A Yoruba Chief, Adekunle Adeite, has responded to a disrespectful comment made by an individual referred to as a “jihadist” regarding his Islamic title.
In a recent social media post, Adeite, who was honoured with the title of “Ààrẹ Adinni of Ayeteju Ayegbami Muslim Community,” expressed his reaction to the offensive remark.
He revealed that after sharing a photo of his turbaning ceremony, a certain individual, whom he identified as a Facebook ‘Jihadist,’ left a judgmental comment, which has since been deleted, but he personally “saw it”.
In an effort to enlighten the “jihadist,” Adeite clarified that Yoruba Muslims possess two distinct categories of titles, which the person failed to acknowledge.
The reaction reads;
“Titles like Imam, Muffasir, Naibul Imam belong to that category. The second category is for those that have supported the Muslim community financially or physically.
The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) had many wealthy companions in his time. The financial contributions of these companions helped propel Islam during that time.
One of them is Abu Bakr As-Sadiq. The Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, said: “Abu Bakr is in Paradise. Umar is in Paradise. Uthman is in Paradise. Ali is in Paradise. Talhah is in Paradise. Al-Zubayr is in Paradise. Abdur Rahman ibn ‘Awf is in Paradise. Sa’d is in Paradise. Sa’id is in Paradise. Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah is in Paradise.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi).
Dr. Ali Muhammad Muhammad As-Sallaabee said in his book The Biography of Abu Bakr As-Sideeq:
“During the pre-Islamic days of ignorance, Abu Bakr, was a businessman. He would go on business trips to Busrah in Ash-Sham (modern day Syria and surrounding areas) and to other cities, as well… A wealthy man, he would, even prior to the advent of Islam, spend generously on the poor and needy. And if he was not the richest Quraishi businessman, he was one of the most respected of them, having had a reputation for fairness and generosity in his business dealings. As a result of his reputation, profits would come to him, and he did not have to run after profits.” (p. 43)
Another of such companion is Uthman ibn Affan. After Uthman ibn Affan became Muslim, he followed in the footsteps of his friend, Abu Bakr, using his wealth to further the cause of Islam. It is recorded that he said: “Three things have been made dear to me: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and reading Quran.” (Irshad al-Ibadi li Istidad li Yawm il-Maad, p. 88).
Abdurrahman ibn Awf is another one. He was the wealthiest of the Prophet’s companions. In his book, Men Around the Messenger, Khaalid Muhammad Khaalid wrote, “He was very lucky in his trade to an extent that aroused his amazement.
He said ‘If I lift up a stone, I find silver and gold under it’ … What made his trade blessed and successful was his pursuing the halal and his strictly moving away from the haram, or even the doubtful.” (p. 370, 371).
Allah (SWT) said in Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261 “The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.”
If ALLAH (SWT) and His Prophet (PBUH) recognized those that sacrificed their wealth in furthering the Deen, it can’t be wrong for today’s Muslim community to do so.
And if the taqwa (fear of Allah) of the one being honored is what you question, perception can be wrong, only Allah is All-Aware of what is in the hearts of men(and women), and we do not have the right to say who is a good Muslim or a bad one. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “I have not been ordered (by Allah) to search the hearts of the people or cut open their bellies.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
In one incident when Usama ibn Zayd radi Allahu anhuma killed a man though he had confessed that there is no deity worthy of being worshiped but Allah, claiming that the man had said so out of fear of weapon, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him observed: “Did you tear his heart in order to find out whether it had professed that or not?” (Reported by Muslim).
Ẹ̀yin personal assistant Ọlọ́hun, you are not better than the next man. Wa Allahu Alam.”
