An esteemed Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yusuf Abdulahi Talata Mafara, has imparted sage advice to his fellow scholars, proposing that they actively involve themselves in commercial activities rather than depending solely on the government for their needs.
Speaking at a public lecture titled “Shariah Implementation in Zamfara State: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” Sheikh Mafara emphasized that engaging in commerce would amplify the impact of scholars’ counsel on the government.
The lecture, organized by the Zamfara State Security Initiatives Project and held at Taula Academy Hall in Gusau, shed light on the integrity of Islamic scholars and their role in society.
As a retired permanent secretary and a member of the Zamfara Ulama Consultative Council, Sheikh Mafara accentuated the necessity of this advice, as it would liberate scholars from relying solely on the government for their livelihood.
Sheikh Mafara expounded, “Acquiring knowledge of business and actively participating in commercial activities has become essential for all of us. It will enable us, as Islamic scholars, to meet our responsibilities in Islamic schools without being overly reliant on the government.”
“We are meant to be advisors to the government due to our societal position. However, if we continue to depend on the government for all our needs, our counsel will not be taken seriously,” he added.
During the program, three renowned Islamic scholars, namely Atiku Balarabe Zawiyya, Malan Bello Kanwa, and Sheikh Ibn Umar Kanoma, delivered insightful lectures on the tenets of Islam and the Shari’a legal system.
Sheikh Ahmad Umar Kanoma elaborated on how to revive the dwindling Shari’a legal system in Zamfara State. He appealed to the state government to convene an emergency meeting with former governors and important stakeholders to assess the feasibility of revitalizing the Islamic legal system and restoring peace and tranquillity in the state.
Sheikh Kanoma stressed the significance of this initiative, asserting that political differences must be set aside to salvage the state from the critical issues of insecurity and socio-economic challenges impeding its progress.
In a separate lecture, Atiku Balarabe Zawiyya enumerated the benefits and accomplishments of the Shari’a legal system since its implementation in the state. He also highlighted the challenges it faces and proposed methods to bolster its effectiveness.
Sheikh Zawiyya underscored the fact that the Shari’a legal system has notably curbed illegal activities in Zamfara State. He revealed that over 8,000 beer parlours and more than 1,000 brothels were shut down to maintain the sanctity of the state and society. Additionally, remuneration and salaries of Islamic judges were increased from N7,000 to N30,000, aimed at enhancing their performance and dedication to duty.
Furthermore, Sheikh Atiku Balarabe emphasized that the implementation of the Shari’a legal system has fostered collaboration among various Islamic organizations. He also highlighted the establishment of the State Consultative Council of Ulamas as a significant milestone.
The esteemed Islamic cleric urged the state government to explore avenues for further improving the implementation of Shariah in Zamfara State.
In his concluding remarks, Malan Aminu Aliyu emphasized that Shari’a represents a complete way of life and that reviving Shari’a in Zamfara State requires collective responsibility, encompassing both individuals and the state government.
He advised the citizens of the state to refrain from blaming Islamic scholars for any setbacks experienced within the system, emphasizing that the successful implementation of Shari’a necessitates the proactive involvement of all.
Malan Aminu Aliyu asserted, “Each one of us must strengthen our faith and contribute to the development of the Shari’a legal implementation system at all levels.”
