for what did he wear it out."
JAMI AT- TIRMIDHI 2417
This hadith opens not with a threat, but with a question -and two of its five questions are about money. Not because wealth is the most important thing, but because how we handle it reveals who we truly are.
"The feet of the slave of Allah shall not move [on the Day of Judgement] until he is asked about five things: about his life and what he did with it, about his knowledge and what he did with it, about his wealth and how he earned it and where he spent it on, about his body and..
The cure for our situation as Muslims is for us to adhere to the commands of Allah and to abstain from the prohibited deeds and to live a life of a Muslim—a life of total submission to Allah.
He is Allah—there is no god except Him: the King, the Most Holy, the All-Perfect, the Source of Serenity, the Watcher (of all), the Almighty, the Supreme in Might, the Majestic. Glorified is Allah far above what they associate with Him (in worship)!
The scariest question in the Qur’an
It doesn’t mention Hell.
It doesn’t mention the Fire.
It isn’t even the arrival of Dajjāl.
It asks something far more unsettling.
6. He cannot distinguish between a friend and an enemy.
7. He makes decisions in haste.
8. He assumes he can do everything.
May Allah protect us from foolishness.
A fool can be recognized by these eight signs:
1. He has quick anger and quick judgment.
2. He gives where it is not appropriate.
3. He speaks about things that are of no benefit.
4. He trusts everyone without discernment.
5. He exposes secrets to everyone.
For all Muslims, Hold on to these tips:
1. Tahajjud every night
2. Salat ad Duha every morning
3. Istighfar
4. Ayatul kursiy after every salah
4. Sadaqah
5.Allahumma salli ala sayyidna Muhammad wa Sallim
It's the remedy and solution that trumps all remedies in this dunya
TAX REFORM BILLS!
I have been preoccupied for the past week, having attended the World Halal Summit 2024 as a speaker at the invitation of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkiye. Consequently, I couldn't find time to read and review all the 4 bills, including the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024. However, over the last 40 hours, I have been reading them, particularly the Nigeria Tax Administrative Bill.
The bill has the potential to transform tax collection administration if improved and implemented in the national interest. Nevertheless, there are critical observations that need to be addressed, including a potential conflict with the Federal Republic of Nigeria's constitution.
Several sections of the Bill make me uncomfortable, primarily because they lack clear definitions, which could lead to significant challenges during implementation. Furthermore, regulatory bodies may exploit these ambiguities when developing their regulatory instruments.
In light of this, I offer two pieces of advice to the National Assembly (NASS):
i) Suspend Legislative Action for now as some of the challenges could not be addressed by the chambers alone. In leadership, the ability to change one's mind is a sign of intelligence and empathy, not weakness; and
ii) Allow for wider consultations on the bills, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are contacted and any ambiguities are effectively reviewed and addressed.
Specifically, I recommend reviewing the following sections:
1) Section 3(3)
2) Section 7(6)
3) Section 8(2)
4) Section 23
5) Section 28
6) Sections 95, 96,
97, and 118
7) Section 141 (supremacy clause)
I believe that tax, constitutional, and business lawyers, among others, also have a significant role to play in improving the bills. As a policy researcher, I may also commend on the remaining 3 bills later.
Finally, the government must try to address the mistrust between it and its citizens, as our situation as a nation is deteriorating due to this mistrust. Citizens are largely suspicious. Building trust is crucial at this juncture for all arms and tiers of government. We must also prioritise our national interest over and above our personal interests. Issues must also be discussed objectively and critically.
May we continue to serve our country diligently and honestly, praying to Allah to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), CON