In this interview with Muslim News, Alhaji AbdurRazaq AbdusSalam, popularly known as Abu Umar Al-Faruq speaks exclusively on the political participation of TMC members in the forthcoming elections. Excerpts…
MN: Can we start with the recent activities of some TMC members regarding the forthcoming general elections, which have sparked mixed reactions among Muslims on social media?
Abu Umar: First, I want you to know that TMC is not new to politics and our members have been active in the political field. As an organisation, TMC will always attract comments and reactions from people because TMC is actively engaged. It is normal and our members are used to such reactions.
MN: How would you react to the attacks on TMC over the political decisions made by some of its members?
Abu Umar: A lot of people have called me on the phone while some chatted with me on WhatsApp to notify me about different negative remarks about TMC. I have read some of these reactions too. There is a great deal of misunderstanding out there. Some expect that TMC as a body would just give a blanket order to members. No, TMC does not operate like that. Our members are spread across so many political parties. And, in the current dispensation, we have members in all political groups and they pursue their political careers based on what they see or deem fit. Interestingly, while they attack TMC because of a particular member, they close their eyes to the activities of others in other caucuses and parties. TMC cannot stop or control people’s political interests. For now, it is not our calling.
MN: You don’t feel TMC should be blamed for the kind of politicians its members work with?
Abu Umar: No, not on political matters. They have their freedom. Criticise them, call them to order and question them for their actions, not TMC. We did not sponsor them and we cannot afford to. That is our limit.
MN: But, not many will understand that TMC as an organisation does not control its members’ political moves. How would you react to this?
Abu Umar: Rather, say not many want to understand. When it comes to TMC, you must understand this. To criticise TMC is the only business some people have and that is the only way they feel happy that they have achieved something. They see their opposition to TMC as an existential issue. It is, therefore, impossible to please them. Some have been on it since the inception of TMC and thank Allah, rather than hinder us, they propel us forward.
MN: Some critics say one of your men on the field only extends a helping hand to TMC members. How true is this?
Abu Umar: I have read such comments in two posts. They are baseless, without any proof. One of them was just eager to exonerate his principal from an unfortunate meeting he attended and in doing so poured so much venom on TMC. That immediately revealed his bias. The second cited that TMC members were posted to Lagos State Hajj Commission, he did not mention any name. The same game of the old where releases were made without proof. Failing in proof, they wrote ‘evidence at hand.’ From the 90s to now, the evidence has not surfaced. Let me add that some of these critics gloat at any progress they see members of TMC make. Lastly, from inception, TMC is not used to responding to their blackmail, they were understandable. We have challenged the status quo and we will keep doing that. Thank you.
MN: What advice do you have for Muslim aspirants, not just TMC members?
Abu Umar: Well, let them understand that politics does not have to be dirty, they need to be clean. If they believe it is dirty, they will also become dirty. It is like having a romance with a pig. Two, let them realize that Allah will question them for their roles, therefore, they should put Allah first in all their actions. Lastly, they must not be self-centered. The public interest should be uppermost in all their decisions.
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