Posts

From Commerce to Crime: Addressing the Rise of Phone Snatching in Kano

Image
Image: Kano State by Wikipedia  I am deeply concerned about the escalating incidents of phone snatching in Kano State, which have transformed the once-peaceful metropolis into a hub of criminal activity. It is distressing to see Kano's reputation shift from being a commercial epicenter to a city known for such crimes. To address this issue, the new administration, led by Abba Kabir Yusuf, must take bold and swift action. Phone snatching not only affects the residents, or visitors of Kano but also tarnishes the city's reputation, making it less appealing to potential visitors. Kano, renowned for its dynamic businesses and attractiveness as a commercial destination, cannot afford to be plagued by such vicious criminal activities. For instance, in 2019, my brother experienced a harrowing incident while traveling in a tricycle (Keke Napep) in Kano State. He was ruthlessly attacked with sharp blades by a group of hooligans who not only robbed him of his belongings but al...

My 2022/23 Premier League Team of the Season

Image
My nominated team via PL (EASport FUT23) Presenting my Premier League team of the season, selected based on merit alone. Although I had hoped to include David de Gea as the goalkeeper and Bruno Fernandez as CM, unfortunately, they were not nominated by the officials responsible for the selection process. Nevertheless, I have carefully considered each player's performance and believe that the following individuals deserve recognition: Goalkeeper: Nick Pope (Newcastle United) Pope has had an exceptional season, as evidenced by the numerous clean sheets he has helped secure. LB: Luke Shaw (Manchester United) Shaw has been outstanding this season, impressing not just Manchester United fans but even rival supporters with his performances. He has demonstrated his versatility by performing well in various positions, including as a left center back in several games. LCB: Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United) Despite initial doubts about his height, Martinez has silenced his ...

I am currently experiencing Globus pharyngeus!

Image
I found out yesterday that I have a new medical condition.  Yesterday, I woke up with a troubling sensation in my throat, as if there was a lump lodged inside. Initially, I didn't feel overly concerned as I thought it might just be a common case of cold, causing mucus to accumulate in my throat. As the day progressed, the lump in my throat became increasingly bothersome and caused me to worry. It no longer felt like the occasional sore throat that I had experienced in the past, which made me more nervous about the situation. Consequently, I turned to Google to study the discomfort I am experiencing in my throat since waking up in the morning. To my surprise, the search engine provided me with significant information that indicated I might be suffering from a condition known as "Globus pharyngeus."  NHS Inform, a health information service based in Scotland, characterizes Globus as a symptom that is marked by a consistent feeling of discomfort in the throat, ty...

Striking a Digital Balance: Navigating Social Media During Ramadan

Image
Image by Share My Lesson I found myself lost in the endless scrolling on social media, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of guilt. Normally, I don't spend too much time online, but given the significance of this month, I know I had to do better next time to not be caught up by surprise. I believe that Ramadan is a special moment of the year to focus on more meaningful pursuits like reciting the Holy Qur'an or diving deeper into an ocean of dhikr. This is why I decided to pen this topic in the hopes of inspiring others who may be struggling to strike a balance between their online and offline lives during Ramadan. Because let's face it, the struggle is real! The smartphone is one of the most addictive technological devices that the world has ever seen. In my opinion, social media platforms are what made them more endearing to us. Admittedly, people nowadays never grow tired of scrolling up and down their social media feeds or intermittently checking for a new ...

Itikaf: A Guide to a Spiritual Retreat During Ramadan

Image
Image by Hungry for Halaal Ramadan is widely recognized as a month that fundamentally changes how Muslims live and worship Allah. It is a moment when the soul is reawakened to reflect on how far it has progressed spiritually while also striving to enhance its connection with the Almighty Allah. Apart from fasting, prayers, and charitable giving throughout this holy month, Itikaf is another spiritual activity that brings Muslims closer to Allah. As a result, today's blog will look at the definitions of Itikaf, as well as its advantages and how to perform it. What is Itikaf? Itikaf is a moment when you isolate yourself from the outer world in a mosque to worship Allah. This normally occurs during the last ten days of Ramadan. The last ten days Muslims believed to be the most blessed days. Because Laylatul Qadr falls on one of the days, which is the night that the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Therefore,  during this period, the participant in this sp...

The Divine Uniqueness of the Holy Month of Ramadan

Image
Image by Dreamstime.com Ramadan is the holy month in the Islamic calendar, and Muslims all over the globe consider it to be the most significant element of their culture for a variety of reasons. This blog post explores the significance of Ramadan based on several key factors, such as the Quran's revelation, the chaining of the devils, the multiplication of rewards, the opening of paradise and the closing of the doors of hell, and the health benefits of fasting. The Revelation of the Quran  The Holy Quran, the sacred book that guides Muslims in their worship and daily life, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during Ramadan. This is known as Laylatul Qadr, which translates as "The Night of Power." This night is considered the most important night of the year for Muslims. In the Glorious Qur'an, chapter 97, verse 3, Allah (SWT) stated that the Night of Power is "greater than a thousand months." This is why Muslims eagerly anticipate it wi...

The Importance of Helping Our Mothers and Wives During Ramadan

Image
Image by English-heritage.org.uk Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, spiritual reflection, and devotion to Allah. Throughout this month, Muslims all across the world strive to improve their spiritual purity to get closer to Him. Despite this, our wonderful mothers and wives work tirelessly every day to prepare iftar and suhoor meals. Carrying this responsibility alone is overwhelming. In this blog, we will take a look at how important it is to support our mothers and wives with household chores.  Yet, first and foremost, I agree that many of us may not have the time to perform these tasks as we are busy with our tight schedules. Nonetheless, there are several ways we can help our mothers and wives with home tasks during this holy season. Yes, assisting others is a great way to demonstrate gratitude and appreciation for the everyday effort they make to make us happy. It's our way of thanking them for their actions and demonstrating how much we appreciate and respect th...

The Significance of Suhoor: Following the Sunnah and Nourishing the Body

Image
Image by istock Frequently, we hear our friends and siblings confessing their dislike for consuming Suhoor before commencing their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Repeatedly, we lack convincing justifications for our aversion to eating Suhoor. Instead, we resort to claiming that waking up at dawn to eat is too strenuous and stressful, or that we are not hungry. However, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised us to eat Suhoor due to its importance. In today's blog, we will delve into the substantial benefits of eating Suhoor. Undoubtedly, it is widely acknowledged that the human body functions at its best when adequately fueled with food. Depriving our body of this vital meal before commencing our daily fast during Ramadan would lead to a deficiency in essential nutrients needed for optimal performance. Hence, consuming Suhoor provides our body with the necessary carbohydrates, proteins, and fibers to fuel us throughout the fasting hours. In simpler terms, eating Suhoor enables us t...

The Power of Giving during Ramadan

Image
Image by Pixabay Ramadan is a revered time for Muslims, offering an opportunity for introspection while also promoting charitable acts. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of generosity towards the less fortunate, and during this sacred month, every act of kindness, no matter how small, holds great significance. Through giving in all forms, Muslims demonstrate their gratitude to Allah (SWT). One of the most significant acts of benevolence during Ramadan is providing food to those in need. Muslims are encouraged to contribute a portion of their wealth in the way of Allah, which brings them closer to Him. Allah's boundless compassion promises to multiply the giver's reward for helping those in dire need. As the Prophet declared, the most excellent form of charity is the one given during Ramadan. Moreover, charitable actions extend beyond providing financial aid or food. This is a time to volunteer your time and energy with organizations that aid thos...

Beyond Ramadan: Cultivating Lasting Habits for a Fulfilling Life

Image
Image by Dreamstime.com Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims all across the world. It is a time when we focus on our faith, our relationship with God, and our connection to our fellow human beings. During Ramadan, we engage in fasting, prayer, and acts of charity. We also make a conscious effort to improve our behavior and character, striving to be the best versions of ourselves. Yet, for many of us, the problem is sustaining these positive behavioral changes after Ramadan. It can be all too easy to slip back into old habits and negative behaviors once the holy month is over. This is why it is important to make a conscious effort to continue to live according to the values and principles that we embrace during Ramadan. One way to do this is to focus on cultivating positive habits that can be sustained throughout the year. For example, if you struggle with anger or impatience, try to practice patience and kindness towards others even when you are not fasting. Make a habit of ...