On October 1st, Nigerians marked another year of independence, but the celebrations were tempered by the country's ongoing struggles with economic hardship and insecurity. Despite these challenges, a prominent cleric, Murtadha Gusau, has emphasized the importance of nation-building and prayer in a recent Friday sermon. Gusau, who is based in Kaduna, noted that Islam forbids despair and encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope.
According to Gusau, Nigeria's vast lands, resilient youth, and staggering diversity are signs of Allah's creative majesty. However, he stressed that a nation does not grow strong by mere sovereignty; it grows through Amanah—Sacred Trust. This trust includes political offices, public resources, commercial trading, and roles as parents and citizens, which are temporary trusts tested upon us by Allah.
Gusau drew inspiration from the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), who established the city-state of Madinah not by excluding others, but by building a covenant of mutual responsibility, justice, and absolute integrity. He emphasized that if Nigerians want the country to change, the change begins in their hearts, in their marketplaces, in their homes, and in their offices. True patriotism, Gusau argued, is an extension of Iman (faith).
The cleric also highlighted the importance of prayer, or Du’a, in nation-building. He cited a saying of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) that Du’a is the weapon of the believer, the pillar of religion, and the light of the heavens and the earth. Gusau encouraged Nigerians not to underestimate the power of a single tear dropped in the dark of the night for the country.
Gusau's sermon was echoed by an elderly woman named Maman Amina, who lived in Kaduna. She shared her story of perseverance and hope with her grandson, Ahmad, who had lost faith in the country's future. Maman Amina reminded Ahmad that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did not curse the barren desert valley where he was left with his wife and infant child; instead, he raised his hands to the heavens and made a Du’a for the land.
Gusau emphasized that nation-building is an active, structural worship (Ibadah) that requires effort and dedication from all citizens. He noted that no nation was ever built on passive wishes and that the great Islamic civilization was forged by scholars, medical doctors, security agents, engineers, laborers, and leaders who viewed their professional duties as a direct accountability to Allah.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, Gusau's sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of collective responsibility and prayer in nation-building. He encouraged Nigerians to work together to build a better future for the country, with integrity, justice, and equity. KEY_POINT: The cleric emphasized that nation-building is a divine obligation that requires effort and dedication from all citizens. KEY_POINT: Prayer, or Du’a, is a powerful tool for nation-building and should not be underestimated. KEY_POINT: True patriotism is an extension of Iman (faith) and requires citizens to work towards building a better future for their country.
