By Opeyemi OPAKOJO
Chief Imam of Darul Hijra Mosque, Apalara, Ilorin, Sheikh Abdfatah Sarumi has called on all Muslim faithful to refrain from innovations in Islam and seek prestine knowledge with a view to practising the orthodox religion.
Sheikh Sarumi made the call while delivering his Friday Sermon, Khutba, titled Innovation and ways to acceptable religion.
He expounded that for any act to be acceptable by Allah, it has to conform with stipulated conditions vis-a-vis; the act of worship should be devoted to Allah Alone. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him).”
The second condition is that the action should be in accordance with the only way which Allah has prescribed for worship, which is by following the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in the laws that he has brought. It was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does any action that is not in accordance with this matter of ours (i.e., Islam), will have it rejected.”
Sheikh Sarumi said innovation in religious matter is a sin and its avoidance is obligatory. He stated that one must immediately repent and desist from it.
He further noted that in the Holy Qur’an Allah says” This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion”.
” The Qur’an is a complete way of life. Bid’ah is anything that is introduced into Islam and is in contrary to the motives, meaning and tenets of Islam”.
Sheikh Sarumi further adviced the people that it is significant to be aware of all aspects of religion to decipher authentic source and then make divinely informed decisions.
