Happenings

The marriage institution is a blessing to mankind to raise man up to a higher plane of operation above the animals which go about reproductive processes without nay guide, once they are moved into the romantic ecstasy of love affairs, they mate at all costs with their weaker female counterparts even their mothers, except in the known species of the horse which has never been into the practice of incest and the weaver bird which obeys a perfect arrangement of divine importance to go through clean courtship period before they finally go into wedlock. A male weaver bird at the ripe age of puberty stage woos a female counterpart for days and months, during this period they will have nothing to do with mating and illegal sexual experience. The male is charged by the female to build a nest to prepare for the housing need after going into wedlock.

The female, upon the male's claim of completing the nest, would be invited to examine for acceptability the newly built nest, if it is not acceptable by the female counterpart, the male has two options to rebuild to the female's taste or lose the female to another more serious male elsewhere. When eventually, there is a consensus, they move in immediately to commence their honeymoon as a newly wedded couple.

The reminiscence of this can be likened to the marriage institution process for mankind, our culture and religion agree on fidelity concept for nay marriage solemnization to take place by the Alfas or Pastors.

Luckily, for the institutions of culture and religion, the backup Scriptures are there for the perfect guide. For example, the culture of fidelity on the part of the male and female must be upheld, most especially on the premise of virginity of the girl-child and abstinence from promiscuous acts. On these, the following factors of conditions must be ascertained before any marriage solemnization take place-1)mutual consent between the two intending couples to ensure maturity on both sides, absence of forced marriage, and a case of minor marriage to respect the fundamental human rights of the intending couples to feel and realize love in the proposed contract. Secondly, research-based consent of the parents of the male and the female for the marriage to take place with due regards for their children's state for the mind and wellness factor as well as ascertaining the suitability of the intending in-laws to be integrated into both families for a better future of the marriage.

The third is the factor of weaknesses to the journey of the intending couples to avoid future allegations by people from outside the marriage which is usually revolving around charges of infidelity and cheating which may ultimately lead to disaffection in the newly formed family and possible separation or divorce.

The fourth is the intending husband's appreciation of winning the hearts of the sweetheart, this is always appreciated through a substantial amount of money for the male winning the love of his heartthrob(Quran 4: 4.'' And give your wives their share of the dowry and then if they willingly participate in it with you, it is not objectionable and is legal for you.'')

 With all these perfect arrangements from God, why is it that many marriages suffer from separation or divorce? Knowing fully well that Jesus Christ condemned the practice outrightly because of its socio-spiritual implications. For example Mathew 5: 31-32 is sufficient to guide to go about marriage and keep it. 

Mathew 5: 31-32

31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’

 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.''

From the perspective of Islam, the Holy Quran 24 : 3 refers to ''A male fornicator would only marry a female fornicator or idolatress. And a female fornicator would only be married to a fornicator or idolater. This is ˹all˺ forbidden to the believers.''

The fallout of broken homes is separation or divorce which usually make the children or product of the marriage to be vulnerable to various hazards of life.

 The Holy Quran 17: 32 refers to ''And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.'' What a great act of socio-spiritual implication. The counseling factors in the marriage institution is very essential to maintain and sustain it. For example, Ephesians 4: 21-25, ''21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.'' This is a counsel for husbands and wives on mutual relationships.''

In the same way, Quran 4: 34, emphasizes the process of convening, maintaining, and sustaining marriage which usually among human being always goes through the rigor of declining stages in relationships. The courtship period with glowing love region or cosmetic values usually blindfolds the intending couples about the reality of themselves. The wedding night is known to be a honeymoon period, before a year of the marriage, there is a reality check, then after a year, couples expect the following declining stages which must be managed effectively, he nagging period, suspicious management period, threat region and possibly third party intervention, the purple riot decision region metamorphosing into coping dope or separation threat.

The Holy Quran 4: 34 states that ''Men are the caretakers of women, as men have been provisioned by Allah over women and tasked with supporting them financially. And righteous women are devoutly obedient and, when alone, protective of what Allah has entrusted them with.1And if you sense ill-conduct from your women, advise them ˹first˺, ˹if they persist,˺ do not share their beds, ˹but if they still persist,˺ then discipline them ˹gently˺. But if they change their ways, do not be unjust to them. Surely Allah is Most High, All-Great.'' For the women, their responsibilities in the home must be based '' therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in the husband's absence what Allah would have them, guard.''

In the same verse, the almighty Allah says men must be tolerable and super counselors who teach patience through a clear understanding, until there is a change in the character of the woman for good, who the men must not cheat, but rule over them through the fear of God. The marriage institution is sacred and must be revered as such to be able to generate good and reliable homes that would produce good future leaders for the nation to move forward.

Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

Jeremiah 23 : 5-6

5 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.

Nigerians have been called upon not to keep quiet in the face of hardships.
This call was made by the All Workers Convergence(AWC) through its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
''Nigerians are now been visited with more hardships because labor leaders are sleeping. On the side of the Government, our rulers have shown that they have nothing to offer rather than the fact that things would go from bad to worse, therefore it is left for Nigerians to decide their fate if they want the hardships to continue they can keep quiet'', Comrade Emelieze concluded.
 

Despite the countless number of  Churches and Mosques in Nigeria and other faith-based organizations from which our leaders emerge as products of our spiritual space, Nigeria is yet to tackle the issue of institutional indiscipline, injustice, and marginalization.
The Holy Quran unmistakably charges every human being and the nation at large, to fight fraud and enthrone sanity for development. 5: 62-63 refers, '' Many of them thous dost see raising each other in sin and transgression and their eating of things forbidden, evil indeed are the things they do, why do not the Rabbis and the Doctors of law forbid them from their habit of uttering sinful words and eating things forbidden? Evil indeed is their works.'' The Holy Bible also admonished against oppressing the poor, it is therefore highly embarrassing for the government to talk of the poorest of the poor in Nigeria's democracy, while what we battled against under the military regime was unabating poverty. Proverbs 22: 22-23 refers,'' It is easy to steal from the poor people, but don't do it and don't take advantage of those poor people in court. The Lord is on their side, He supports them and He will take things away from any person that takes from them.'' Presently, we can see that religion is been underutilized to achieve in the areas of safety and security protocols for the environment, spiritual inspiration needs to articulate the social drive of the people for sustainable development and to advance the cause of credible leadership and good governance. The implication on the faith-based organizations is that of underperformance and low success rate, considering the coverage level of the curricula upholding them. We must not give in to people who are yet to believe in religious sanity and effectiveness for nation-building to insinuate that the Scriptures are dead. Let us change the face of religious practices in our various religious centers to be more focused on our needs as a nation. Nigeria can still be inspired into meeting up the demands of democracy for functional operations, justice, equity, peace, security, and sustainable development since all these values are dependent on the people.

Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

The Holy Quran 30: 41-42, states that ''Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of the need that the hands of men have earned, that Allah may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back from evil. Say: Travel through  the earth and see what was the end of those  before you: Most of them were idolators (hypocrite, liars, infidels, etc.)

From the perspective of the Holy Bible, Mathew 10: 20, then Jesus criticized the cities where he did most of his miracles. Jesus criticized those cities because the people there did not change their lives and stop sinning.''
On a serious note, Nigeria is blessed with several Churches, Mosques, and other faith-based houses of God, but their religious leaders neither fear God nor are Scripture compliant, for them to have the necessary impact on their people, the high and the low.
Although daily, they conduct services with music, funeral services inclusive, yet the people's behavior are yet to change for the better.
If the Holy Prophet Mohammed happened to be alive today,  the regret would not spare all the Muslims for not ben able to use the Holy Quran to effect the necessary changes.
For Nigeria to be prevented from heading for the precipice, all the houses of God must be made to be alive to their responsibilities of teaching the Scripture for people's true followership and practice, to be able to live exemplary lifestyles that would be bequeathable as a legacy to the future generation.
We must allow God to illuminate all houses of God for worshipers to radiate light into the society and for sanity to reign supreme so that the mechanics of al the machinery of operation are allowed to work without hindrance to promote competence and work attitude that is efficient and for everybody to be responsive and responsible. Citizens on the issue of patriotism for true development, the best solution is to follow a divine path of honor, whereby the religious systems are alive to their responsibilities of educating, admonishing, and processing al adherents onto the path of righteousness to be spiritually charged enough into a state of trust, reliability, and dependability when challenged with the social responsibilities of management and administration, transparency and accountability for the purpose of good governance.
The Holy Quran 30: 43 states, ''But set thou thy face to the right religions before there come from Allah  the Day which there is no  chance of averting: on that Day shall men be divided in two, those who reject faith(doing things aright) will suffer from that rejection: and those who work  righteousness will make provision for themselves(even in heaven).''
Let us avoid underutilization of the potentials in our religions because human failure to tap the anointing will eventually deactivate them into a ruinous end. God forbid.

Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

Why should we allow things to fall apart ? and Why should we keep mute in the face of bad governance? Why should leadership failure characterize governance and home parenting?
The Holy Quran 47: 35 -36 charges all of us to avoid ''siddon look'' attitude, ''Be not weary and faint-hearted, crying for peace when ye are the Uppermost. For Allah is with you, and will never put you in lose for your good deeds. The life of this world is but play and amusement: And if ye believe and guard at this evil, He will grant you your recompense, and will not ask you to give up your possessions.''
For Nigeria and other nations to be restored into a state of sanity, prosperity, and welfare, peace, and development, the voice of God, our creator must be regarded as the giver of life, that must be cherished beyond the mere mortal voice of wisdom, hence there is a need to operationalize the scriptures in running human affairs.
The submission of the Holy Bible for the purpose of genuine restoration needs to be heeded. Prov.10: 15-17,'' Wealth protects the rich person. And poverty destroys a poor person (good governance, hard work, and dignity of labor are desired here). If a person does good, then he is rewarded. Heis has given life. Evil brings only punishment(freedom, liberty, and correctional centers/prison, choose one).
A person who learns from his punishment can help other people to live too. But a person who refuses to learn only leads people the wrong way(true mentorship is desired rather than godfatherism).
To promote good citizenry, for the society, the elders must role model virtue because only a development that is sustainable is bequeathable. What are we putting forward for Nigeria tomorrow?
The Holy Quran 59: 18 admonished, ''O ye who believe! Fear Allah and let every soul look to what provision he has sent forth for the morrow. Ye: Fear Allah: for Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do ''. Doing things accordingly and in an orderly manner is a function of due process
 which a pathway to one's understanding of the fear of Allah.''
Since the product of the home needs to be nature nurtured for the society to enjoy peace and the nation to have credible leaders, heeding the admonition of God must start from the home for the nation to have a strong foundation upon which it has to build for the nation to have good governance and sustainable development.
 Psalm 127 with all affirmation declared that without divine intervention those who labor to build a house will ever labor in vain.
However, divine intervention is beyond the ability to read, write, and sing the provisions of the scripture, it extends strictly to the vitamins of good attitude which is expected to produce good citizens for any nation.
The foundation of God, good parenting, disciplined, responsible, and loyal subordination most especially to parents and one's leader, with good interpersonal relationships to keep good neighborliness, are the essential subject content to keep the home, society, and the nation.
This is the message of the Holy Quran 6: 151-152,'' Say come, I will rehearse what Allah hath really prohibited you from Join not anything with Him: Be good to your parents; Kill not your children on a plea of want;-will provide sustenance for you and for them; come not nigh to indecent deeds whether open or secret; take not life which Allah hath made sacred except by way of justice and law: Thusdothhe command you that ye may learn wisdom. And come not nigh to the orphan's property, except to improve it until he attains the age of full strength; give measure and weight with full justice;-no burden do we place on any soul, but that which it can bear;-whenever ye speak, speak justly even if a near relative is concerned covenant of Allah-thus doth He commands you, that ye may remember. Verily, this is My Way leading straight: follow it: follow not other parts: They will scatter you about from His Path, thus doth He command you that ye may be righteous.
This is a complete guide for a fulfilled life, if we can follow all these steps of admonitions based on justice ethics and the need to be responsive and responsible to the needs of others, the family and neighbors inclusive.

Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

 Are the scriptures dead?

This statement becomes a matter of debate even among religious people. This inscription attracts motorists when they are on motion along the Ibadan/Lagos expressway just after the toll gate. LOne should expect reactions from religious people most especially as popular in Nigeria-the Christians and the Muslims-but none of them have so far raised eyebrows. One would first of all think that the silence which may connote agreement must have been as a result of the constitution f the members of the group that disowned God and all religions are constituted by the conglomerate of the Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists, most especially those who are tired of the way Christianity and Islam are been practiced, look for another messiah on earth.
However, a critical study of the Holy Bible of the Christians and the Holy Quran of the Muslims condemn the consent implied by their silence.
If one should go by the provisions of the Holy Quran 2: 62, ''Those who believe in the Quran(that is the true Muslims), and those who follow the Jewish scriptures(that is Judaism) and the Christians and the Serbians(that is true followers of Jesus Chris and the true followers of John the Baptist),-any who believe in Allah(that is God almighty) and the Lats Day, and work with their Lord: on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.''
From the biblical point of view, Rev. 22: 18-19,'' I warn every person that hears the word of the prophecy of the book: if a person  adds anything to these words, then God will give that person the troubles written in this book and if any person takes away from the words of this book of prophecy then God will take away that person's share of the tree of life and of the holy city which are written about this book.''
Al these authentic statements of fact are expected to be worked on y operationalizing that provisions of the scriptures even when they seem difficult to follow. This is why the Holy Quran  61:2-4 states that,'' Oh ye who believe! Why say ye that which ye do not? Grievously hateful is it in the sight of Allah that ye say that which ye do not. Truly Allah loves those the cause in battle array(that is consistency in goodness-thoughts, acts, deeds, and words) as if they were a solid cemented structure(concrete reinforcement through fabricated iron or steel)''.
Suffice it now to say that the Muslims and Christians if truly they follow their scriptures would have received the grace of the provisions of 2 Tim. 3: 16-17(that is ''all scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing the things that are wrong in their lives. I t is useful for correcting faults and teaching how to live right. Using the  Scriptures the person who serves God would be ready and would have everything he or she needs to do every good work(management, administration, governance, credible leadership, sustainable development, etc.)
Church and Mosque goers are expected to be good citizens of their nations with the following moral disciplines characterized by a positive mindset (that is positive self-image). All the glory of being relevant in all facets of global best practices because we are all operating at the global market phase that deserves competition among the people of all races, self-confidence, self-esteem, and all-encompassing core values of integrity as well as a positive mental attitude that are necessary to always be at peace with neighbors with the glorious advantage of taking firm, accurate and precise decisions always. Muslims and Christians are expected to be prime movers with a high level of reliability and dependability factors in those areas of transparency and accountability in the face of probity.
However, all these global qualities are lacking in Nigerian Christians and Muslims, implying that they have failed God and humanity to allow such a derogatory statement to the Scriptures. When observers are 'blind', it does not mean that there is no light during the day, when religious leaders fail all divine tests, it does not mean that the Scriptures are dead. 
Suffice it now to say that the Scriptures must be alive in every adherent because the Bible and the Holy Quran attests with all certainty from the Bible Rev. 22: 20-21,'' Jesus is the one that says that these things are true, Now He says yes I am coming soon.'' Amen come, Lord Jesus,(the grace and kindness) of the Lord Jesus be with all people.
And from the Holy Quran 43: 61, ''  And Jesus shall the sign of the coming of the hour(of judgment): therefore have no doubt about the hour,  but follow ye Me: this is a straightway.''
 For the Scriptures not to die, the Muslims and the Christians must be scripture compliant as good citizens of their nations, with characteristic feasible, viable, and equitable sustainable development that should manifest. On a final note, the Scriptures are not dead.

Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria