23082019 - Anger, as B-Haram retakes 2 LGAs in Borno

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28 —VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, , 2019 By Imam Murtadha Gusau • ALL praise is due to Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of mercy, the Continually Pardoning, the Most Kind. He owns infinite mercy and He grants allencompassing blessings. “Have you not contemplated the fact that Allah placed everything throughout the heavens and everything throughout the earth at your service, and that He granted you immense blessings, both apparent and inconspicuous?” [Qur’an] I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah. There is none who deserves worship besides Him. And I further bear witness that Prophet Muhammad is Allah’s worshipping servant and Messenger. Dear Muslims, you must observe Taqwa of Allah, the Most Exalted. Observing Taqwa of Allah yields success in the hereafter as well as in this world. Allah, the Most Exalted, said: “The hereafter with your Lord is exclusively for the people of Taqwa.” [Qur’an] Dear brothers and sisters, there are five pillars of Islam among which Hajj is the most important. Hajj is obligatory on every physically and financially stable Muslim once in a lifetime. Being able to perform Hajj is the blessing for all Muslims. Hajj is the form of worship that Muslim owes to Allah Almighty. In the Noble Qur’an Allah the Most High says: “…Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all who can make their way to it…” [Qur’an, 3:97] Muslim can erase all his previous sins by performing Hajj with love and enthusiasm for Almighty Allah. When pilgrims came back home after performing Hajj they returned spiritually refreshed, forgiven of their previous sins and all set to start their new life free from sins. For those who performed Hajj with sincere intention our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said in one of his Hadith: “Whoever performs Hajj for the pleasure of Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it (free from sin) as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” [Muslim] Hajj Mabrur (accepted Hajj) is the one which is not mixed with any misdeed. Our beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him) said that: “Verily there shall be no reward for an accepted Hajj except Jannah (Paradise).” [Al-Bukhari] Pilgrims should stick to the spiritual values rest of their lives that they learned during the noble journey of Hajj. If pilgrims want to know their Hajj is accepted then they need to focus on their actions before and after performing Hajj. Those whose Hajj is accepted by Allah Almighty are the lucky ones and they are ones whose sins have been forgiven. Dhul Hijjah 22, 1440 A.H. Signs of an accepted Pilgrimage/Hajj Dear Muslims, below I will discuss some signs that will help pilgrims to let them know whether their Hajj has been accepted or not by Almighty Allah: 1. The accepted Hajj refers to the one performed truly and offered with full sincerity to Allah Almighty. 2. Signs of an accepted Hajj also includes that the man returns from Hajj as a better person than the one he was before the Hajj and that he keeps away from sins. 3. The sincerity of intention should remain even after the Hajj. The pilgrim should not show off about Hajj. 4. The sign of an Accepted Hajj is that upon one’s return, his life changes from worst to good. The person who performed Hajj indulges in good deeds and always tries to fulfill the commands of Allah Almighty. 5. If pilgrim Hajj is accepted the person will run away from all those things that Allah Almighty disliked. 6. Pilgrim should try his best to fulfill the obligations laid down by Allah and must be grateful that his Hajj has been accepted. My dear listeners and readers, the above mentioned were some signs of an Accepted Hajj (Hajj Mabrur). The pilgrim should continue performing good deeds and acts of worship regularly until he meets Allah Almighty. ...the accepted Hajj is the one which is not mixed with any misdeed. The accepted Hajj may also refer to the one performed truly and offered with full sincerity to Allah The Almighty. May Allah accept the Hajj of all pilgrims who performed this year! Ameen Respected servants of Allah, as I said, when the pilgrims return to their home countries after the journey of Hajj, they return spiritually refreshed, forgiven of their sins, and ready to start life anew, with a clean slate. Family and community members often prepare a celebration to welcome pilgrims home and congratulate them on completing the journey. Those who have performed the Hajj are often called by an honorific title, “Alhaji or Haji Hajiya or Alhaja,” (one who has performed the Hajj). Dear brothers and sisters, how fortunate are these souls who are blessed with these golden words from the beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him): “Whoever performs Hajj for the pleasure of Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it (free from sin) as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” [Al- Bukhari and Muslim] And also his saying: “Verily there shall be no reward for a Mabrur Hajj (accepted Hajj) except Jannah (Paradise).” [Al- Bukhari and Muslim] It is hoped that all the pilgrims were sincere in their intentions and had traveled thousands of miles only to secure the pleasure of Allah by fulfilling the obligation laid down upon them. May Allah the Almighty grant all the pilgrims acceptance and grant them opportunity again and again to visit the Two Noble Mosques (Haramain Sharifain), ameen. The pilgrims should focus their attention toward certain points, which are necessary and of utmost importance and which many pilgrims ignore because they are unaware of their significance: Firstly, the sincerity of intention should remain even after the performance of Hajj. There should be no pomp or show. One should not wish to be called or recognised as Alhaji or Haji Hajiya or Alhaja. Many people adopt the habit of talking frequently about their journey in order that people may come to know of their Hajj. They talk about the expenses incurred in the way of Allah, their charity amongst the poor and the needy, their devotion and worship, their assisting the weak and old, etc.; and all is mentioned only with the intention of gaining fame. This is a deceit from Shaitan (Satan) who ruins the devotion without the person even knowing it. It is therefore of great importance that the pilgrim does not talk about his Hajj without necessity as it may lead to ‘Riya’(showing-off, insincerity). Continues on page 27 Lagos State is best in Hajj operations — Imam Lawal LAGOS State has been described as the best and most committed and dynamic of all the states in Nigeria in hajj operations. A member of the State Ad-hoc committee on 2019 hajj operation, Imam AbdulHakeem Lawal, stated this at the Murtala Muhammad airport, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday when the fifth batch of Lagos pilgrims arrived from Saudi Arabia. Imam Lawan who was corroborated by some pilgrims, stated that the seamless nature of handling the hajj operations to and from Makkah and ensuring convenience for pilgrims was unprecedented and unmatched by any other state in the federation. This feat according to Imam Lawal who is also the National Missioner of IKWAN Muslim society, was the reason the State has continued to receive awards of excellence from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on yearly basis. The 432 pilgrims on board Flynas Airbus A330 touched down yesterday exactly 9.05am. It will be recalled that 2,269 pilgrims embarked on the Holy pilgrimage from the state. The return journey started last Saturday with 432 pilgrims. The arrival of the fifth flight has therefore brought the total number of Lagos State pilgrims that have arrived in Lagos so far to 2,150. The last flight which is expected in Lagos today according to schedule, will convey the remaining 119 Lagos pilgrims which will include the State Amirul-Hajj, Dr. AbdulHakeem Abdul- Lateef, Chairman of the Ad-hoc committee, Alhaji. Ahmed Jebe, other members of the committee, the Board Secretary, Mr. Rahman Ishola and other officials of the board. Akinbile-Yussuf vows committment to Lagos pilgrims’ welfare THE newly appointed commissioner for Home Affairs in Lagos State, Pharm(Mrs) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf has promised to ensure adequate welfare programmes for pilgrims in the state. Akinbile-Yussuf who was the immediate past commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment said she would give her all to consolidate on the achievements recorded by the state in the areas of pilgrims’ welfare during Hajj operations. She made the pledge during a reception thrown in her honour by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area of Alimosho federal constituency on Tuesday. She noted that her new portfolio would not in any way change her desire to give the dividends of democracy to the people of Alimosho. She thanked her husband, Alhaji Adegboyega Olubodun- Yussuf, party leaders and loyalists for their support and promised not to disappoint them. She said: ‘’ Lagos State has achieved so much in terms of pilgrims welfare particularly during Hajj operations where it has been adjudged as the best state that cater very well to the wellbeing of pilgrims. ‘’To this end, we will not allow other states to overtake Lagos in this regard. We are going to be creative in our efforts to sustain our leading role in Hajj operations and even Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Earlier in his welcome address, chairman of APC in the LCDA, Alhaji Ganiyu Onatoye thanked Governor Babajide Sanwoolu and leaders of the party in Alimosho and the state for reappointing Akinbile-Yussuf as commissioner.
Dhul Hijjah 15, 1440 A.H. Nigerian doctor ors treat over 2,550 patients daily in S/Arabia •As NAHCON assesses performance By Fatima Sanda Usara Adelegation of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) comprising board members, senior management staff and journalists on Sunday, 18 th August, visited seven Nigerian clinics within Makkah to assess the level of their operations. Chief Doctor, Dr Usman Galadima, took the team, headed by board member representing Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Nura Rimi, round the clinics to ascertain the arrangements for themselves. It is worthy of note that NAHCON received commendation from the Saudi Ministry of Health for the healthcare support put in place for Nigerian pilgrims. By the end of the visit, the team was more impressed with what it met on ground than the image it arrived with. Clinic HQ1, Masfala, was the largest of all the clinics and records about 600 patients everyday. It has two different consultation sections. The first area on the ground floor is designed as treatment unit for pilgrims with mild complains. The upper floor, where two wards bearing six admission beds, an observation room and a seclusion area are carved out, is like the referral section where only serious or complicated cases are treated. The doctors on this latter floor are consultants. At the time of visit, one of the doctors had relocated downstairs to help attend to patients in the minor ailments’ unit because of their large number. A minimum of 42 doctors run the clinics on a daily basis on an average ratio of three doctors respectively for the three shifts. Approximately 2,550 patients visit the clinics on a daily basis, resulting to a random statistics of at least 61 patients to each doctor everyday. It is therefore no wonder that the patients overwhelm the doctors on ground. However, the triage strategy was employed to reduce the waiting time thereby easing the crowding. The team enquired over what could be responsible for the large turnout of patients at the clinics. The explanation is deductible. It was gathered that approximately 236 referrals to major Saudi hospitals were made since the arrival of Nigerian pilgrims on 10 th of July in Madinah to the 18 th of this month when the visitation was conducted. Therefore, it could safely be concluded that of the 2, 550 patients that visit the clinics daily since 10 th of July 2019, only an average of six serious cases visited the clinics per day leaving the remaining 2, 544 as other ailments. Notwithstanding, the clinics do register some degree of emergencies that do not need referrals but treated in the facilities or even admitted. At the time of visit, there was one such case on admission due to heat stroke and dehydration. He was placed on intravenous fluid because he ran the risk of running into shock and sudden death if not placed on fluid immediately. Therefore, majority of the cases are body aches, malaria and minor respiratory infections. The clinics are known to witness two peak periods of patients’ visits: in the mornings after returning from the sacred mosque and in the late evening after most pilgrims as well return from night (isha’i) prayer in the Haram. Since those with major complaints do not wait for a convenient time to visit the clinics, this indicates the general inference above. Besides, it was disclosed to the team that when an apparent emergency situation is brought to the clinic during these peak periods forcing the doctor to divert attention to the patient, those on the queue begin to grumble with signs of agitation and impatience. Such are times when they mostly complain of favouritism, being kept waiting and so forth. However, a doctor’s professional instinct tells him to do the right thing always. As data do not lie, it was discovered by the team that drugs that are constantly replenished are analgesics, anti-malarial drugs; upper respiratory track drugs such as cough syrup and antibiotics. Others are gastro-intestinal drugs like antacids. And of course, the strenuous nature of Hajj activities or due to physiology of Hajj as a place where large congregations of people gather explain the increased risk of respiratory infections and the other complaints. Drug dispensary is one of the key indicators of the frequently reported illnesses. And the dispensary system is one of the well-coordinated networking activities in the clinics. All clinics are connected through what is known as the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System. This means that all computers in the clinics are connected to the central system such that drug dispensary is being monitored from the central store. Where any drug runs out in a particular clinic, the supervising officer picks the information and immediately supplies that clinic with the drug. However, where the server is down and monitoring at the central store is hindered, the pharmacist sends a text message and soon, ambulance is dispatched with the supply. This network ensures no clinic runs out of any drug that is available in the store thereby questioning the claim that clinics are being left without drugs. Another advantage of the EMR is that it detects the number of times pilgrims visit one or multiple clinics. And indeed it paid off. Data has captured pilgrims who visit multiple clinics gathering drugs for reasons best known to them. So far, the EMR has been able to track many of these drug collectors and appropriate action taken to apprehend them and others. It was revealed that many of those who gather during the peak periods do so because the dugs are free and would like to transport them back to Nigeria as gifts to their loved ones. Many instances of these occurrences were narrated to the team. Some of them, it was revealed confessed after they were subjected to serious diagnostic steps. All Nigerian clinics are located in areas where majority of Nigerian pilgrims are lodged thereby making access to them as easy as it could be. Fifth batch of Lagos Pilgrims during their arrival at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos at exactly 9.05am, yesterday "Vanguard, FRIDAY AUGUST 23, 2019 —29 MAN calls for more effor ort t to tackle insecurity MUSLIM Association of Nigeria (MAN), has called for more efforts to end several cases of insecurity at different levels in the country. The Association at the end of its National Officers’ meeting held in Lagos, recently, listed armed banditry, kidnapping, ritual killings, incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers, rape and other forms of threats to security as serious issues calling for more attention from government, especially at the federal and state levels. In a statement signed by its President, Alhaji Tajudeen O. Ojikutu and National Publicity Secretary, Alhaja Nurat Adebayo, the Association urged the federal government, in particular, to weigh the consequences of insecurity to lives and properties of the citizens, the effects on good governance and, therefore, take purposeful actions. MAN suggested deployment of more hands in the country’s security architecture, use of modern equipment of information gathering and scenario building, more funding and decentralization of policing and other security sector activities as possible ways forward. The Association also urged governmental at different levels to create employment opportunities so as to meaningfully engage young school leavers and youth, in general. Signs of an accepted Hajj Continued from page 26 However, if necessity arises and one must talk about his Hajj then he is at liberty to do so. But, he must not indulge in this type of conversation unnecessarily. Secondly, it is noted through experience, that many pilgrims return with only the bad side of the journey and make it a habit of talking about nothing except the hardships they have encountered during Hajj. The pilgrims should strictly refrain from this. On the contrary they should talk about the greatness of the sacred places, the spiritual gains, the enjoyment in devotions, including Umrah, Tawaf, visit to Masjid Al- Nabawi, prayers in Masjid Al-Haram and the Prophet’s Mosque etc. If one looks at his journey of Hajj carefully he will find that the good things far outweighs the bad ones. Every second spent in these sacred places is incomparable with anything in the world. My people, wallahi the journey of Hajj is a long journey; one has to travel by air, pass the immigrations, go through the customs, security checking, encounter people who speak foreign languages, etc. In these circumstances, difficulties are certain to arise. When we travel in our country do we always travel with comfort and ease? Do we never encounter difficulty? Do we not find ourselves held up in traffic for hours on a Motorway? Considering the fact that two to three million pilgrims perform the rituals of Hajj at one time, in one place and that they all come from different countries and backgrounds and that many of them have never before used or seen the facilities available to them. We think the difficulties encountered are insignificant. Moreover, the pilgrims are rewarded abundantly by Allah Almighty upon every difficulty encountered in their journey whereas the same is not the case when we are on any other journey. Those people who engage in these types of conversation become the cause of discouragement to others like myself who have not yet had the opportunity to perform Hajj. These unfortunate pilgrims fall into the category of people mentioned in the Qur’an: “…and who stop (men) from the way of Allah, and from the Sacred Masjid… [Qur’an] They should take heed that if people are discouraged by their conversation and postpone their Hajj then those who have discouraged them will be equally responsible. Thirdly the sign of a ‘Mabrur Hajj’ or an ‘accepted Hajj’ is that upon one’s return, his life changes from worst to good. He becomes totally punctual in fulfilling the commands of Allah Almighty. His love and inclination toward the Hereafter increases and love for the worldly pleasures decline. Therefore, it is essential that the pilgrim is watchful over his actions and should try his utmost to instill in himself good characters and refrain from all types of evil. He should try his best to fulfill the obligations laid down by Allah and avoid all the things forbidden by Him. Respected servants of Allah, it was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah may Allah be pleased with him that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “The performance of two Umrahs (lesser pilgrimage) expiates the sins that are committed in the interval between them, and the accepted Hajj commands no reward except Paradise.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] In another narration, it reads: “Two consecutive Umrahs cause the sins which are committed therein between them to be forgiven, and the accepted Hajj commands no reward except Paradise.” [At-Tirmithi] The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “Perform Hajj and Umrah repeatedly for they both rid one of poverty and just sins as the blacksmith’s bellows removes all impurities from iron and gold.” [At-Tirmithi, Ibn Majah and An-Nasa’i] The bellow is a tool that the blacksmith uses to purify his metals, this may be made clearer through the following Hadith that refers to Madinah: “Madinah is like a pair of bellows; it expels its impurities and brightens and clears its good.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Dear believers, scholars have said that the accepted Hajj is the one which is not mixed with any misdeed. Signs of the accepted Hajj as repeatedly mentioned include that the slave returns from Hajj as a better person than the one he was before he left and that he keeps away from sins. The accepted Hajj may also refer to the one performed truly and offered with full sincerity to Allah The Almighty. Imam Al-Qurtubi may Allah have mercy upon him said: “All interpretations expressed about the accepted Hajj are correlative, confirming that it is the Hajj which fulfills its rulings and is performed perfectly as required of the Muslim.”
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23082019 - Anger, as B-Haram retakes 2 LGAs in Borno

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