Opinion

Between Shaykh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, Late Shaykh Umar Balarabe & the Kannywood of the Immediate Future

Published

4 years ago

January 15, 2021

Ibraheem A. Waziri

Sometimes on July 16, 2020, friends and well-wishers residents of Arewa Facebook Community (AFC) gathered around my wall, to mourn with me on a thread of tribute I wrote over the loss of my elder cousin, Shaykh Umar Balarabe Ibraheem. Part of the aspect of the tribute that attracted the attention of many was the reference to the deceased articulated Fatwa [legal position] that mirrors the recent Fatwa issued by Shaykh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar about divorce discharged in fictional drama. Dr. Bashir’s has caught the attention of many a pundit residents of AFC, since 9th January 2021, when a Hausa online newspaper reechoed his Fatwas obtained from an already extant video clip!

Then in my July 2020 piece, I wrote of Shaykh Umaru Balarabe, that part of his Fatwas while alive was: “Marriages pronounced in fictional drama (wasan kwaikwayo) are not valid because of lack therein, of complete conditions of marriages, according to the jurisprudential canons in use in this part of the world. But divorces in them are valid. Meaning if one is not legally married to the person they impliedly divorce in their fictional dramas then the divorcing words will automatically apply to their own spouses in real life. When asked why he used to answer that all the canons conclude that there is no joke in the affairs of divorce. Once it is uttered it has to fall real on something and that should be the real spouse at home – of the actor if he is married – outside the purported drama.”

I have had cause to reflect about this position for years. Shaykh Umar Balarabe used to quote from Mukhtasaral Khalil, the clause, “wa jadduhu wa hazluhu sawaun”, meaning in the affairs of divorce seriousness or seriousness (joke) doesn’t matter and stop there asking any disputant to show any nass(text) from Qur’an, Hadith or any of the Maliki/Ashariy canons in use here is West Africa nay Hausaland, Northern Nigeria, that explicitly contradict his assertion.

Here we are today where Shaykh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar is repeating the arguments of late Shaykh Umaru Balarabe – whom I used to think was a loner in this – point by point, Qur’an and Hadith. The only difference is the slight leeway Shaykh Bashir is able to provide where Shaykh Umaru Balarabe would not. Shaykh Umar maintained that even when a man in a movie point at another actress projected to be his wife and pronounced divorce upon her and owing to the fact that he is not legally married to her, then the divorce falls on his legal real wife if he is married. His argument used to be that, an adult person under any circumstances must not refer to himself as divorcing his wife, if he is not intending so since there is no room for jest in matters of divorce in Sharia and no matter the situation. So if one should ever mention divorcing his wife then the words will fall on his actual real wife.

Encomiums On Talban Zazzau Abdulkadir Iya Pate and Iyan Zazzau Bashari Aminu

Whereas Shaykh Bashir gives space for accommodation in terms of wordings and exact pointers and specifiers; he believes where an adult person refers to self, divorcing wife and without using appropriate specifiers in a movie scene only then the wordings will extensively apply to his real family outside the drama. He then cited Ibn Qasim with his Maliki largely regarded fringe Fatwa which differs from him and suggests that a context even without appropriate specifiers may not lead to unwarranted implications on a real marriage.

SOME THOUGHTS

Islam attaches so much premium to words spoken. In fact, one becomes a Muslim or non-Muslim, that is, belonging or not, to the universal brotherhood, instantly, and without causing any to doubt them by what they say in a brief period as in a second. Thus in all Muslim cultures, from the smallest unit of a society, which is family, have their foundations in the clarity and efficacy or otherwise of words spoken. It is the exactitude of words told that seal marriage contracts. Words to or from parents recklessly – as is believed – can open gates to multiple forms of spiritual and physical adversities and narrow the quantum of prosperity index for a child in their entire life. In the same vein, words spoken can ruin family or marital relationship, within a blink of an eye. This tends to foist a distinct form of awareness and unique character in any Muslim society when pursuing socio-cultural discourses and at any time. Muslims everywhere seem to concentrate too much on what and how things are said or not!

It is with this kind of mind-frame that the Muslim societies received cinema and cinematography, additional forms of operationalizing productive social dialogue, whose development to current form and practice was largely achieved, within late 19th century to the present, and by a civilization that does not place the same premium on words uttered as a Muslim civilization. In the West, a parent can say anything no matter how nasty to a child or vice versa without posing or attracting to themselves any supposed type of spiritual danger or provoking a general feeling of group-wide cultural impropriety.

Similarly, institutions of marriage are not endangered by careless whispers in an instant. Thus a film in the West does not pay attention to any perceived spiritual bearing the words of an actor can have on themselves, in their real life, no matter how they are spoken in as much as it is within the logical structure or particular thread of an outlined fiction.

This, of course, will pose a challenge to the Muslim societies who on one hand are beginning to come to terms with the utility and relevance of film making as an effective instrument of social engineering, cultural dialogue, and conscientization; and on the other, if not handled or managed carefully, could breed unpleasant social mutations in society, lead to non-conscious alteration of moral categories in favor of what the societies in their current form may consider detestable social and personal conceptions, thereby diluting the whole essence of Muslim societies and civilization. It is this similar concern as is clear from the two separate video clips by Shaykh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, which informs his much-discussed Fatwa.

Therefore the implications drawn from these could be that movie directors, producers, and actors in Kannywood, must be extra careful in how they frame up and participate or present scenes and couch dialogues involving the Divine lest they shoot themselves out of the favor of their most precious Islam. While any other form of the depiction of other aspects of our social life might easily be accommodated attributing them to sole intention to dramatize, others relating to marriage and family life should be threaded with an extra layer of caution due to the reasons from the Qur’an, Hadith and the entire body of Maliki/Ashariy jurisprudence that is operational here as an ethical framework and a source of values for centuries as late Shaykh Umar Balarabe Ibraheem would mention.

This is not an exercise that seeks to nullify and invalidate the profession and practice of film making is this milieu as Hajiya Hamida Koguna , would want to say; but an effort to further pristinely purify the practice for it to serve our society upon its ordained chosen paradigm of social engagement. To some of us, it is better to borrow the modern social technology of entertainment and bend it to suit what is a local requirement of engagement, than to borrow it as it is, and then make our own ordained social order bend to its foreign requirements by sourcing for Fatwas out of our inherited ethical framework to achieve that.

Kannywood industry has been doing fairly well over the years. The government of Kano State, its host, has done better over the years by inaugurating a censorship board that oversees its activities and ensures compatibility of its output to the supreme but unwritten cultural constitution of these societies and the legal constitution of the land. To this end we have seen how a whole drama series spanning years could be run, keeping the interest of its national international audience nonstop, without men and women making body contact in ways that violate our sacred tradition in social engagement. Therefore couching film dialogues in divorce scenes that will not violate our traditional codes can never be harmful in any way and cannot affect the quality of an actor, director, or producer or affect their marketability and prosperity indices going upward in their profession. We also don’t necessarily need the extended hand of a Maliki fringe Fatwa, like that of Ibnal Qasim to execute this function satisfactorily.

Allah Ya jikan Shaykh Umar Balarabe Ibraheem da sauran magabata; Allah Ya tsare, Ya albarkaci Shaykh Bashir Aliyu Umaru damu baki daya!

Opinion

Encomia As Hajara Ali Exits NECO

Published

1 hour ago

April 9, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo, anipr

Let me begin this piece with the words of the Famous American Obie Award Winning Actor and Writer, Patrick Foley, “…Retirement is a chance to redesign your life into Something new and different”.It is never the end of the road but an opportunity to start a new life.

On 25th March, 2025 Hajiya Hajara Ali retired from the service of National Examinations Council (NECO) meritoriously as a Director.

She was a mother to all within the Council. A very pragmatic, hardworking, and thorough civil servant.

But I can’t say it all, so I had to reach out to those who have worked closely with her and others within the Council.

Mrs Mary Esezobor opines “Hajiya is a mother, she is free with everybody and has a listening ear.She is friendly, one can enter her office anytime.Many people believe that once a woman is in position of authority, power intoxicates them but that was not the case of Hajiya”.

Similarly,Mr Msughter Igbalaga is a member of staff, who worked with her, explained that “she is naturally simple because she is not the material type. Anything flamboyant Hajiya dislikes it even as a Director. She would come and sit down in the midst of some members of staff to discuss official issues. She values ideas from her staff and abhors laziness.”

Mrs Ebele A. Egbosimba also described Hajara Ali as a friendly and accommodating personality. She asserts ” If you work with her,she would guide you appropriately. She doesn’t engage in discrimination. Her yes is yes, while her No is No.She fights for justice and loves doing the right thing”.

Her Secretary, Mrs Hafsat Shehu Yusuf said, “She is simple and nice. She’s friendly and hardworking.She is a good mother”.

Furthermore, Mrs Sunday A. Nike, who also worked with her captures her personality thus:” She is a mother to me. She is straightforward and generous.There is no challenge you take to her that she would not help you to address it. she is very accommodating and does not discriminate against religion or tribe”.

Husseini Amodu has worked with Hajiya for years, here is his submission about her: “To every objective assessor, Hajiya Hajara epitomizes diligence, discipline, foresight and empathy. She is an advocate of peace, industrial harmony, dedication to duty and servant leadership. Her humility is rare and she is distinctively accommodating. She carries out her tasks with absolute passion and precision, upholding the tenets of exemplary leadership. There is no doubt that her sterling qualities will propel her for higher responsibilities in our beloved country in no distant time, God willing”.

Essentially, Lukman Ahmed is a member of staff and the former Special Assistant On Poverty Alleviation to Kwara state Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has this to say about her:

“Hajia Hajara Ali (Our Mother) is a paragon of hard work, selfless service and dedication.

“We celebrate a Mother who has set a high standard of leadership, demonstrating that with vision, courage and determination, even the most daunting challenges are being surmounted.”

“We celebrate an exceptional Woman, Mother, Teacher, Mentor, a beacon of hope, whose impressive achievement in office has left an indelible mark in the history of the Registration Department.”

“Her versatility will be missed “.

Most importantly, Hajiya Hajara Ali is not only religious but pious. Her attitude to work is superb. On the day she retired I went to her office and I met a lot of staff members who came to congratulate her.She made a statement on that day while advising them and it kept knocking on my mind. She said she took her job diligently because she knew she would account before the Almighty about her approach to work and the people around her. She admonished staff members to always do the right thing for the sake of the Council and accountability.

*Her Educational background*

She hailed from Dala Local Government Area of Kano State

Hajara Ali completed her primary school at the Cathedral Girls Primary School, Freetown, Sierra leone in 1977.She attended Government Girls College, Dala,Kano and had a GCE O’ Level WAEC in 1982.

She later proceeded to Bayero University, Kano and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSC) Chemistry in 1989.She had a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the same institution in 1996.

In 2005 she obtained Diploma in Computer Science Education at Cornerstone Computer Institute, Ilorin

In her quest to acquire more knowledge and qualification she went to Bayero University, Kano (BUK) again to study Education at Post graduate level, and she obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Education in 2009.

In 2012 she bagged Msc Analytical Chemistry in Bayero University, Kano

Hajiya Hajara Ali worked with the Kano State Ministry of Water Resources and served as Senior Research Officer between 1990 and 1999.She later joined the service of the National Examinations Council in 2000 when NECO was established.

Until her retirement,she was the Director of Registration at the NECO Headquarters in Minna, where she made appreciable impact through innovation of ideas and commitment to work .

On 7th April, 2025 during the send forth ceremony organized for her by the staff of the Council at the NECO Conference hall,she received a lot of gifts and accolades from members of staff,and that was a testament to her dignity,hardwork, simplicity and integrity.

Hajiya Hajara Ali is retired but not tired, a woman of such impeccable character should be engaged in higher responsibility.

Against all odds she will navigate the earth and the sky will be her limit just as the former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has said “Where there are no ceilings, the sky is the limit”.

I pray that Allah guides and protects her as she approaches the new phase of life

Opinion

The King Who Was—A Legacy Etched in Eternity” Tribute To Galadiman Kano

Published

7 hours ago

April 9, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

”

By Sadiq Abbas Sanusi

A tribute to Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sanusi, a man who embodied royalty beyond title, whose grace and wisdom left an indelible mark on tradition and leadership. His reign in our hearts will never fade.

With tears that shall never be forgotten, I write of a man who embodied royalty in every fiber of his being. Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sanusi, was not just a royal by blood—he lived, breathed, and walked the essence of royalty. In a time when Kano saw many princes, none could compare to the dignity, grace, and leadership of this extraordinary man.

Born into a prestigious lineage, Abbas Sanusi was the grandson of the late Emir of Kano Abdullahi Bayero and the son of the revered Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi (the first). He was a nephew to both the late Emir Muhammad Inuwa and the late Emir Ado Bayero.

He was the uncle of Emir Muhammad Sanusi (the second) and a cousin to the Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero. He bore the prestigious title of Galadiman Kano—the highest-ranking traditional title, second only to the Emir himself.

Galadima served under multiple emirs with unmatched loyalty and wisdom, not merely as a traditional leader but as a true artist, designer, choreographer, and coordinator of the monarchy. His influence extended far beyond Kano, earning him reverence and respect throughout the northern emirates. His name was synonymous with royalty itself.

A living legend of royalty, Galadima Abbas Sanusi was more than a man—he was a symbol of tradition, honor, and nobility. He was a king in every sense but title. And though he has passed, he will forever remain our king in spirit.

He was not only the Galadiman Kano; he was our father. And the end of this era marks the beginning of his eternal reign in our hearts. Forever, he will be the king who was.

Opinion

Letter To Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf On The Plight Of Sani DZ’s Family

Published

12 hours ago

April 9, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

Aminu Abba Kwaru

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As one of the media fraternity and someone who had the privilege of working closely with the late Sani Muhammad DZ (Your Image Maker when you are a Commissioner of works) I feel compelled to reach out to you through this medium regarding the legacy and significant contributions of a dedicated Public Relations Officer, who served both you and the people of Kano State with unwavering commitment.

Late Sani Muhammad formally known as DZ was not just a professional, he was a guider, a father, a friend and a steadfast ally to all journalists during your tenure as the Commissioner of Works, Housing and transport.

Sir, late D.Z’s kindness, simplicity, and dedication to work left an indelible mark on all who had the opportunity to work alongside him in your office.

During the administration of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Late DZ played a pivotal role in ensuring that your accomplishments were communicated effectively and widely, helping to shape the perception of your capabilities as a commissioner.

Sir, It was through late D.Z’s efforts that many, including the then-Executive Governor, recognized your potential to succeed in the highest office of the state.

Regrettably, since Sani D.Z’s passing, it has become apparent that many of those currently surrounding you now may not know the extent of his contributions towards your success in political journey.

Shehu Bala Kabara, Muhammad Auwalu Tudun Murtala, Rabi’u Aboki Ana’s da wasu da dama shaidu ne Atambaye su Aji amsar SU Kan wannan batu. Kokuma Ahmad (your Personal Photographer now your S.A Videography) shima shaidane. Kai a tambayi Kwamishinan ayyuka ma na yanzu Malam Marwan Aji idan gaskiya na fada. Commissioner Ibrahim Wayya da Sanusi Bature ba maganar SU Tunda su haduwar shekaranjiya ne.

It is paramount that the legacy of individuals like late Sani Muhammad DZ is preserved and honored more especially by you Sir, as he have played an essential role in your political history and your progress personally and politically of Kano State.

I urge you, as a matter of urgency, to extend your hand to the family of Sani Muhammad DZ. In times of sorrow, it is our duty to support those who have been left behind, especially during this difficult period. Your acknowledgment of his contributions and your support towards his family, would not only honor Sani’s memory but also reinforce your commitment to the values of dedication and service that he embodied.

Your excellency Sir,Yadda kake ruwan rabon kudade, ababen hawa, filaye da kujerun aikin Hajji Dan Allah Ka tuna da iyalan Marigayi Sani Muhammad D.Z Ka san shi kuma kasan gudunmowar SA a wajenka kawai dai tuna maka nayi.

Please Ahmad P.A convey my heartfelt condolences to Sani’s family, his students, and all his colleagues who are mourning his loss. The impact he had on so many lives was profound, and his absence will surely be felt for years to come.

Thank you Sir for your time and consideration. I trust that you will see the merit in recognizing the legacy of a truly dedicated servant of the people.

With respect and sincerity,

Aminu.Abba Kwaru

Immediate Past Chairman of

Nigeria Union of Journalist

Radio Nigeria Pyramid FM.Kano

8,April,2025