqat, zakat, Zakat Fitr etc. are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al-Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds).