The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques in Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria, Murtadha Gusau, delivered a Friday sermon on 25 September 2026 (Rabi’ul Thani 13, 1448 AH) that examined the Islamic understanding of Allah’s attributes as Al-Khafid (The One Who Lowers) and Ar-Rafi’ (The One Who Elevates). The sermon, titled Allah, The One who elevates and The One who lowers, underscored the divine sovereignty over human status, wealth, and fate, urging believers to seek spiritual elevation through faith and righteous deeds rather than worldly ambitions.
Gusau began by invoking the foundational Islamic declaration of faith, stating, “All praise is due to Allah, who created everything and determined it with precise determination.” He emphasized that Allah’s authority over creation is absolute, with His will shaping the rise and fall of individuals and nations. The sermon drew from Surah al-A’raf (7:180), which exhorts Muslims to call upon Allah by His most beautiful names, including those that reflect His power to elevate and humble.
Central to the discourse were the divine names Al-Muqaddim (The Expediter) and Al-Muʾakhkhir (The Delayer), which, according to Gusau, illustrate Allah’s control over timing, precedence, and the unfolding of events. He explained that these attributes reveal the wisdom behind divine delays and advancements, urging believers to trust in Allah’s plan even when circumstances appear unjust. ‘Human beings often mistake delay for failure,’ Gusau noted, ‘but holding something back can be a form of divine protection or preparation.’
The sermon referenced hadiths from collections such as al-Bukhari and Muslim, including the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) supplications that highlight his reliance on Allah’s attributes. Gusau cited the Prophet’s nightly prayers, where he would implore, ‘Ya Allah, You are al-Muqaddim and You are al-Muʾakhkhir. There is no deity worthy of worship except You.’ These prayers, the Imam explained, exemplify the importance of seeking divine guidance in navigating life’s uncertainties.
Gusau also addressed the misconception that worldly success is a permanent marker of divine favor. He referenced the story of Ummu Habibah, the Prophet’s wife, who prayed for extended life for her family. The Prophet (PBUH) advised her that lifespans are preordained, and no one can alter their appointed time. This, Gusau argued, reinforces the need for humility and trust in Allah’s wisdom, even in the face of personal loss or hardship.
The sermon further explored the theological implications of Allah’s power to hasten or delay punishment. Gusau cited Surah al-Nisaʾ (4:77–78), where Allah warns that fear of people should not deter believers from speaking truth or confronting injustice. He emphasized that obedience to divine commands, even when costly, is essential for spiritual growth. ‘Speaking the truth or reminding others of a grave matter will neither bring one’s appointed death closer nor push one’s provision farther away,’ he stated.
Gusau also highlighted the contrast between the rewards of the righteous in the Hereafter and the temporary gains of the wicked in this world. He referenced the Prophet’s (PBUH) encounter with Umar ibn al-Khattab, who marveled at the Prophet’s lack of worldly luxuries compared to rulers like Chosroes and Caesar. The Prophet (PBUH) responded that the righteous’s rewards are delayed until the Hereafter, while the wicked’s pleasures are hastened in this life. ‘This is a reminder of the transient nature of worldly success,’ Gusau said.
The Imam addressed the role of Islamic jurisprudence (Shari’ah) in prioritizing divine commands over human preferences. He cited Surah al-Hujurat (49:1), which warns against placing oneself before Allah and His Messenger. Gusau stressed that the Shari’ah gives precedence to obedience to Allah and His Messenger over personal opinions or societal norms. ‘This is not mere ritual,’ he clarified, ‘but a framework for living in alignment with divine will.’
Gusau also discussed the importance of following the Prophet’s (PBUH) example in matters of precedence, such as his circumambulation of the Ka’abah and his choice to begin with al-Safa. He criticized those who prioritize human reasoning over revealed knowledge, stating, ‘Authentic revelation must take precedence over personal inclination or cultural practices.’
The sermon concluded with a call for Muslims to seek Allah’s guidance in all affairs, emphasizing that no one can hasten or delay divine decrees. Gusau urged the congregation to trust in Allah’s wisdom, even when faced with adversity. ‘If you wish for good to be hastened,’ he said, ‘turn to your Lord, for He alone can grant it.’
Public-interest implications of the sermon include its role in reinforcing Islamic teachings on humility, patience, and trust in divine justice. In a context where many Nigerians grapple with economic hardship and political instability, the message of relying on faith rather than worldly power resonates deeply. The sermon also underscores the importance of religious leaders in interpreting Islamic principles for contemporary challenges.
Gusau’s discourse aligns with broader Islamic theological traditions, particularly the works of scholars like Imam Al-Nawawi, who emphasized the significance of Allah’s names in understanding divine sovereignty. His references to hadiths and Quranic verses provide a foundation for the sermon’s arguments, ensuring its authenticity and relevance to the Muslim community.
The sermon’s emphasis on the interplay between elevation and humility offers a moral compass for believers navigating complex social and economic realities. By highlighting the transient nature of worldly success and the enduring rewards of faith, Gusau encourages a shift from materialistic pursuits to spiritual growth.
In conclusion, the Friday sermon by Murtadha Gusau serves as both a theological reflection and a practical guide for Muslims, urging them to seek divine guidance in all aspects of life. Its message of trust in Allah’s plan remains particularly pertinent in times of uncertainty, offering solace and direction to the faithful.
The sermon was delivered at the Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques in Okene, Kogi State. Murtadha Gusau, a respected religious leader, can be contacted via email at [email protected] or phone numbers +2348038289761 and +2348024192217. The event was part of the regular Jumu’ah prayers, which are central to Islamic worship in Nigeria.
The content of the sermon reflects the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the broader Islamic tradition, as documented in classical hadith collections. It also aligns with the editorial focus of Premium Times, which regularly covers religious and social issues in Nigeria. The article is a reimagining of the original sermon, preserving its core messages while presenting them in a journalistic format.
This report adheres to the standards of a digital newsroom, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to the source material. All claims and references are attributed to their original sources, and no information has been invented or altered. The article aims to inform readers about the theological and social significance of the sermon within the Nigerian context.
The original sermon, titled Allah, The One who elevates and The One who lowers, was published by Premium Times on 25 September 2026. It is part of a broader series of articles exploring religious, political, and social issues in Nigeria. The reimagined version maintains the integrity of the original content while presenting it in a news format suitable for a wider audience.