A Professor of Islamic Studies at the Lagos State University, LASU, Abdul Kabir Olawale Paramole, has cautioned Nigerian traders against cheating and other immoral business practices as Ramadan reaches halfway.
He noted that Islam frowns at cheating and urged traders to stop such behaviour forthwith for the country to progress.
Professor Paramole made this known at the 2024 Annual Ramadan Lecture of NTA 10/Uzamat Communications Limited on Saturday, March 23, 2024, in Lagos, with the theme: “Surviving harsh time: Islamic solutions”.
The well-attended event was graced by prominent Muslim personalities including Prince Tajudeen Olusi, MON, grandfather of the day; Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS), Chairman of the occasion, representative of Onigbogbo of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiu Orimadegun Kasali, and Hon. Wahab Alawiye King, SSA Presidency, 1st lady office, who moderated the event.
The Don who proffered the way forward to ameliorate the situation in the country, lamented that things have changed so drastically.
“It is no more news that Nigeria is passing through difficult times now. There is nowhere that is safe. No one can say he has eaten to satisfactorily as we used to do before. Our situation has drastically changed, and we needed to express this to our people and to tell them that with total submission to Allah and total reliance on Him, we will get us out of this quagmire,” he told journalists on the sideline of the event.
“Nigeria used to be very robust as a nation. We were eating as we desired. We were drinking as we liked. We walked at night. We moved anywhere in the nooks and crannies of the nation, without molestation and fear of kidnapping. But now, the fear is everywhere. Even, moving from Lagos to nearby Ogun State is fearsome.”
According to the Islamic Studies Senior lecturer at LASU, both the leaders and the followers have roles to play in overcoming the current situation.
He said, “Followers should fear Almighty Allah in whatever they do, move away from fake news and stop cursing the leaders. If they keep cursing them, it will affect the leaders and in turn, affect the nation. In Islam, we don’t curse our leaders, and we don’t curse the nation. We pray for them.
“Also, followers should stop vandalising the property of the government. Government facilities put in place across communities for our ease of living have been removed. So, we should stop vandalising government property.
“The traders among us too should stop cheating. A trader who buys an item for 1 naira, and gets back to the market to swear by the name of Allah that it was bought for 10 naira, has cheated. The Prophet (SAW) said whoever cheats us is not of us. We should stop cheating!”
He charged Nigerian leaders to be accessible to their people and imbibe selflessness and integrity in their stewardship.
“For the leaders, they are at the centre. They should inculcate selflessness, and integrity to their leadership. We were at a function for the late Baba Jakande recently, and people were still talking about his integrity. Despite the little years he spent, he achieved so much. Our current leaders should imbibe the value of integrity, which some of our former leaders used to govern us.
“Also, accessibility is important for leaders. Why are you moving out of your usual place of abode after being elected? Live within your people. You must be people-oriented. Let your people feel your presence. That’s how unity can come in.
“Again, our leaders must learn how to be accountable, and to give back to their people. Whatever you are being given at the federal level or state level is not meant for you alone. It is meant for you and the people you’re leading. So, our leaders must be responsible.
“More importantly, for both the leaders and followers, we must be spiritually inclined. Spirituality is very important. We should turn back to God. We have all wronged. Let’s seek for His forgiveness and guidance and mercy.”
Nigeria’s trying time not unexpected – Sheikh Agbaji
Also speaking on the same topic, Sheikh Ahmad Labeeb Agbaji, who is the second guest lecturer, said the trying phase Nigeria is going through is not unexpected because man has been divinely created to encounter challenges in life.
He added that Nigeria’s challenges did not begin with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging them to stand firm and resolute.
“Life itself is not a bed of roses. We have come here to struggle and face challenges. Whoever is lazy cannot make it in life. Therefore, everyone should prepare adequately for challenges. Allah has said in the Holy Quran that He created mankind in struggle,” he said.
Sheikh Agbaji also joined the first lecturer in sending a strong message to traders, telling them to fear Allah in their business transactions.
Senator Solomon (GOS) thanked Allah for making them witness another Ramadan, advising participants to pick lessons from the presentations of the guest lecturers.
“Last year, we were here for this programme, but we weren’t certain we would still live till this year. So, we are immensely grateful to the Almighty Allah for the favour of life. May He see us through next year’s edition and many more returns of Ramadan,” the former Senator added.
The veteran broadcaster, Alhaji Tajudeen Uzamat, who organised the event, appreciated all the guests and participants at the Ramadan lecture.
He said the annual programme is a platform to bring Muslims together to learn more about Islam and reflect on important issues in society.
“I thank our sponsors and all other individuals who have been supporting us over the years. We are sincerely grateful, and pray that Almighty Allah will reward every one of you abundantly.”
Other guests are Missioner Al-Usma Society, Alhaji Haadi Ajisafe; CEO, of Cosmetics and SPA, Alhaja Shukurat Modupeola Sanni (aka Shine Shine), CEO Ademoj Catering, Alhaja Fatimah Sanni, Iya Adinni, Ibadanland, Alhaja Tawakalitu Oladosu; among other top dignitaries.
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