The Aku

The community leader of Darul Islam town (30 kilometres from Mokwa in Niger State), Malam Bashir Abdullahi Sulaiman, has drawn the attention of the Federal and Niger State governments to what he called apprehension towards their stance and way of life. The leader reacted over a petition sent to the Federal Government by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Niger State, Barrister Adamu Usman seeking advice on how to tackle the activities of Darul-Islam members.

Contrary to what the Attorney-General told the Federal Government that their mode of operation contravenes the doctrine of the rule of law, Malam Bashir told Weekly Trust that our they established the town 16 years ago in order to live and practise pure Islamic religion without mingling with other corruptive and sinful world. He also disassociates his people from Boko Haram and other fundamentalists who cause violence in the name of religion.

As he clarifies, “We face Allah with all our actions. We are no threats. We’ve been living in this town for 16 years now. Let them come and investigate if for one day any of us has ever been arrested on any criminal or civil unrest. Our aim is to practise the proper ethics of Islam without associating with the sinful world. That was why we migrated from various states down here.

“Here, we abhor alcoholism, brothels, lesbianism, homosexuality, fornication, adultery and all sorts of cultural, religious, economical corruption. Our aim is not to infringe on the rights of other people. They have their rights to live and we have our own too. After all, there’s no compulsion in religion. “Let us be clear, we did not dissociate ourselves from the Niger State government facilities. We refer our sick ones to their hospitals if their cases are above the knowledge of our medical team. Our doctors profess Islamic medicines like using honey and other herbs originated from the teachings of Muhammad (SAW).

“Four years ago, the S.S.S. and other security operatives from Abuja visited us and conducted a thorough search into our houses with the motive to find any incriminating weapon, but nothing of such was found with us. That confirmed to government that we are peaceful and not in any way violent or threatening the peace of anybody.

“They made us to sign an undertaking not to be violent, to be law-abiding and we did that. We have a copy of that undertaking and they have theirs. Four days ago, the Divisional Police Officer of Mokwa visited and invited us to his office. We sent some delegates who went there and re-signed a similar undertaking. We have a copy and they too retained a copy. Then what does the government want us to do again?” Malam Bashir asked.

When asked from where and what made them to inhabit the area, he told Weekly Trust that he and 20 others together with their families from Kano decided to migrate to the town 16 years ago and sought the permission of the village head of Masha in order to practise their religion without interference and corruption.

He added that their population grew by the day and their total number has so far reached 4,000, including women and children.

“Unlike what the Attorney-General said, all of us are Nigerians from various states like Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Katsina and a lot from Niger and Kogi states. Some of us are Hausas, Fulanis, Igbiras, Nupes, Yorubas and others. It is only Igbo people who are not with us here. We invite anybody to come and investigate us if we are foreigners,” Bashir explained.

The leader said unlike the recent Boko Haram sect, they are not a sect; that they’re just Muslims without associating with any Islamic sect like Izala, Darika, Shi’a or Salafiyya. “We are just Muslims trying to live according to Allah’s injunctions in the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). We welcome anybody to come and see for himself, entertain and accommodate questions on our activities, way of life and religion. If we’re found to be doing things contrary to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, we are ready to accept changes based on tangible proof from the tangible sources mentioned. We have a library with relevant Islamic educational stuff,” he added.

How do they run their lives within the confinement of Darul-Islam town? The leader said they are not against western education added that they have schools where they teach their children, and even adults, western and Islamic education, though not in the secular manner as done in formal government schools and colleges.

He condemned the allegations going round that they are against government institutions. He said they are not against orthodox medication because they normally refer their sick to government hospitals if they defy local treatment. They mingle and associate with people all over the country as they engage in farming, carpentry, trade, tailoring, textile trade, menial jobs in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and other towns and cities within the country.

If that is the case, who is eligible to stay and live in Darul-Islam town? Bashir answered, “we open our doors to anybody who wishes to visit us or live here with his family even if he is a Christian or pagan. It is not our doing, it is the command and teachings of the Islamic religion to accept a stranger and accord him or her all necessary hospitality. If anybody wishes to live with us, it must be on condition that he will fear Allah and is ready to practise Islam hundred per cent based on the teachings of the Qur’an and tradition of Muhammad (SAW). The person should obey the laws and rules of Allah. We cannot allow anybody to live in our midst if he is dubious or corrupt, if he will not observe the mandatory obligations of Islam, which are prayers, fasting, zakah, pilgrimage, etc.”

Hence Darul-Islam is within the jurisdiction of Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. How do they relate with government in terms of discharging their civic responsibilities? “We have no any stake with government in terms of asking them to provide social amenities and the likes because we don’t want to associate with anything that would corrupt us and our families.

“I remember four years ago, a delegation of the Federal Government visited us and promised to build schools and modern market for us. We consented, but up till now, they have not come. That is why we resorted to living within our means, so we provide all our social amenities such as schools, houses, mosque, library and community roads within the town.

“We agree and believe there is the existence of governments of Federal, State and local. We live in our town very peacefully without breaking the rules of the nation, state or the local government. For the past 16 years of our stay here, there is no any instance where one of us has been involved in any criminality. If there is anything incriminating found in us, let the security prove it.

“We cannot and would not attack any police station, harass or intimidate any policeman or obstruct any security agency from carrying out their lawful duties. We are law-abiding. The laws of Allah we worship and obey are against all forms of corruption or terrorism. We cannot involve ourselves in politics as it is being practised by Nigerian politicians, which is based on ‘lame democracy.’

“We wish no harm on anybody and we don’t want anybody to harm us. During his tenure, the former governor, Engineer Y.Y. Kure visited us in four instances. He discussed and ate with us. He commended us for our orderly conducts and his deputy had convinced us to even accept polio vaccination for our children. But the present one, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has not even once consulted or tried to know anything from us since he came to power,”

One of the teachers and a resident of Darul Islam town, Malam Shu’aibu Balogun said he migrated from Ikenne in Ogun State. He said he wanted to draw the attention of the public to the fact that they are not Islamic fundamentals and their name is not Daras-salam, as some people have tagged them. He explained that Darus-salam means the “city of Islam” and is not synonymous to any sect.

“Let us be categorical to the government and anybody who feels concerned over our issue that we have no agreement with any foreign government or religious group, be it Taliban, Shi’a or even Osama bin Laden and the like. We are lone rangers, treading the path of Islam as enshrined in the Qur’an and Sunnah,” he emphasised.

What if by human nature, one of them commits adultery or theft, what type of punishment would they apply to him or her since they do not recognise the customary or magistrate courts? Bashir answered thus: “Though, we don’t want and have any criminal in our midst, criminals like killers, cultists, drunks, hemp smokers or drug addicts are not welcome in our community. If such things happen, upon valid certification and burden of proof, we will apply what Allah and His messenger provided as punishment to the type of offence he or she commits and up till now, such things have not happened,” he said.

Another resident, Adam bin Abubakar, who hails from Azare in Bauchi State and holds a diploma in Computer Science, told Weekly Trust what attracted him to the town seven years ago. He attributed his migration to the good conduct of the people of Darus Islam town. He said “we have no linkage with those rebels who call themselves Boko Haram. We condemn their manner of approach. We also refute a baseless allegation made against us by Shaikh Albani who alleged that their leader, Muhammad Yusuf, was one of us. That was not true,” he stressed.

Weekly Trust has contacted some of the indigenes of Niger State who live in the neighbouring surroundings of Darul-Islam town. Musa Halidu, who resides in Gbete village, said though for the past 16 years of their existence, he has not for one day heard that the members engaged or were arrested in connection with any crime, but he still felt that government should investigate them so that if they have any criminal plan they may want to execute in future, they can be stopped on time.

Another Nigerlite, Mr Mathew James, a Christian, advised Darul Islam members to stick to their practice and not allow any politician or sinful people to corrupt them.

The Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police Richard Ogbuche said they are aware that Darul Islam people worship at a place about 30 kilometres to Mokwa and they have not been found with anything incriminating. He said the police have investigated the group and found them innocent of all forms of crimes and have been monitoring them.

“When the Boko Haram sect was routed in Borno State, we commenced thorough search along the Mokwa road so that members of the sect do not join Darul-Islam or enter Niger State and hide. About 30 policemen were stationed at Makera to monitor the movement of people and Darul Islam group,” he said. And they continue to live hapily ever after.

NSA: Yesterday we went to your house; we saw a lot of animals, students and stuff you guys are putting together. What are you going to do with all these stuff?

MY: To defend our self.

NSA: Is there no authority to defend you?

MY: I don’t know what I did for this arrest?

NSA: You are a Muslim person.

MY: I don’t know why you are disturbing us?

NSA: You said Boko Haram (Western education is sin) who made the pants you are wearing?

MY: My pants are cotton and cotton is made by God.

NSA: God in the Quran’s chapter said ‘Ikra’ – or seek knowledge?

MY: Is not same with Islamic knowledge. There certain western knowledge that is bad.

NSA: We saw Computer and many things in your house are they not made from knowledge?

MY: These are technology different from Western schooling.

NSA: You are eating good food, driving a nice car, and wearing nice clothes.

MY: Is not like that. People have different means and abilities. Some have in their hand while others don’t.

NSA: Why did you leave your compound?

MY: Because you came to attack me.

NSA: You send others to fight and you left?

MY: All my people have left too.

NSA: What about the people that come to fighting?

MY: My people have left.

NSA: Where are your followers now?

MY: Bauchi, Gombe. Adamawa, Taraba and police have already attacked them before Maiduguri.

NSA: What happened to cut on your arms?

MY: I fell.

NSA: Where is your headquarters or branch offices.

MY: You have attacked my headquarters; my branches are in Gwange ward, Bulumkutu, etc.

NSA: Who is helping you, do you have soldiers, organizers and if you are not here who is second in command?

MY: Abubakar Shekau.

NSA: Where is your GSM Cell phone?

MY: I don’t know.

NSA: You run away with many people, where are they now?

MY: I don’t know.

NSA: Are you getting any help from Niger Republic?

MY: No, no one is helping us – Insha Allahu Warahamatullah, Insha Allahu Warahamatullah.

NSA: Do you have a farm in Benishiek?

MY: Yes.


NSA: You made many died fighting, who do not know what they are fighting for, what is your opinion on their death?

MY: It is on the conscience of the killers of my people.

NSA: What about your Children that were killed?

MY: My children are killed? Again it is on the conscience of the killers.

NSA: Where are you from?

MY: From Yobe State.

NSA: Where from Yobe?

MY? From Jakusko.

NSA: Where is your mom from?

MY: From Gashua.

NSA: Have you travelled overseas?

MY: Yes. Only to Pilgrimage or Haji.

NSA: When?

MY: 2000 to 2003.

Discussion in English follows… Gentlemen (referring to the pressmen) leave now!





Another civilian believed to be Mohammed Yusuf's in-law shot todeath by police. Many of his biological children were also murdered by the police.

Cap-Man


This article is Islamically related to the RSA elections

With South African National elections around the corner, Muslims are being bombarded with “Islamic” reasons to support the elections and vote. For the sincere Muslims, who seek the pleasure of Allah Azzawajal in all things, this article will assist in clearing up some of the confusion by presenting the issue with strong evidences from the Qur’an and Sunnah insha Allah. We are available for comment, questions or naseeha.

The Purpose of Muslims:

We have been created for the worship of Allah Azzawajal alone: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (TMQ Adh Dhariyaat:56) This ‘ibadah (worship) is achieved through complete submission to Allah Azzawajal (Qur’an) and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (Sunnah): “It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should [thereafter] have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error.” (TMQ Al Ahzab:36)

The root word of Islam is al-silm which means “submission” or “surrender.” It is understood to mean submission to Allah Azzawajal. This submission includes the ahkaam (Laws) of Allah Azzawajal - that which is declared to be halaal or haraam: “Legislation is not but for Allah. He has commanded that you worship not except Him.”(TMQ Yusuf: 40)
“He shares not His legislation with anyone” (TMQ Al Kahf: 26)

Pre-Islam:
In the period of jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic Makkah), the liberalism of the society was very similar to today. The sexual promiscuity, capitalist exploitation of the masses, power dominance of the affluent, tolerance of religions (paganism, Christianity, Judaism and fire worship) and extremely strong tribal/nationalistic bonds are all characteristics that are very much predominant in the “civilised and liberal” world today.

In was only when the message of Tawheed, (Absolute Oneness of Allah Azzawajal) was proclaimed, that the leadership of Makkah felt their power bases threatened. Various avenues (offers of wealth, prestige, women, power sharing, character assassination and murder) were then employed to silence the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, the Message and the followers of the Message.

The reason for wanting to silence Rasulullah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was because his message of Tawheed, meant a major change in the ruling system. It meant a submission to the Laws of Allah Azzawajal and not to the laws of man. It meant that the ruling elite were to be stripped of their self-assumed legislative authority.

Despite being a minority in a position of weakness and in need of all forms of assistance, when Rasulullah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was offered a power share in Makkah, he refused and Allah Azzawajal revealed Surah Al Kaafirun.

Post-Islam:
The first ever Islamic State was established by Rasulullah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in Madinah and it’s constitution was the Shari’ah. During lifetime of Rasulullah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, the Shari’ah was being formulated via Qur’anic revelation under his guidance (Sunnah). Upon the death of Rasulullah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, the Shari’ah was defined either in clear text or in principle: “This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” (TMQ Al Ma’idah:3). This Islamic Legal System was closely implemented by the Khulafah (Caliphs) thereafter, as the Shari’ah firmly became system of governance for Muslims. This system continued, albeit with a few hiccups over time, at state level until the abolishment of the Uthmaani (Ottoman) Khilafah in 1924 by the Jew-Turk, Kemal Ataturk.

Subsequently, the Muslim Khilafah was carved into nation states by the imperial west and today we have more than fifty deeply divided states with a majority Muslim population in addition to many Muslims who are currently resident in the West.

Foremost in our activities, the guiding mission should be to fulfil the obligation of the restoration of Allah Azzawajal’s Law on the earth by all means insha Allah.

The Muslim Situation Today:
All of these 50+ nation states are governed by despots, tyrants, imperialists and/or slaves of the west. None of these secular states implement the Shari’ah except for a sprinkling of a few Islamic practices to fool the Muslims, upon whom they’ve enforced their dictatorial rule. Due to our weakness, every man-made system has appealed to us over the years and all attempts to govern ourselves by these Divinely-opposed systems (communism, socialism, arab socialism, liberalism and the system of today: democracy) has compounded our misery.

But a new beast has reared its head: Muslims living in the West aren’t just being asked to support the un-Islamic system of democracy but are being given Islamic reasons to do so!

Naturally this is confusing the sincere Muslims, who in trying to please Allah Azzawajal, are influenced by one of the following:

1) Those who strongly encourage voting/democracy saying that it is an Islamic duty;

2) Those who neither encourage or discourage voting/democracy; or

3) Those who strongly discourage Muslims from participation in any man-made system of governance.

It is absolutely crucial that we examine and measure the evidences that each of these bring forth for their claims against the established texts of Qur’an and authenticated Ahadeeth. In the presence of clear established texts, other principles and opinions should take a back seat: “If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day” (TMQ Surah an Nisaa: 59) Attachments to certain celebrity figures or organisations among the Muslims is not and should not be the basis of our individual decisions. This article strongly argues that option three is the safest for the Muslims as the arguments presented by option one are not valid (See Article on Refutations) . Option two is invalidated by Allah Azzawajal’s Command to enjoin the good and forbid the evil.

A Brief Description of Democracy
Democracy is a term of Greek origin meaning the ‘rule of the people’. In such a system, the population is given the chance over four or five years to choose which political party, they feel is best to govern them in a process known as voting. Those who obtain the majority of votes are then ushered in as the ruling party of the country (in this case, South Africa). These elected people gain seats in the Parliament, where new laws are discussed, accepted, removed or amended (legislation).

Therefore, those who voted for these politicians are ultimately accountable for the final decisions made by their elected candidates. If these ministers formulate and accept, by their majority opinion, that any Divinely-forbidden acts (abortion, sodomite and lesbian marriages, gambling, prostitution etc) are deemed ‘beneficial’ for the people, then through majority voting, these would be accepted and implemented as law, such that the people will have to live and judge by them. Those who oppose/disobey these laws are regarded as intolerant and opposed to the Constitution.

Are Islam and Democracy Compatible?
Based on the evidences presented earlier, it is clearly established that legislation is reserved solely for the Creator Azzawajal. One of His Attributes is Al Haakim (The Legislator). Within a democracy, legislation takes place according to the whims and desires of the creation. This man-made authority of istihlaal (determining halaal and haraam) is in total opposition to the Shari’ah and thus renders democracy a system of shirk (association of partners with Allah Azzawajal). Support for such a system ranges from being sinful (best case scenario) to being a mushrik (worst case scenario), depending on the extent/degree of one’s belief in the system.

Glaring examples of the intolerance of democracy for Islam (and thus incompatibility) were evident in Algeria in the 90’s and currently in Palestine. The F.I.S. and Hamas both won their respective elections overwhelmingly according to the democratic process but at the mere mention of Shari’ah they were forced out of power.

A Reminder to Those who will choose to vote despite the evidences presented
The call for voting is a call for further subjugation of the will and identity of Muslims. It is a call to integrate into Muslims the values of secularism and the ‘equality’ of Tawheed (Islam) and shirk (all other religions). The drive towards secularising the Muslims has already led to many Muslims suffering the consequences of ‘freedom’, clearly apparent in the lifestyles and values of the disbelieving society around them that many Muslims have proudly adopted. Hayaa (modesty) is disappearing at a rapid rate. Our youth (our future) have become submerged into the kufr (disbelief) culture around them. Rampant illicit sex, drug abuse, HIV and even sodomy have found their way into the Muslim community. Our once-treasured Muslim elders are disrespected with some even being dumped off at ‘old age homes’.

Do we as an Ummah really want to continue down this road?
There are many options available if we want to make a difference. The majority of the people of the land are crying out for the honour and justice that Islam provides. Can we rise to the challenge and honourably invite to Islam? Or will we fool ourselves into believing that an ‘X’ on a piece of paper will bring about the required changes?

Allah Azzawajal and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam have shown us the path.

Will we choose another?



(With references from IslamBase)

Rest in Peace!