Today, 1st October, 2024, marks the 64th year of Nigerian independence from British colonisation. The Nigerian journey since independence has been a rollercoaster. As an independent nation of 64 years old, Nigeria has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Independence Day celebrations in many parts of the world come with festivity, banquets, and a happy atmosphere, but the reverse is the case in Nigeria, as our present situation does not warrant such celebrations. Many would argue that the country is far from where it should be. Today’s Nigeria cannot be compared to many other nations that also gained independence in the second half of the 20th century. Notable examples are Morocco (1956), Malaysia (1957), the Maldives (1965), Qatar (1971), Bahrain (1971), the United Arab Emirates (1971), the Bahamas (1973), even South Africa (1994), and many other nations that tower above Nigeria in terms of development. Despite our predicaments, we relish our hope for a greater tomorrow and our resilience and spirit to channel a path back to our old glory days. To turn our hopes into actions towards greatness, a lot needs to be done. All hands must be on deck, particularly the hands of the Nigerian Muslims, as we have important roles to play.
Muslims have, in Prophet Muhammad, a model and guiding light for all spheres of life. He taught us everything without leaving anything unsaid, including loving our nations, praying for them, and working towards their development just as he did for Makkah and Madinah. As Muslims, we have a barrage of duties and responsibilities, including responsibilities to our countries.
The purpose of our creation is to be Allah’s vicegerent on earth. This purpose can be fulfilled in multiple ways, which is not limited only to our known acts of worship. Part of being Allah’s vicegerent is being a responsible and dutiful citizen who contributes to the greatness and development of his country. This is included in the message of Islam, which is so comprehensive. The teachings of Islam were summarised by Ja’far ibn Abu Talib’s speech in the court of Najashi.
He said, “O King! We were plunged in the depths of ignorance and barbarism; we adored idols, we lived in unchastity, we ate the dead bodies, and we spoke abominations; we disregarded every feeling of humanity, and the duties of hospitality and neighbourhood were neglected; we knew no law but that of the strong, when Allah raised among us a man, of whose birth, truthfulness, honesty, and purity we were aware; and he called to the Oneness of Allah and taught us not to associate anything with Him. He forbade us the worship of idols, and he enjoined us to speak the truth, to be faithful to our trusts, to be merciful, and to regard the rights of the neighbours and kin; he forbade us to speak evil of women or to eat the substance of orphans; he ordered us to flee from the vices and to abstain from evil; to offer prayers, to render alms, and to observe fast. We have believed in him; we have accepted his teachings and his injunctions to worship Allah and not to associate anything with Him, and we have allowed what He has allowed and prohibited what He has prohibited...” [Reference: Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum]
Most of the vices Jafar mentioned in his speech can be found in our societies today, which are great contributors to our nation’s plight. Muslims, from history till the present, have always been known as problem solvers, transformers, and reformers. The best example is Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Also, we have personalities like Umar ibn Khattab, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, Hasan al-Basri, Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn Hazm, Ibn Khaldun, Al-Khawarizmi, Ibn Sina, Ibn Rushd, Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi, Hassan Al-Bana, Zaynab Al-Ghazali, Malcolm X, Malala Yousafzai, and many others. These are people who contributed positively to their societies and the world.
Here is a great call to every Nigerian Muslim to take up their divine assignment as instigators of good and preventers of vices (Q3:110). Let us be united in reforming our society. The change we want in Nigeria will not come out of the air. Let it begin with us. Change yourself, then call others to change. We are all constituents of our society; it will be transformed only if we are willing to accept change as individuals.
Nigeria is bedevilled by many problems, but we are optimistic that we can surmount them all. If the prophet and his companions could turn around the situations in Makkah and Madinah, we can achieve the same in Nigeria, provided we follow their path.
The biggest and root of all Nigerian problems is corruption. Corruption has eaten deep into every part of the Nigerian system and every fabric of our society like an untreated cancerous cell. Even in places like religious institutions, where corruption should be a white elephant, you find corruption not only present but inherent in most of their doings. No nation survives an unabated growth of corruption like we have in Nigeria. As Muslims, we shouldn’t engage in any form of corrupt practices, aid, or encourage them. Corruption is a wrongdoing that the prophet taught us three ways of dealing with: change it with our hands, tongues, or minds—depending on our level of capability. This goes with the popular saying, “If you see something, say something.” We should not only stop at saying something, but we should also do something about it.
Furthermore, our religion taught us to be our brother’s and neighbour’s keeper. We are commanded to be good to our neighbours, whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims. It is said that a true believer is the one who is good to all his neighbours. By doing so, it results in increased social harmony, peaceful coexistence, and security, which Nigeria is currently lacking.
As Muslims, we should hold our leaders at all tiers and arms of government accountable and support them in their good policies and programmes. We should look beyond tribe and ethnicity in seeking accountability from public officeholders. Periodic accountability and adequate support for the government improve the quality of governance. Just like Abu Bakr said in his inaugural speech, “O people, I have been put in authority over you, and I am not the best of you. If I do the right thing, then help me. If I do wrong, then correct me…” Accountability is a quality many of our leaders lack. They can learn it from Abu Bakr.
For so many years now, the unity of Nigeria has been on the line. Islam respects diversity and supports unity. Our religion abhors tribalism and racism. The prophet, after his migration to Madinah, united Muslims from different divides and made them one. He assigned the muhajiruun to the ansar, and their brotherhood grew stronger than ties of birth. Nigerian social media space is filled with rhetoric of division and tribal narratives that are tearing our garment of unity. This development has set us back many years and woken the dark memories. As Muslims, we should refrain from joining this campaign of hate and ethnic jingoism. Rather, we should be agents of unity. We should build walls and not tear them down. We should join hands with others from every part of the country in noble causes that foster national unity. Just as we recite in our national anthem, “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand…”
Additionally, Muslims in every position should always uphold the principles of justice and equity. We should ensure people’s rights are not trampled upon. A peaceful society is a just society. Similarly, we should shun and discourage favouritism. We should clamour for a level playing field that is devoid of undue favour and bias for everyone. Always remember these lines: “Our flag shall be a symbol, that truth and justice reign…”
Conclusively, without doubt, Nigeria, at 64, still has a long way to go to be among the comity of great nations. We are not where we should be, but we can get there with concerted effort from everyone. We have roles to play in this as Muslims; we are a major stakeholder in changing Nigeria’s fate for good. “O God of all creations, grant this our one request. Help build a nation where no man is oppressed, and so with peace and plenty, Nigeria may be blessed.”
Muslimah Voice