By Mumini Abdulkareem
Muslims in Kwara State and the country have been called upon to stop seeking and relying on human beings for their needs no matter the status or wealth in the community.
Ustaz Mustapha Taiye Agaka noted this during a Public Lecture by The Muslim Congress (TMC) held at Ayelabowo Motor Park, Offa Garage, Ilorin on Saturday.
Speaking on the topic: “Muslim Relationship with Allah”, Agaka who is the Kwara State Cultural Affairs Officer of TMC, noted that Almighty Allah (SWT) with the creation of man has done us great favour but it is unfortunate we have not reciprocated such special treatment with our worships.
Citing example from the 2015 general elections, the cleric said many Nigerians erroneously believed that with Buhari winning the election, all the problems bedeviling the country will be solved and we will be in an utopian society adding that the reality did not commiserate with our expectations.
He further said the principle to always rely on Allah was the Minhaj (way) of all the prophets of God including Prophet Muhammad (SWT). He listed Al Khauf Wa Raja’a (Fear and Punishment of Allah) and trusting Allah in all matters among others.
“We should worship Allah between fear and hope that what if Allah refused to accept our worship, what are we going to do and be hopeful that Allah has promised to accept worship that is performed with sincerity. We should only trust Allah in all matters we seek no matter our minute or big because only God and not human can benefit or harm us.
“There was an incident where the Prophet (SAW) was questioned and he promised to give reply the next day without seeking Allah’s permission. For the next 15 days, Allah (SWT) didn’t reveal anything to him until the sixteenth day when Allah reveal Suratul Duha (Q:93). When the Prophet (SWT) asked why the long wait, Allah (SWT) told him that he never sought for permission from Him. Allah taught him the best way to relate with Him. So our expectations today should not be put on individuals but Allah who has control over all affairs.
He also related a story of two brothers whose death Muslim should learn from “They lived in the same house, one up and the other downstairs of a storey building but were in two extreme opposite in worship of Allah. But the one that was initially pious decided to also enjoy life a bit the way his brother was having it and at the same time, the other brother thought it would be disastrous for him to die with the kind of life has was living and decided to turn to Allah.
“They were coming to meet themselves but ran into each other at the staircase midway and tripped. They both died. Look at how the pious lost the hereafter and the “sinner” gained paradise at the last act because of their intentions”.
