Nigerian Muslims have continued to react to the recent arbitrary announcement of dates for the commencement and termination of Ramadan 1441 A.H by the League of Imams and Alfas of South-West Nigeria otherwise known as Rabitot-ul-Aimmah wal ‘Ulama.
Muslim News earlier published the press release issued by the Robitoh, where its Coordinator, and Mudir of Markaz Ta’alimul Arabiyyah, Agege, Sheikh Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory announced that Saturday, April 25, 2020 and Saturday, May 23, 2020 as the beginning and the end of Ramadan 1441 AH.
The release has caused an uproar on social media platforms as many Muslims did not only fault the pronouncement, but also insisted that only the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III has the right as the leader of the Muslim Community to announce the beginning and the end of Ramadan fast.
A social media user, Gafar Temitope Mutiu said, “The Sultan of Sokoto is the spiritual head of all Muslims in Nigeria and we shall follow his order, not a controversial Mudeer (as Sheikh Habibullah is fondly called) that always causes confusion whenever we are fasting”.
Another social media user by the name, Oyedokun Saheed averred that, “the Sultan of Sokoto is the one in charge of Islamic affairs in Nigeria today. He is the one that has the right to announce when the time comes. Besides, it is too early to decide now. Sha’ban may be 29 or 30, and today is just 22nd of Sha’ban. May Allah guide us all.”
“Allah says in the noble Qur’an, follow the commandments of Allah, His messenger and those in position of authority amongst you. If you reject his (Sultan) order, you directly reject Allah’s order. Be careful,” Aliyu Suleiman Moriki said.
Another user, Ogunkoya OA however disagreed, saying, “If the date chosen by the Robitoh was based on Astronomical Calculations, why the uproar? Their are valid Fatwah that approves Astronomical Calculations.Please.”
Many others simply threw subtle jibes at the Mudeer, noting that he never failed them. For instance, Alqasim Almustapha Omotosho said, It is not new to Mudeer. He’s always on the other side. May Allah touch his heart.
Another commentator identified as Abiodun Abdulqudus Olalekan wrote that, “As usual, Baba never repent from this”.
Other reactions could be found on Muslim News Facebook Page — Muslim News Nigeria.
By Abdulganiy Abdullah
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Respect and honour should be given to the person who is due. Allah is one, and the words from the Qur’an, from Allah and there’s orderliness in Jannah. This rivalry of positions amongst Muslims, please.
WELL FOR ME SULTAN OF SOKOTO IS THE AMIR MUMINU IN NIGERIA TODAY .
SO I WILL NEVER FOLLOW ANY DIRECTIVE CONTRADICTED TO THAT OF NIGERIA AMIR LI MUMINU.
Muslims especially scholars should work towards Unity and oneness not divisions and unnecessary arguments. Our sole power lies in our unity. The Suktan is the leader of us all irrespective of our language, creed or state. We will follow him as long as his commands did not contradict the teachings of Allah and His prophet
I stand with Ogunkoya OA on the matter. Sighting of the moon should be an issue for the people in the know of its intricacies- the metrologists. If the Habeeb’s release is based on knowledge. There’s no need for the noise making
It’s usual for Mudeer marcas to attract attention and controversy during Ramadan, however does he really speak for the Council of Imam and Alfas in South West? His days of influence are certainly numbered and they are fast fading away.
The principles of starting and ending Ramadan in any year should be followed as laid down in the Qur’an and Hadith. It’s too early now for anyone to categorically say this year’s Ramadan should start or end on particular date(s).
May Almighty Allah guide us and direct us to the right path