Connect with us

News

(Friday Sermon)The Virtues Of Eating Halal And The Evils Of Eating Haram

Published

on

Imam Murtadha Gusau
By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation—may He extol the Messenger in the highest company of Angels and send His peace and blessings upon him—likewise upon his family, Companions, and true followers.
Dear brothers and sisters! In some of my previous Friday sermons (Khutbah) I discussed Luqman Al-Hakim’s first advice to his son with regards to the quality of Prayer (Salat). The second advice he gave was about food. He said that you should guard and watch your food intake. It is a two-part advice. One is that over eating should be avoided, because it is the root cause of ill health. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) had advised us to divide our stomach into three compartments; one for food, the second for water, and the third for air. If applied, this formula can ensure good health.
The second part of the advice means to be careful about the Halal (pure and recommended) and the Haram (forbidden) food, because the Noble Qur’an and Hadiths of Prophet (Peace be upon him) mandate Halal food. Halal food means that food must be procured and purchased through fair, legitimate, and honest means. According to a Hadith quoted in Sahih Muslim:
“Prophet (Peace be upon him) mentioned a person, who had dust on his clothes and hair due to a long journey, was making supplications saying “Ya Rabb, Ya Rabb”, but his food, drink and dress was Haram. Though Allah Almighty accepts supplications of a traveler, but his involvement in Haram made his supplications unacceptable.”
According to one of Prophet (Peace be upon him)’s Hadith:
“Supplications of three persons are accepted: the traveler, father’s supplication for his off spring, and supplication of the oppressed against the oppressor.”
According to yet another Hadith:
“Allah Almighty has appointed an angel, who day and night announces from Baitul-Maqdis that obligatory and supplementary prayers of a person, who eats Haram, will not be accepted.”
Anas (RA) asked Prophet (Peace be upon him) to pray for him so that he may become “Mustajabud-da’awah.” The term “Mustajabud-da’awah” means a person whose prayers and supplications are accepted. Prophet (Peace be upon him) replied: “Ya Anas, earn an honest living and eat Halal food, Allah Almighty will make you “Mustajabud-da’awah”, and will grant you whatever you ask. Keep yourself away from Haram, because even a morsel i.e. a small bite of Haram food invalidates supplications for forty days.” [At-Targhib wat-Tarhib]
There are many other spiritual and physical disadvantages of Haram food. Let me listed four disadvantages:
1. Haram food extinguishes the light of Iman (faith), and the heart become dark.
2. It makes man dull, lethargic, and inactive.
3. It causes to commit Haram deeds and corrupts thoughts and action.
4. It kills conscience and puts a barrier between man and virtue.
The essence is that Haram creates a distance between man and religion, ruins the Hereafter, the door of virtues is closed on him, and that of temptations and sin is flung wide open.
Yusuf Ibn Artat (Rahimahullah) is quoted in Kitabul-Kaba’ir that when Shaitan (Satan) finds a youth busy in prayers and submitting to the obedience of Allah Almighty, he asks his friends to find about his food and drink. If it turns out to be Haram, then there is nothing to worry about as his prayers and obedience is futile and wouldn’t be of any good to him.
Respected brothers and sisters! In today’s society Haram is practiced in many ways, and majority is not even aware of it. Interest, usury, bribery, cheating in commercial transactions, lying, disregards of duties of the self and rights of others, theft and larceny and many other Haram acts are a common practice. Knowledge is not scarce, but it is action which is missing. And the main reason is that our earnings are not honest, and our food and drink is not fair and pure. As a result we cannot practice virtue and are devoid of righteousness.
According to a Hadith of Prophet (Peace be upon him) there will be some people on the Day of Judgment whose virtues will match the size of the mount Tihamah, meaning that they will have abundance of good deeds. But when they will stand before Allah Almighty, all their good deeds will be on no value, and they will be thrown into Hell Fire. Companions (RA) submitted, why will that happen o Messenger of Allah? Prophet (Peace be upon him) replied that they performed Prayer (Salah), observed fast, paid Zakah, and performed Hajj, but never saved themselves from Haram, which ruined all their good deeds.” [Kitabul-Kaba’ir]
Allah Almighty says in verse 51 or Surah Al-Muminun:
“O Messengers eat good things and do good deeds.”
The Qur’anic verse has used the word “Tayyibat” which means nice, pure and decent things. In the Islamic Shari’ah, things that are condemned as Haram are neither pure, nor appealing to common sense, that is why “Tayyibat” means things which internally and externally are pure and appealing. The verse tells us that all the Prophets and Messengers were given two main instructions. One: Eat pure and Halal food, and Two: Perform good and righteous deeds. When Prophets and Messengers, who are Ma’sum minal-Khata (incapable of committing sins), have been commanded as such, then we their followers should be very particular in taking all precautions possible to avoid Haram and the forbidden.
Scholars say that the combination of these two commands Akli-Halal and Amalis-Salih, i.e the fairly earned wages and pure food and the righteous deeds are interdependent. There is a wise saying that goes as follows:
“Halal earnings and food make you do good and righteous deeds, and Haram earnings and Haram food prompts you to commit Haram acts and deprives you of the ability to think or do good.”
Dear Servants of Allah! It was due to the teachings of the Noble Qur’an and training of Prophet (Peace be upon him) that companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) were very cautious and conscious about their food. Let me give you just one example here. Once Sayyidinah Abubakar Siddiq drank the milk brought by his servant. He later asked as to where he did bring the milk from? The servant replied that he had performed a “Kahanat” for a certain tribe and was given milk in exchange as wages. “Kahanat” is a Haram act, a sort of chanting that was common in the pre-Islamic days. Hearing this Sayyidinah Abubakar Siddiq immediately put his finger in his throat and threw out, and kept doing that for some time. People who saw the situation thought that perhaps Sayyidinah Abubakar Siddiq will pass out due to pain. Sayyidinah Abubakar Siddiq made repentance, prayed and submitted:
“O Allah, I repent and apologise for the milk which has gone into my system. When Prophet (Peace be upon him) heard of the incident, he commented: “Don’t you know that nothing goes to the stomach of Abubakar Siddiq (RA), except what is “Tayyib”, pure and Halal food?” [Bukhari and Muslim]
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation; may Allah extol the mention of our noble Prophet Muhammad in the highest company of Angels, bless him and give him peace and security―and his family, his Companions and all those who follow him correctly and sincerely until the establishment of the Hour.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.
This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today Friday, Rajab 12, 1444 AH (February 03, 2023).

Advert

News

Sallah Thanksgiving: NUJ President Commends Kano Correspondents’ Chapel For Fostering Love, Unity Among Journalists

Published

on

 

 

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),
Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has commended the leadership of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, for providing platforms and occasions that foster love, unity and progress among journalists.

Comrade Yahya stated this at Kano Press Centre, on Sunday, during the 2026 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah Celebrations, Thanksgiving And Special Prayers Ceremony, organized by Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, to appreciate God for the successful month long Ramadan fasting period and the Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.

The NUJ National President used the occasion to urge journalists to reflect on the true meaning of the occasion and promote unity, peace, and tolerance, among themselves, in the course of their profession.

Represented by former chairman of Kano NUJ and a member of NUJ National Board of Trustees, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, the NUJ National President, who said he has been impressed over the activities of Kano NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, within the last one year, under the leadership of Comrade Murtala Adewale, emphasized the importance of compassion, unity, and addressing national challenges, particularly food security and insecurity.

Comrade Alhassan Yahya urged other NUJ chapels to draw inspiration from Kano Correspondents’ Chapel’s unity and camaraderie, highlighting their event as a model for promoting peace and solidarity among journalists.

He encouraged other chapels to organize similar events, fostering a sense of community and cooperation, which is essential for the growth and development of the journalism profession.

In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, a Professor of Communication in Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Prof. Yakubu Mai Nasara Kurfi, described the event as not only inspiring, but heart-warming, while urging the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel leadership to sustain the tempo.

Advert

Prof. Mai Nasara Kurfi congratulated the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel executive members for their foresight to organize the event, and promised to borrow a leaf from them as he planned to introduce such occasion in the Faculty of Communication, BUK.

The Professor of Communication also used the occasion to canvass for collaboration and synergy among the NUJ, working journalists and the Faculty of Communication, BUK, so as to ensure training and re-training of both working journalists and student journalists for enhancement of the journalism profession.

The chairman of NUJ in Kano state, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, noted that the event was not only a Thanksgiving for the successful Ramadan and celebration of the Eid El Fitr, but a symbol of unity and togetherness among members of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, and the larger Kano NUJ family.

“This even is so special because some of the prominent scholars and practitioners in the media are here. I want to thank and commend the leadership of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel for organizing this event,” he said.

In his speech, chairman of NUJ Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Murtala Adewale, described the event as not just a celebration, but a moment to reflect on Allah’s countless mercies—granting us the strength, patience, and opportunity to observe the holy month.

According to him: “Ramadan has been a period of spiritual renewal, sacrifice, and discipline. It has reminded us of the importance of empathy, humility, and self-restraint. As journalists, these values resonate deeply with our professional responsibilities—to be fair, truthful, and guided by integrity in all that we do.

“This gathering also serves as an avenue to strengthen our unity as members of the Chapel. In the midst of our demanding schedules and the pressures of the profession, moments like this allow us to reconnect, share, and reinforce the bond that holds us together.”

He encouraged all imbibe the lessons of Ramadan, and continue to embody patience, kindness, and responsibility, “in our daily lives and in our reportage. Our society looks up to us, and we must remain committed to promoting peace, truth, and understanding.

“I sincerely appreciate all our invited guests and well-wishers who have joined us today. Your presence is a testament to the strong relationships we have built over time, and we do not take it for granted. As we share this special breakfast, let us also remember those who are less privileged and continue to extend a helping hand, as taught during the holy month.”

The event was designed as a special Thanksgiving feast to appreciate Almighty Allah for His mercies and offer prayers for peace and progress, after a 30-day spiritual rejuvenation in the fasting month of Ramadan.

Continue Reading

News

Breaking: Kwankwaso Resigns from NNPP

Published

on

 

Former Governor of Kano State and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced his resignation from the party. The declaration was made through a statement posted on his verified Facebook page earlier today.

Kwankwaso, who served as the NNPP’s National Leader and spearheaded its presidential campaign in the 2023 general elections, described the decision as “not an easy one.” He explained that his departure was driven by the need for “strategic realignment” in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

“Considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” Kwankwaso stated.

Advert

In his resignation letter, Kwankwaso expressed gratitude to the NNPP’s leadership, including National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed, the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and members across all levels of the party. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, his loyal political base, pledging continued collaboration toward building “a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation.”

Kwankwaso’s exit marks a significant moment for the NNPP, which rose to prominence under his leadership and made notable gains in the 2023 elections. His next political move is expected to reshape alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, though he has yet to disclose the platform he intends to join.

Political analysts suggest that Kwankwaso’s resignation could trigger a wave of defections within the NNPP, particularly among members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, who have historically followed his political trajectory.

 

Continue Reading

News

Northern Youth Group Backs Doguwa for Kano APC Leadership, Urges National Role

Published

on

 

The Northern Youths Merger Groups under the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa on his election as the APC State Chairman in Kano.

In a statement, the group’s National Coordinator, Hon. Musa Mujahid Zaitawa, described Doguwa as a hardworking and experienced politician capable of leading the party to victory.

The group highlighted Doguwa’s track record, noting his four-time leadership of political parties in Kano, as well as his service in two commissioner roles. According to the group, his vast experience will significantly contribute to the success of the APC.

Advert

The Northern Youths Merger Groups also called on APC stakeholders to nominate and support Doguwa for appointment as Chairman of the APC States Chairmen Forum, which comprises representatives from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

They expressed confidence that such an appointment would strengthen efforts toward securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections, particularly in the North-West region.

The group further noted that the North-West zone is expected to deliver massive votes in the 2027 elections, describing it as one of the APC’s strongest strongholds with seven sitting governors.

They emphasized that Doguwa’s leadership, experience, and political influence would play a crucial role in ensuring the party’s success in both the presidential and gubernatorial elections.

Continue Reading

Trending