MURIC urges Nigerians to endure hardship, says it’s a trial from Allah

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic rights advocacy group, has advised Nigerian Muslims to view the current economic difficulties as a challenge from Allah that requires patience to conquer and obtain heavenly rewards.

MURIC also asked Muslims to seek forgiveness from their Creator, Allah, alter their ways, avoid greed, and be grateful for everything Allah has done for them.

This was stated in a Sallah statement signed on Thursday by MURIC Executive Director Prof. Ishaq Akintola, who noted that those who face the trial with patience will get Allah’s mercy and benefits.

MURIC urges Nigerians to stop trading blame and instead establish a positive attitude towards their country in order to beg forgiveness from their supreme creator.

The statement reads, in part, “We congratulate the Nigerian Ummah (Muslim Community) on the successful completion of the 2024 (1445 AH) Ramadan season. In particular, we felicitate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

“It is our wish to ponder over the present economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians. In the first place, we submit that Nigeria has been blessed in all ramifications, including a wonderful and extended landscape, rich and fertile land, unlimited mineral resources, and human capital wealth. Qur’an 20:118–119 and 16:112 allude to these blessings.

“But in spite of Allah’s warning that Shaytan (Satan) is man’s open enemy and that we should not allow him to deceive us into forgetting Allah’s blessings (20:117), we hobnobbed with Shaytan, became greedy and committed evil on both land and sea (30:41), and failed to appreciate Allah (fakafarat bi ani’umillahi), and as a result of our ingratitude, Allah made us taste the pangs of hunger and fear (16:112).

“We therefore urge Nigerians to see the current hardship as a direct impact of our bad past and a trial (2:155 and 29:2), which we should patiently contend with and seek the forgiveness of Allah in order to overcome the hardship and receive divine blessings. According to the Glorious Qur’an, those who face the trial with forbearance will receive the mercy and blessings of Allah (2:157).

“Consequently, MURIC calls on Nigerians to desist from trading blames, to cultivate a positive attitude towards their country, to seek forgiveness from their Supreme Creator, turn a new leaf, and face the future with patience and hard work.”