Touching the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) in the Kaaba has no physical, magical, or inherent powerโit's a stone. Per a key hadith, Umar said: "I know you are a stone that can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet kiss you, I would not have kissed you." It's a Sunnah (recommended emulation of Muhammad), symbolic of devotion during Tawaf, not obligatory for Hajj/Umrah. Some hadiths claim it expiates sins or will testify on Judgment Day, but only by Allah's willโthe stone itself does nothing.
From a neutral view, there's no empirical "impact" (no science supports sin removal or testimony). The crowd frenzy in the video reflects pilgrims' deep faith and desire to follow tradition closely.
Compared to bowing before a statue (often direct veneration of an image) or Ifa ritual items (consecrated as spirit conduits), the Islamic intent is strictly monotheistic: the act honors Allah via the Prophet's example, not the object. All are faith-based rituals without verifiable external effects beyond personal/cultural meaning.
Today we celebrate women โ the nurturers, caregivers, leaders, and changemakers shaping healthier families and stronger communities. Through strength, compassion, and resilience, women inspire better choices and brighter futures. Today and always, we celebrate you. ๐
It's more than a week into Ramadan and if you're a Muslim fasting and you're always feeling like a zombie by mid-day ๐
You probably need to check what you eat.
There's something called Glycemic Index (GI) it's like a speedometer for carbohydrate-containing foods.
Thread ๐
It's more than a week into Ramadan and if you're a Muslim fasting and you're always feeling like a zombie by mid-day ๐
You probably need to check what you eat.
There's something called Glycemic Index (GI) it's like a speedometer for carbohydrate-containing foods.
Thread ๐
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE 7.5% VAT ON TRANSFERS: STOP PANICKING!
If youโve seen the news that a 7.5% VAT on mobile transfers and USSD transactions starts on January 19th, you might be worried that the government is about to "eat" your money.
The headlines are scaring people, but the math shouldn't. A lot of people are misinterpreting this directive. Letโs break it down simply so you can see the actual impact.
1. The Big Misconception
Many people think that if they send โฆ100,000, the government will take 7.5% of that amount (which would be โฆ7,500).
THIS IS 100% FALSE.
2. The Reality
The 7.5% VAT is NOT charged on the money you are sending (the principal). It is charged ONLY on the SERVICE FEE your bank or fintech (Moniepoint, OPay, Kuda, etc.) charges you.
3. Letโs Look At The Math
If you send โฆ100,000 today:
โข The Principal: โฆ100,000 (Your money)
โข The Bank Fee: โฆ50.00 (What the bank charges for the service)
โข The 7.5% VAT: โฆ3.75 (This is the charge, 7.5% of the โฆ50 fee)
โข EMTL (Stamp Duty): โฆ50.00 (The standard flat levy)
โข TOTAL COST TO YOU: โฆ100,103.75
4. What about USSD?
If you use a code like *737# or *919# and the session fee is โฆ20:
โข The 7.5% VAT on that fee is โฆ1.50.
โข Your total cost becomes โฆ21.50.
It is a kobo-difference, not a life-changing amount.
5. Why Is This Happening? ๐ค
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is simply ensuring that all digital services are fiscalized. Just like you pay VAT on a bottle of drink or a data plan, you are now paying VAT on the service of digital banking.
The Bottom Line:
Your savings are safe. Your capital isn't being slashed. This is a tax on the bank's commission, not your hard-earned wealth.
Donโt let misinformation cause unnecessary stress. There is a huge difference between a Tax on your Money and a Tax on a Service Fee.
Share this to clear the confusion!