Mecca Stampede: Sanusi Wants FG To Approve ‘No Stoning Of The Devil’ For Pilgrims
In order to avoid future casualties among Nigerian pilgrims, the Emir of Kano and Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, has said he would recommend that Nigerians do not participate in the stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia, unless they are given accommodation close to ‘Jamrat’, where the Hajj ritual is performed.
The Emir made the pledge when he visited Sokoto State pilgrims at their Makka residence, as he commiserated with them over the death of their fellow pilgrims during the recent stampede.
Supporting his position with Qur’anic verses, Alhaji Sanusi pointed out that refusal to perform the stoning of devil ritual does not in any way invalidate one’s Hajj.
“Besides, if one deliberately refuses to even perform the stoning of the devil ritual, all he needs to do is just to slaughter a ram in order to make up for the loss. So, if this is the situation, why do we go and suffer and die instead of sacrificing a ram?’’
The Emir explained that during the era of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), “he permitted pilgrims, who came on camels to stay in Makkah in order for their animals to get some rest after Arafat, instead of staying in Mina and sleeping at Muzdalifa.
“So, if the Prophet can give such grace to some people, just to protect their animals, why didn’t our scholars educate our people properly to avoid this avoidable hardship and death,’’ he argued.
The Emir promised that he will recommend to the Federal government that if Nigerian pilgrims are not accommodated close to ‘Jamrat’ where the Arabs reside in Mina, ‘’then this year may be the last time we will sleep in Mina and Muzdalifa because we want to stone the devil.’’
“As it is presently, sleeping in Mina and Muzdalifa is not backed by any Hadith or verse of the Qur’an. So, why do we continue to do it,” the Emir further queried.
The Emir challenged Islamic scholars to educate Muslims on how to perform hitch-free hajj, without unnecessary bloodshed or else he would commence a campaign in this regard.
The Amirul Hajj also reiterated his earlier position that blacks, particularly Nigerians, were not responsible for the Mina stampede, which claimed about 1000 lives.
“Nigeria has no fundamental disagreement with the Saudi authorities, but they must understand that no human being is superior to another in the sight of Allah, except he who fears Allah most.”
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17 Comments
This man is a modern man. Stoning the devil is ridiculous.
What is this devil talking about. After robbing the country blind he now hides under his Bugs Bunny outfit to issue instructions. Sinusitis is the devil and should be stoned.
This his new teenage wife is giving him new tonic to think better and propound this new thought on behalf of his fellow Muslims…..08057323826
Emir Sanusi, why must you drag the federal govt into your religious ritual? Are you seriously asking the Secular Fed Govt of Nigeria to interfere and make laws on whether or not you should stone the devil when you go on pilgrimage to Mecca? can’t you and your supreme council for Islamic affairs ever take any responsibility, even on a matter of such strict sectarian doctrine in your religion? It is already irresponsible of the Fed.Govt that it involves itself and public resources in the organisation and conduct of these pilgrimages, it would be downright lunacy for the govt to start telling believers what to do or not do in their worship rites. I think we should let Buhari concentrate on fighting Boko Haram, corruption, and playing Minister of Petroleum.
your opinion is well appreciated. almost every year people are death at mecca for a reason that can be avoided with come sense. we should not die in a foolish way because of Allah, in this case He will not be happy with us. we should do everything possible to worship HIM and save lives. Another thing, the control of religious issues is not government agenda it should be managed by clerics involved. Government should stay out of religious issues, government should intervene if Saudi or any other foreign country government maltreat any Nigerian or Nigerians in any gathering. FG and states government should stop financing any religious body, it is a waste of money for the only privileged ones. use those money to build infrastructures and other social amenities.
who is islamic allah but the DEVIL himself.
government now has to tel private citizens performing a personal religious act whether tonstone or smash the devil?’what is Sanusi’ s view on government in religion
sanusi’s view and opinion and hajj as an act of worship is simply based on Rahy (thoughts} without any authentic reference in Islam. Stoning is part of hajj as divinely prescribed. No one can change it not even saudi government
The only warning that need be given by the Federal government is that Nigerians should avoid going to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj at all costs. Clearly the Saudis have no regard for the safety and well-being of tourists. If over 1000 tourists died in Nigeria (or anywhere else) in the space of two weeks do you think that anyone would be rushing to go back?
The Saudis have refused to take responsibility for their own negligence so why would any right thinking person trust them to act in the best interests of their guests?
Really can you ask Federal Government to pass law banning under age marriage also marrying two or four wives when the nation cant afford to provide Jobs and education for all..
I WISHED WE COULD HAVE MORE OF SUCH EMIRS IN NIGERIA WHO COULD BALANCE GOOD EDUCATION WITH WISDOM WHEN IT COMES TO THE ISSUE OF RELIGION AND ITS RITUALS. I WONDER HOW PEOPLE KEEP ON STONING IMAGINARY DEVIL THAT EXISTS ONLY IN THE MIND OF THOSE THAT BELIEVE IN IT. THE “CHRISTIANS ON THEIR PART WOULD ALWAYS “CAST, BIND AND EVEN PHOTO-COPY AND LAMINATE IT TO NO AVAIL. THIS SHOWS THAT THE SO-CALLED DEVIL IS JUST AN IMAGINARY BEING CREATED BY THE HUMAN MIND, BASED ON RELIGIOUS MYTH. THOSE WHO PERPETRATE EVIL AGAINST FELLOW HUMANS ARE THE VERITABLE LIVING “DEVILS”. CHECK IT OUT AND YOU WILL SEE.
My Muslim brothers no vex, what are you guys practicing. Why should FG approve no stoning
Time enough for Islamic scholars and intellectual to begin the reform of Islam through advocacy. That slavery began along the caravan routes is a fact that should not be lost on us and the issue of a superiority complex should not be so far from our minds either. The Emir should impress on his Saudi counterparts that the days are long gone when we can be patronized by Arabs and say or do nothing! That the religion needs reform is a no brainer but start it must, residing with one foot in medieval times and the other in the 21st century, is one that can no longer be tenable much as the same thing goes for blind faith.
Is the executive branch makes laws in this country or the legislative branch? What is going on in Nigeria?
My dear Nigerians, Was it the Government that imposed what Sanusi says is out of touch in the first place? Can Sanusi also tell our Government to ban Nigerians going to Mecca and instead make it regional say have it headquarter in Nigeria so that all Muslim faithfull would pay homage to him as the satan of Sokoto.
I think the real enforcement should be that Muslims should visit Mecca for Hajj only once in their lifetime. That would drastically reduce human casualties. It is clear that crowd control is a serious issue in Mecca and it will continue to be.
We will review and take appropriate action.