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By Hanafi Abdulkadri
“And most of them believe not in Allah except that they are Mushrikoon – polytheists.” [Surah Yusuf (12): 106]
A friend of mine who hails from Ogugu in Olamaboro LGA of Kogi State recently disclosed the reason for deserting his home town. He narrated how traditional (pagan) beliefs and practices have overwhelmed his people, which made him withdraw from visiting home as usual. He claimed to have preached against those pagan practices on several occasions, but his people would hardly yield to guidance.
Some of the pagan traditions he cited include “abegwu”, “ogbaino” and “abarufi”. As for abegwu, it entails seeking ancestral powers to unravel marital infidelity. At the time of wedlock, both couples commit themselves to the ancestors to serve as a monitor over their matrimony. So, if the wife commits adultery, she will be seeing those ancestors in her dreams threatening to kill her until she confesses the crime to her husband. As soon as she tells her husband, the ancestors turn to the husband till he suffers a mysterious death unless the required sacrifice is done to appease them. This abegwu is believed to be the cause of sudden death among most of their youths. Unfortunately, both Muslims and Christians natives equally subscribe to this pagan tradition.
However, I told him that a similar version of abegwu is available in the Yoruba culture. It is referred to as “magun”. Ma-gun means “don’t climb”. It implies don’t climb (sex) another man’s wife. Magun spells are usually cast on a promiscuous wife suspected of adultery. Subsequently, any man who has sex with her is liable to suffer a mysterious death immediately after the intercourse. Nevertheless, magun spell can be neutralized by performing certain rituals. Allah mentioned: “And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the masculine among the jinns, but they (jinns) increased them (mankind) in sin and disbelief.” [Surah Al-Jinn (72): 6]
While these practices may seem attractive in terms of checkmating extramarital affairs, they are prohibited in Islam because they entail seeking the intervention of the jinns (devils). Allah asked rhetorically: “Do they then seek the judgement of (the Days of) Ignorance? And who is better in judgement than Allah for a people who have firm Faith.” [Surah Al-Maaidah (5): 50]
Also, another famous Yoruba tradition is “oro ibeji”; meaning “ritual of the twins”. The ancient Yorubas believed ‘twin birth’ is bestowed by a particular deity – which must be appeased by making certain rituals. The parents (of the twins) are required to prepare food items such as beans and sugarcane, then distribute them to the little children in their vicinity. Sometimes, they may accompany the ritual with special beats and dance. According to them, failure to fulfil this practice offends the idol which will in turn cause either of the twins or both to die mysteriously. Allah says:
“When it is said to them: “Follow what Allah has sent down.” They say: “Nay! We shall follow what we found our fathers following.” (Would they do that!) Even though their fathers did not understand anything nor were they guided?” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2):170]
Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Abdulwahaab (رحمه الله), in his classical treatise titled “Masaa’il-ul-Jaahiliyyah” (Aspects of the Days of Ignorance), listed about 128 points – each point representing one aspect of belief or practice that the people of the Days of Ignorance were upon, which Islam came to oppose. This includes worship of ancestors, belief in superstitions, practice of magic and fortunetelling. Allah says: “And those who believe in the falsehood while disbelieving in Allah, it is they who are the losers.” [Surah Al-‘Ankaboot (29): 52]
Therefore, true Muslims do not approve of any traditional belief or practice which contradicts the Islamic teachings. No evil befalls except by Allah’s Will, and evil plots consume its people (Surah Fatir [35]: 43). Muslims are obliged to follow Islam and Sunnah regardless of their native traditions or cultural background. Verily, in this lies our eternal salvation.
The Qur’an reminds: “O you who believe! Enter perfectly into Islam (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Satan. Verily! He is to you a plain enemy. [Surah Al-Baqarah (2): 208]
May Peace be upon those who follow the guidance!
By: Abu Mar’yam Hanafi Abdulkadri
Email: hanafiabdulkadri@gmail.com
