Video: “Money for blessings or curses?” Outrage erupts as video reveals Islamic preacher’s unprecedented fundraising tactics
A video featuring an Islamic preacher soliciting funds under the guise of ‘Money of Asalatu’ has gone viral, shocking viewers as he threatens curses if members of the audience fail to remit accordingly to his course.
Instead of soliciting money with admonitions, the unidentified elderly man vowed to dole out curses upon the people.
In the viral video, the preacher said in Yoruba language while holding a microphone, “Contribute from whatever you possess. Failure to do so will result in you not benefitting from the fruit of labour on your children.”
He stressed, “I don’t beg from people. I curse them.” He then added some curses while the congregation rushed out in numbers out of fear of his swear words.
Watch the video here
The swear words of the preacher sparked outrage among Muslim communities, condemning his unorthodox and unethical actions.
Reacting to the viral video, Dr Sanusi Lafiagi, a lecturer at the Department of Islamic Studies, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, northcentral Nigeria, decried the conduct of the supposed Islamic preacher, adding that “In any case, this is one of the evils that scholars of Sunnah are preaching against in society.”
Daramola Demmy Ademola called for proper regulation of Islamic preachers to prevent misguiding the Muslim faithful. He said, “It’s disheartening to see how some self-proclaimed “alfas” have misled many people in the name of guidance, all for their own gain. It’s truly shameful! The day we start holding accountable anyone who spreads false information about Islam on air or across all social media platforms without proper Islamic knowledge based on the Sunnah, will be the day many Muslims will find relief from the shackles of misinformation and misguided practices. Ihdina siratal mustaqeem (May Allah continue to guide us aright).”
Azeez Ridwan shared a closer opinion, saying, “It is now important if possible to make sure it is not everyone that is addressing the public in the name of preaching.”
On his part, Opeyemi Isma’il argued that the money being given out of fear of curses will not be accepted by Allah. “This type of sadaqa can’t be accepted because it’s forcefully collected…. not sunni preachers that against it, it’s totally been against by Almighty Allah in the Holy Qur’an…. Alhamdillilah Robil Alamein I understand Islam and Qur’an in my own capacity before all these Facebook preachers and posters.”
Waliyullah Abdulsalam said, “This kind of forceful beggers should be condemned to solitary confinement for three months with 1-0-0 feeding regime. And made to do public renouncement on a daily basis for another three months in the market square. Theif.”
Onaolapo Mohammed however, suggested that the controversial video should be forwarded to the appropriate body regulating the activities of imams for necessary sanctions.
