By Sani Bello Hamza
Among the topics I detest and tirelessly fought the muse to write on are the controversial issues in religion. Not because I’m shy, timid or afraid to promote my religion, but because of its highly controversial nature. You can’t separate controversy and diversity from religion. For it is only in religion you’ll come across simple concepts made complex and difficult concepts made unnecessarily harsh to safeguard selfish and personal interests. My apologies, I won’t taint the truth – so don’t be emotional.
In Islam, for example, there are many concepts interpreted differently by scholars to reflect their beliefs, way of life, and perception of Islam in its entirety. Each scholar and his disciples claim to be the true adherents of the traditions and way of life of the holy Prophet as laid down in the holy Quran and Sunnah. This could, as well, be seen as the foundation of division and diverse opinions in Islam which subsequently gave birth to numerous sects under its umbrella.
The Genesis of this division and controversy could also be traced down to the first few years after the death of the holy Prophet. A period when the Prophet was absent and no longer present to approve or disapprove actions and inactions of his companions. Thus, it became possible for hypocrites and intruders to insert their opinions in interpretation and successfully fabricate Hadiths to protect their personal interests and justify the actions of political leaders with ease. Truth was enclosed and made very difficult to unravel.
Another perspective was a Hadith reported by Imam Muslim (in his book Sahih Muslim), that companions of the Prophet were divided after his death on how to go about interpreting his will, Islamic rites and interpretation of the wordings of the Holy Quran. Innocent Muslim faithfuls were confused on whether to follow the opinion of Abubakar (RA) or stick to the views and teachings of Ali and Fatima (AS). This can also be perceived to be the origin of division and sectarianism in Islam.
Fast forward to centuries after the death of the Prophet and as a result of endless questions that arose from complicated real life scenarios whose remedies were not expressly provided in the Quran and Sunnah, Muslim Jurists resorted to the exercise of IJTIHAD to provide answers to the questions raised. Their diverse interpretation of tenets and principles of Islam led to the emergence of the FOUR MAJOR SUNNI SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT. To wit; Hannafi, Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali schools of thought.
That’s just by the the way, let’s get back to the subject matter.
It’s a known fact that differences and diversity are rooted in every human society. Just as conflict is inevitable, controversy, division and differences are part and parcel of every human society. In fact, mankind are created different to interact and know one another. However, the only righteous among them is the noble in the sight of Allah. In essence, we must embrace the unity in our diversity.
This is one of the reasons whenever I’m about to criticize or chastise a fellow human for having a contrary view or belonging to a different sect or creed, I promptly recall the above the verse;
“hold fast to the Rope of Allah, altogether and be not divided.” (Āli ‘Imrān: 103)”
It is heartbreaking that in this part of the world, (Nigeria), we have deviated from the above cited verse. Our scholars find solace and joy in criticizing one another. A Sufi believes he is the only righteous Muslim; an Izala scholar believes the Shi’a and Sufis are all innovators (Bid’a) and destined to be in hell fire. We are not open to accommodate diverse opinions and celebrate monopoly of opinion in religion. Sadly!
The concept of Bid’a, I believe, is among the most abused Islamic concept, scholars leverage on it to criticize followers of other religious creed and advocate for eradication of all other sects for non-conformity with their beliefs or school of thought.
Linguistically, Bid’a simply means innovation. That is, commencing or performing an act that has no precedence in Islam. An action which neither the Prophet nor his companions performed during their lifetime.
The above definition is no doubt vague and general. Some Jurists believe there should be an exception to this because even the companions of the Prophet were reported to have innovated certain acts after his demise. Their pillar of argument is on the premise that the compilation of the holy Quran and Salatul Taraweeh were not initiatives of the prophet, rather they are initiated by caliph Abubakar and Umar respectively.
Could this also be categorized as innovation and leading to hell fire?
Other Jurists argued there are no exceptions. Every innovation is Haram and leads to hell fire. Among the followers of this school are the members of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’a Wa Iqamatu sunnah known as IZALA in Nigeria.
Jurists are also divided as to whether there are good innovations or all innovations are bad and lead to hell fire. A large chunk of scholars believe all innovations are “Dhalalah” and all innovations lead to hell fire.
In a simpler term, Muslims can not perform actions that do not have connection with the Prophet or his companions. Such actions will lead them to hell fire. This school prohibits innovations such as celebrating the Maulud of the prophet and others. Ibn Taimiyya is among the proponents of this school.
Other scholars such as Ibn Hajar believe there should be a Bid’a Hasanah – good innovation. To encompass historical events such as Salatul Taraweeh, compilation of the holy Quran, introduction of additional Adhan by Usman and other innovative acts of the Prophet’s companions.
Now, back to the topic.
Between Qur’an Convention and Maulud…
Over the years, Izala sect, in Nigeria are known for their fierce and uncompromising battle with other sects (Shi’a and Darika) to eradicate all forms of Innovations in Islam. Maulud is at the forefront of their campaign.
Wherever and whenever they found themselves, they deliver anti-maulud sermons, classify those practicing it as unbelievers and deter their followers from celebrating Maulud and other innovative acts. From Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and Sheikh Jafar Mahmud till present day when the baton was handed to Sheikh Kabiru Gombe. They all claimed Maulud is Bid’a because there is no where overtly or covertly stated in the Quran, Sunnah or History of the Prophet that the Prophet or his companions celebrated the occasion.
We were all meant to believe that Maulud has no base in Islam. But fortunately or unfortunately, today in a revolution like scenario, the maiden Quran Convention is about to unfold in Abuja. Featuring scholars from different sects including the ANTI-MAULUD scholars whom are known for their uncompromising criticisms on Bid’a–innovations.
Now, the question that kept creeping our minds is; what differentiate Qur’anic Convention from Maulud?
Relying on the definition of Bid’a, there is also no where overtly or covertly stated in the Quran, Sunnah or History that the prophet organized a similar gathering.
Even though, I believe, it’s a good initiative to honor the memorizers and Qur’an teachers we must not shy away from calling a spade a spade.
Going by the the objectives of the convention; Could a Maulud organized to Foster unity, promote intellectual discourse and encourage Islamic scholarship be termed as Halal?
Will the scholars attend the Maulud?
We should call a spade a spade and give ceaser what belongs to him, simple!
Sani Bello Hamza is a Law student at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. He writes from Zaria and can be reached through 09013506168 or [email protected].