Greed, as discussed in prior blogs, is a destructive force. Thought the ages the Custodians of the Islamic Holy Places have developed the bad habit of greed. Before the time of the Prophet (PBUHz0 the predecessors of the House that Abraham built also developed the bad habit of greed. History tell us that pilgrims were the major source of revenue for (the now) Saudi Arabia for generations. Then along came oil, and Aramco but this did not dim the desire to make a large profit from pilgrimages. .
This ‘need’ for maximum profit has taken a few form: exacting payment from Muslim majority countries. The payment allows the country’s pilgrims to perform the required Hajj. A recent ‘victim’ of the profit mongering is Nigeria. Given the political situation in Nigeria at the present time, this may bring dire consequences. This report from Punch an online Nigerian newspaper, from the Opinion section of May 23, 2024.
From the Opinion section of Punch .
“PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu’s decision to subsidise the 2024 Hajj with a whopping N90 billion has raised crucial questions about the government’s priorities. This move, intended to support Muslims undertaking the sacred journey to Mecca, raises significant questions about fiscal responsibility. It leaves Tinubu’s petrol “subsidy is gone” mantra in tatters. It belies logic and is nothing but politics. With fluctuating oil revenues and economic uncertainties, this is time for Tinubu to exercise fiscal prudence.
The timing of this decision is perplexing. Nigeria grapples with pressing issues, including a struggling economy, insecurity, and inadequate social infrastructure. Allocating N90 billion to subsidise a religious pilgrimage when many citizens struggle to make ends meet is tone-deaf and bad economics.
It is baffling that the Federal Government doled out this humongous amount when Nigerians are struggling against the economic headwinds occasioned by the withdrawal of the petrol subsidy, the high cost of living, and the increase in power tariff. Shortly after this, one state governor announced he would subsidise the Hajj. Unfortunately, they are indebted and cannot meet the needs of citizens.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who represented Tinubu at the flag-off of the airlift for the 2024 Hajj at Kebbi State, stated that the President had ordered the N90 billion subsidy. The VP said the President took this initiative given the economic situation, urging the intending pilgrims to pray for peace, unity, and progress in the country. This is nonsense.
The education sector suffers from shabby infrastructure and unqualified teachers, contributing to high dropout rates and poor outcomes. In such a context, dedicating a massive sum to a religious activity for a specific group seems misaligned with broader national needs.
The subsidy reflects the government’s gross insensitivity to the prevailing mass hunger, rising poverty, and wanton underdevelopment afflicting the different sectors in the country. A 2022 UNESCO report noted that 20.1 million children are not in school.
Not only is the decision a brazen misplacement of priority, but the long-term implications are troubling. Setting a precedent for government-funded religious pilgrimages opens the door to similar demands from other religious groups, potentially leading to a slippery slope of sectarianism and division. The subsidy though temporarily relieves the financial burden on pilgrims, does not address underlying economic issues.
It raises serious questions about fiscal responsibility. Such a substantial outlay requires careful consideration of its long-term sustainability and impact on national finances, given the rising public debt, deficits, and the government’s inability to finance critical projects and services. Potential.
The subsidy may temporarily ease the financial burden on pilgrims; it does not contribute to sustainable economic development. Investments in sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure have the prospect of creating lasting benefits for everybody.
Improving the education system can lead to a more skilled workforce and economic growth. Similarly, better healthcare services can enhance productivity and reduce the disease burden.
While the intent to support religious practices is unambiguous, using public funds for this purpose is ill-advised. The government could explore alternative means of facilitating religious pilgrimages, such as encouraging private-sector sponsorships or creating a special fund supported by voluntary contributions from individuals and religious organisations. This fund could provide financial assistance to those in need without a burden on the federal budget.
Therefore, Tinubu should stop playing to the gallery.”
There is also proof that the naive pilgrims arriving in Mecca are not in any way able to deal with the ‘sophistication’ of the Saudi ‘undregroud’. An article appeared in the May 30, 2024 Punch:May 30 Don’t sell your uniforms in Saudi, Kebbi warns pilgrims. “ The Director, Da’awah, Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheikh Aminu Hassan, has cautioned pilgrims against selling their uniforms to illegal aliens in Saudi Arabia.He disclosed this while addressing the pilgrims shortly after the Subhi (dawn) prayer in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Other pilgrims were getting lost, separated from the group and wandering about in confusion. People must be warned not to see their sacred Ihrams? Others are so confused they cannot find their way? This was not the Hajj Our Prophet (PBUH) intended.
This is not a win/win situation, it is a lose/lose situation The profit motive behind Saudi Arabia’s demands are laying havoc with the peace, the functioning, the governance of Nigeria. Perhaps many other nations as well. This should not, and cannot, be allowed to continue. It is a total desecration of the holy sights, Saudi Arabia is using them for profit, in violation of the Quran, the Holy Word of Allah (SWT).
A Possible Solution
By nature, I am a problem solver, actually have thought of a solution to this problem – perhaps. One looks to history, to learn from it. The technology of today was not envisioned at the time the Quran was dictated by the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). Great advancements were made when mankind ‘invented’ the printing press which allowed millions to possess the Quran translated in their language. I am the member of a later generation., my first Quran was found on my Apple iPad. The wonder of technology is with us; it can and must be used in the furtherance of the Islamic Faith.
I would propose that a virtual Hajj be created at the direction of those in power. After the approval of content and character by the highest authority, then it seems perhaps fatwas could be issued by countries authorizing the use of the virtual Hajj in place of the traditional Saudi Arabia Hajj. Technology could provide a meaningful experience. It could take place in a large area, perhaps even a football field which would allow participants to “walk briskly hills of Safa and Marwah seven times” for example. Another example, three pillars and stones could be provided for the Stoning of the Devil by throwing stones.
Once the virtual presentation was approved then, in the example of Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto would, it appears, have the authority to issue such a Fatwa.
Wikipedia tells us of the identity and authority of the Sultan of Sokoto.
Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar (Arabic: محمد سعد أبو بكر), CFR (born 24 August 1956) is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto. As Sultan of Sokoto, he is considered the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslims. Abubakar is the heir to the two century-old throne founded by his ancestor, Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio (1754–1817), leader of the Maliki school of Islam and the Qadiri branch of Sufism.
Another source described the extent of the Sultan’s power and authority.
The Sultan of Sokoto today is the head of the two largest representative organizations for all Muslims in Nigeria. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI). The NSCIA takes on functions of great importance to the entire Muslim population of Nigeria, which by most estimates includes at least half of the population
I readily admit that I am an unlikely, and perhaps presumptuous person , to be making such a drastic suggestion. I am a revert of only three years, not a recognized Islamic scholar. Nonetheless, it is to be remembered that my role model, Aisha, the beloved wife of the Prophet (pbuh) was recognized in her time as a significant scholar. I wrote of my awe for Aisha on February 14, 2024 blog. I shall quote from it
“Extensive research into the Islamic Faith has proven that one of the most credible scholars in the very early days of the Islamic Faith was Aisha. This is what was said about her. The from a book purchased from a Medina book store. The Honorable Wives of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) “Aisha was a scholar of Islamic jurisprudence, with broad knowledge of Hadith; she benefitted greatly from her nearness to the Messenger of Allah in addition to her own great intelligence, her zeal for acquiring knowledge and her ability to derive Islamic rulings. (Pg. 50).” Ten testimonials are provided on pages 50-52. Four of these are provided.
Urwah bin Az-Zubair said,”I have not seen anyone with a greater knowledge of the Quran, or its obligations, or the lawful and the unlawful, or of poetry, or of the sayings of the Arabs, or of the genealogy than Aishah.
Abu-Dhahabi said: “Aishah was the most knowledgable woman in Islamic jurisprudence in the whole Muslim nation.’
Am’ Umar bin ‘Abdul-Barr said, “Aishah was unique in her time, being knowledgeable in three sciences: “The science of Islamic jurisprudence, the science of medicine and the science of poetry.”
It is written in Fathul-Buri that Aishah was extremely knowledgeable in Islamic jurisprudence -to such an extent that it is said that a quarter of all legal rulings were transmitted from .
I have in my possession another book. It on my iPad (of all places), downloaded in Books. . It is entitled Ayesha A Role Model for Muslim Women for All Times to Come.
‘Ayesha’s life is a perfect idea for Muslim women to emulate. It reminds us that the responsibility of a woman is not online the capacity of a housewife. Besides performing her domestic chores, she can play an active role in the improvement and reformation of the society. This Introduction reminds: “Nature dealt her a heavy blow when got widowed at the tender age of eighteen. Besides the sorrow and anguish at being separated from her husband, there was neither wealth to carry her on nor any child to console her in her grief. In another couple of years, her loving father also passed a way.” She did not wallow in self grief but instead ‘determined to dedicate her life to the cause of Islam.” We are reminded that she was self schooled. “The amazing thing is that she did not receive her education at any institute or school, but imbibed it day and day out from the very fountainhead of prophet hood. She was also skillful in poetry, history and Tib medicine.” She had no children ‘but Allah conferred upon her the title of Mother of the Believers and she did fill full justice to this role.” The author of this book is Naima Sohaib. She also wrote a book in Urdu about twenty more prominent Muslim scholars, reformists, revivalist and caliphs over the last 1400 years.”
I am a retired lawyer, often returning to my prior vocabulary in times of need. “I rest my case.” I would offer in addition a photograph of the Sultan of Sokoto, taken in late April of 2024, As well as a reel, of Medina not Mecca. Nonetheless, it does show the power of technology, not possible to the human eye, even when physically present. Here is the link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7babb9tUgm/?igsh=MXBscnoyODVrcmZ5ZQ==
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
