The Nigerian government officially declared Monday, December 12, 2016 as public holiday to mark the Eid-El Maulud in commemoration of birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The gesture of the government means different things amongst Muslims because Prophet Muhammad and his Companions never observed or celebrated his birthday even after his demise. In fact some religious zealots describe the celebration as unlawful, Un-Islamic while other extremists condemn those celebrating the Maulud as unbelievers.
The major challenge in the Muslim world is that of different interpretations on simple modes of worship by various Islamic scholars and rulers. Such divergent elucidations breed misunderstandings, unnecessary conflicts and violent protests.
The Iraq-Iran war in the 80s, as a battle of regional supremacy, was largely a clash of ideological differences between Sunni and Shiite. The crisis has since become global phenomena after the 9/11 attacks in United States of America.
The historic background of the Sunni–Shia divide occurred when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) died, leading to a disagreement over his successors, known as caliphs in various Islamic communities across globe. The clash intensified after the Battle of Karbala, in which Hussein ibn Ali and his household were killed by the ruling Umayyad Caliph Yazid. The clamour for retaliation divided the early Islamic community.
Although all Muslims believe in divinity of the Quran, as the Holy Book from Almighty Allah, different scholars have different opinions and interpretations of Hadith which is a collection of traditions containing sayings of the Prophet and accounts of his daily practice. The Hadith constitutes the major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Holy Quran.
All Muslims including those that refered to themselves as either Sunni or Shiite observe the five pillars of Islam which are: Faith in God Almighty; Regular Prayers; Providing charity to the needy; Fasting in the month of Ramadan and performing pilgrimage to Mecca for those that can afford.
Therefore, the Sunni-Shiite power struggles, are more political and ideological than spiritual. The conflict has so far created acrimonious and hostile relationship, culminating into sectarian violence through what is now known as Saudi-Iran proxy wars in some countries which include Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Parts of Libya among others. Unfortunately, some atrocious acts of terrorisms which are wrongly attributed to Islam, the religion of peace, have direct and indirect connection to the major regional players in the conflict.
Nigeria, as a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society has witnessed decades of peace and tranquillity among various groups. Muslims in Nigeria have not only lived peacefully among themselves and with adherents of other religions. Majority of Nigerian Muslims do not allow sectarian dogmas to create divisions among them as they pray in every mosque without questioning the denomination or the sect of the Imam who leads in prayers.
It is rather unfortunate that in recent times, some parts of the North have witnessed the same Sunni-Shiate conflict that has resulted in the killing of over 300 Muslims who are members of Sheikh Ibrahim Zak-Zaky led Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN). One could better imagine the consequences of the killing if the President and the governor are Non-Muslims.
As a Muslim born into a family of Islamic scholars and having the privilege of attending Quranic Madras nursery, Arabic Secondary School and studying Islam in the university, never have I been taught that one should be a Sunni or Shiite to be a true Muslim.
The Muslims in Nigeria should use the period of Eid-Maulud public holiday to reflect on how to resolve this untoward development and caution political elites and religious leaders who use the Sunni-Shiate to further create disharmony and hatred in the community. It is commendable the recent position of Borno Elders who called on President Muhammadu Buhari to move quickly and resolve the Kaduna-Shia crisis in North-West before it snowballs into another insurgency similar to Boko Haram in the North-East.
Muslim community should use this period to advise public officers from issuing provocative statements, caution religious leaders against inciting sermons and warn their social media warriors from engaging in alarming campaigns of calumny over Kaduna-Shiite crisis.
A true Muslims must be guided by the Quran and Hadith and not by following different sects that create divisions. Muslims should observe the five pillars of Islam and emulate the great qualities of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) who encourages mercy, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and forbids extremism. We should practice like the early Muslims who were neither Sunni or Shiate but simply Muslims.
Yushau A. Shuaib
www.YAShuaib.com
