Politicization of fatwas: The clerical weapon of mass destruction -By Ishaq Habeeb

During the Jonathan-led PDP govt, everything that was wrong with Nigeria, was justifiably because, Jonathan was a bad leader hence should take all the blame – and our clerics, vehemently and unanimously concurred.

Fast forward to present, under Buhari-led APC govt, everything that is currently wrong with Nigeria, is because – according to our clerics – “ours sins have suddenly became too grave hence God is angry with Nigeria and the solution, is not to blame Buhari, but to repent for our sins and all shall be well with Nigeria.”

Now if those charlatans actually cared about the religion and that it isn’t just a meal ticket for them, it may interest them to know that in time – should they continue treading this path of manipulating fatwas and exploiting the religious sentimentality of their gullible followers for personal aggrandizement – they would’ve inadvertently bred so many atheists to contend with. 

Now evangelism (da’awah) is a practice that is embraced by all faiths and losing a believer, is a loss, that comes at a cost, too great to afford. Its like losing a battle that you’ve already won, I’m sure they’ll agree.

Manipulations, exploitations and deceptions can only go so far, sooner than later – as is evident already within the educated class, mostly found on social media – people are beginning to question the motives and actions of these charlatans, hiding under religious regalia to further their sinister, self-serving agenda, to the detriment of the greater majority of the ummah.

Interestingly, this is an avoidable doom prophesy, as it is not-yet too late for them to change their ways and get their acts together before the inevitable Doom’s day prophesy shall come to pass and consume us all. May we never sell our soul (fid dunya) to the devil, in exchange for earthly riches (against akhira). Amen.

Ishaq Habeeb is a public commentator, he writes from Kano and can reached via his social media handle @realishaqhabeeb