By Zainab Faruk
Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, has called on religious leaders and the public to offer prayers and positive words for their leaders, emphasizing that constant criticism and negative remarks affect governance. She made this appeal during a Women’s Tafseer session, where she underscored the importance of faith, hard work, and communal support.
Hajiya Aishatu likened negative comments against leaders to “entering a car and praying that the driver sleeps,” stressing that leaders need prayers for guidance, even if they are not perceived as performing well. She urged the Muslim community to use the Tafseer period as a moment of reflection and to seek Allah’s intervention in addressing challenges facing the nation and Bauchi State.
“We should strive hard and seek Allah’s forgiveness so that He may ease the unrest we are facing. Calamities often result from our bad deeds, and we must change our ways to attract Allah’s mercy,” she said.
The First Lady also encouraged self-reliance, discouraging idleness, and called for efforts to earn a living. She highlighted the need for charity and mutual assistance within the community, urging both the wealthy and the less privileged to give, regardless of their financial status.
“Let us not always be among collectors and not givers. Even the Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged the poor to give, no matter how small. If you have nothing material to offer, you can use your energy to help others. Something as simple as removing an obstacle from the road to prevent harm earns reward from Allah,” she explained.
She further emphasized the importance of environmental cleanliness, noting that poor sanitation leads to diseases. She called on the community to take proactive steps in maintaining a clean environment, including cleaning graveyards as a sign of respect for the final resting place of all humans.
Addressing parental responsibilities, the First Lady urged parents to guide their children on how to lead meaningful lives, just as past generations did. She stressed the need to correct negative social behaviors within communities and to instill values that promote hard work and dignity.
Hajiya Aishatu concluded by appreciating Islamic scholars for their dedication to educating the public through Tafseer sessions and encouraged Muslims to maximize the spiritual benefits of the holy month through good deeds, prayers, and acts of kindness.