Muslim scholars under the aegis of Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO) in Nigeria on Friday held special prayers in their respective central mosques for the over 20,000 people who lost their lives to the Turkiye and Syria 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
The Imams of the central mosques delivered a unified Khutbah (Friday sermon) in their respective mosques in Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Kano, Sokoto, and several other southern and northern states, addressing the Turkiye/Syria earthquake from the Islamic perspective.
Grand Mufti of the Organisation, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafii, speaking at the NTA 10, Tejuosho Central Mosque, Lagos and led the congregation in Salat Al-Gha’ib (absentee funeral prayer), described the deceased as martyrs.
Sheikh Shafii cited the Hadith in Sunan Abī Dāwūd where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) categorised “the one who dies under rubble” as one of the seven types of martyrdom besides jihad (striving) in the path of Allah.
He also prayed for those who sustained series of injuries, praying that Allah uses the unfortunate incident to wipe out their shortcomings.
He commended countries that have sent condolences and rendered humanitarian support to Turkiye and Syria, calling on the rest of the world, especially Muslims to send relief materials to the survivors.
“The incident is a natural disaster. It can happen to any country. That’s why the world is sympathising with Turkiye and Syria. But to us as Muslims, they are our brothers. Turkiye and Syria are Muslim countries, that’s why we also need to feel their pain,” he said.
Muslim News findings revealed that special khutbahs were also held in other masaajid (mosques) that have affiliation with CIO in southern and northern parts of the country.
At TMC Da’wah Centre, Ijesha, hundreds of Muslim faithful paid rapt attention as Imam Roji Salman sensitised them about the unfortunate incident, during second part of his khutbah.
“Today, we are dedicating our Jum’ah to their remembrance. We use the minbar to inform our members of what is happening over there. And at the end of salat Jum’ah, we will observe Solatul Ghaib for them. May Allah accept them as true servants”.
“We also remember Nigeria in our prayers, where the masses are suffering due to the scarcity of fuel and both new and old naira notes. May Allah ease our affairs and select for us leaders who will show mercy on the masses in the forthcoming elections. Ameen”, he said.
In Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Chief Imam, Markaz-us-Salam, Onikolobo, Alhaji Nurudeen Olajire examined what he called “sad occurrence” in Eastern Turkiye and Northern Syria, describing it as an eye-opener for many who did not really know what was going on and lifted the souls of others.
In his khutbah that was attended by hundreds of Muslim faithful, Olajiire, a member of CIO, said, “The second part of our sermon today would center on the sad occurrence which claimed the lives of many of our brethren and left many injured in the the two Muslim countries recently.
“Many people lost their lives due to the incident, while rescue operations are still ongoing as at today. People were disheartened, but we made them realize such could happen to anyone anywhere and at any point in time. It’s an admonition for everyone. We all should endeavour to engage in good deeds.
While praying that Allah admits those who lost their lives into paradise and heal those receiving treatments, Alhaji Olajiiire also addressed the forthcoming elections, calling on Nigerians to shun vote-buying and other electoral malpractices.
Muslim News was also present at Ologuneru Central Mosque, Ibadan, Oyo state capital where Sheikh AbdulHafeez Ariremako delivered an emotion-laden khutbah before over 600 Muslim faithful
In his lecture, Sheikh Ariremako reminded the congregation that this time last week, no one expected that such a big calamity will befall the Ummah, adding that, “In fact, everyone of them (the victims) had no premonition. Alas! It has happened.
He said the earthquake occurred as a result of nature taking its course, stressing that it is an ambivalent event that was masterminded by Allah and Allah alone.
“We are all under His control and He can do with us whatever pleases Him,” Sheikh Ariremako noted, as he added; “The magnitude is evidence of the magnificence of Allah. We’re only fortunate to enjoy his bounties. He can do to us what He wills and once the end comes, we’ll all account for our deeds.”
According to him, “More importantly, different strokes for different folks. As they were being tried over there, we were also being tested here (in Nigeria). But the trials came in different dimensions and forms. Insecurity, fuel scarcity, and other vices prowl our own lithosphere, while nature robbed them of their precious lives. Hence, we should be thankful always.
Before rounding off his lecture, Sheikh Ariremako reminded the believers of their responsibilities towards those affected, saying that we owe them our prayers and support.
“Whenever such happens, we should admit it as an act of God and hold firmly onto our faith.
Special Jumaat Khutbah, Salat Al-Gha'ib for Turkiye, Syria earthquake victims
Nigerian imams (Muslim scholars) held special #jumaat (Friday prayers) in their respective central mosques for over 20,000 people who lost their lives to the #Turkiye, #Syria 7.8 magnitude #earthquake pic.twitter.com/HLXI1WYgf2
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) February 10, 2023
“Debtors should settle their debts. Sinners should turn a new leaf. Anything can happen anytime. In addition, the earthquake is among signs of the last hour. It’s a reminder from Allah (SWT). We should always remember the last day and prepare for it,” he added.
In his lecture, one of Imams of Ayeloja Central Mosque, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Imam Harun Ahmad admonished the around 700 Muslim faithful that thronged for Salatul Jum’ah, with focus on the forthcoming general elections and the Turkiye/Syria earthquake.
According to him, “On Monday, an earthquake occurred and it affected parts of Turkey and Syria. However, it affected Turkey more.
“As Muslims, we’ll sympathize with them, pray for them and believe that they died as martyrs, because the incident that claimed their lives is one of the conditions for martyrdom. The whole world is still praying for them as we speak.
“We thank Allah that what happened did not prompt a divide among Muslims. We yearn for unity and accord in all of our dealings and dwellings. We pray Allah (SWT) to ease our affairs.
“We enjoin our congregation to be prayerful for such not to happen to us. We are no better than those affected, but we’re only favoured. We should also know that we can meet our end anywhere. They never expected to die there,” he noted.
“We should always pray for the deceased”, he added.
