…Juma’at Mosque inaugurated
From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Sokoto State, the seat of the Caliphate, was on Friday agog and its activities were halted by mammoth crowd of visitors who thronged the ancient city for the commissioning of the expanded Abu Huraira Juma’at Mosque and wedding Fatiha of Prince Kabir, the son of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who witnessed the commissioning of the multi-million Naira upgraded Juma’at Mosque in Sokoto renovated by the state-based philanthropist, Ummarun Kwabo A.A.
In his sermons, the Chief Imam of the Mosque, Prof. Mansur Ibrahim, urged public and political office holders, community leaders and those in authority, to have faith in God by exhibiting the spirit of sympathy, justice and equity to the led.
President Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, simultaneously attended the wedding Fatiha of two daughters of the builder of the Mosque and a Sokoto-based business tycoon, politician and philanthropist, Alhaji Umaru Kwabo A.A., the Jarman Sokoto.
Alhaji Dingyadi, who stood in for President Buhari as father of the brides, Gimbiya Nabila Umaru Kwabo and Gimbiya Aishatu Umaru Kwabo, gave them for a dowry of N250, 000 each to Musa Sani Zangon Daura and Prince Kabir Aminu Ado Bayero respectively.
The state deputy governor, Alhaji Manir Dan Iya, who stood in for Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, received the bride for Prince Bayero, while Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Badaru Muhammad Abubakar received the bride for Zangon Daura respectively.
Before the completion of the conduct of the wedding Fatiha rites, Governor Tambuwal and his entourage arrived the venue after attending former governor Bafarawa’s daughter, Asma’u Attahiru Bafarawa wedding to Muhammad Aminu Bande where Tambuwal gave her and received for the groom by Magajin Rafin Gwamdu in Kebbi State at a dowry of N100, 000 at a different venue.
However, the chanting and slogan by some youth ‘Sai Alu’ and ‘ Sai Jagaban’ political slogan thrilled people that attended the occasion.
However, the Chief Imam of the Mosque, Prof. Ibrahim specifically attributed the current multi-faceted challenges experienced in the country to disobedience of the people of the country to the teachings of God.
He called on the nation’s citizens to return to God, seek forgiveness and do the right thing to be salvaged by the Creator whom he said was forgiving and merciful to His servants.
According to the scholar, what the country is going through today is in relation to the attitude of the citizens against the teachings of our Creator.
The Imam, in the sermons, which was the 119th delivered, before performing the Friday prayer, since the establishment of the upgraded Mosque built by the business mogul and politician, the Jarman Sokoto, also cited lack of trust, injustice, corruption and other socio-moral decadence as well as deterioration of ideal societal values that sought to promote peace, unity and societal orderliness as other reasons for the challenges.
Making reference to a chapter in the Glorious Qur’an, Sheikh Ibrahim said: “Whatever atom of good or bad one does, he or she will see or reap same. This can also cause calamity that will affect an entire generation.”
He cited examples of the generation the Thamud and Adawas, as contained in the Glorious Qur’an.
He said all these were as a result of going contrary to the command of God hence the global challenges affecting human survival.
“Therefore, any one who turns away from his or her faith, the other side against Godly teachings or command will surely reap the consequence of his or her deeds with punishment.”
He admonished Muslims to be steadfast and committed to supporting the cause of Islam and humanity by extending helping hands to the needy, poor, orphans and those affected by all kinds of calamities.
Speaking shortly before the commissioning, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, described the edifice as unprecedented.
The Emir extolled Sultan Abubakar for his encouragement and guidance towards supporting Islam through the realisation of projects and activities that uplift Muslims and humanity.
Emir Bayero further prayed God to strengthen the faith of leaders and give them the wisdom to lead progressively.
In his brief remarks, Sultan Abubakar said the attendance at the event by high class dignitaries was a clear testimony that depicts the importance of invaluable edifice as a unique mark of development for Islam and the Muslim Ummah.
Earlier, other speakers as Sheikhs Karibullah Sheikh Nasiru Kabara, Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa and Jelani Kofar Atiku Sokoto described Umaru Kwabo’s philanthropist spirit as great asset capable of earning him God’s everlasting rewards on earth and hereafter.
They noted how the business mogul and political mentor of the Tambuwal’s deputy, Manir Dan Iya extended gestures through his foundation, UK Foundation which is Islamic and humanitarian based by establishing schools, orphanage home as well support to the less privileged in the society.
“It is a good thing to do as it cleans societal rot and very rewarding before God. Other wealthy Muslims should emulate Umaru Kwabo,” they urged.
Notable personalities in attendance at the venue of the commissioning of the Mosque and wedding Fatiha were, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Emirs of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero and that of Hadejia in Jigawa State.
Others were Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Manir Dan Iya, governors of Kano and Jigawa States, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his deputy, Alhaji Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.
The rest were Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Sen. Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir, Alhaji Lawal Maidoki, Alhaji Buhari Bello Kware and former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa.
Also present included Emirs and traditional title holders from Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, Zaria and Zamfara as well political stalwarts and Vice Presidential candidate of Labour party, Sen. Datti Baba Ahmed.
