Mallam Sa’id Ishaq made the call while delivering his sermon after leading thousands of faithful in the Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the Eid Ground in Kuje Area Council. He emphasized that corruption (fasad) is absolutely forbidden in Islam and has no place in the religion.
According to him, although Eid sermons often focus on joy, unity, and charity, broader Islamic teachings—frequently addressed during Friday sermons (Khutbah) and other religious gatherings—consistently call for honesty, integrity, and a firm stance against bribery, misuse of power, and embezzlement.
He noted that corruption in all its forms is strictly prohibited in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he said, warned against bribery, condemning both the one who gives and the one who takes bribes. “Bribery destroys justice, harms the innocent, and turns protectors into oppressors,” he stated, adding that Islam commands honesty, fairness, and consciousness of Allah in every responsibility entrusted to individuals.
He reminded the faithful that Allah sees all actions, whether done in secret or in public, and that any wealth acquired through corruption will never bring blessings.
Describing bribery as one of the most heinous human behaviors aligned with corruption, the Chief Imam said it is not just a wrongful act but a serious sin. He explained that bribery has the power to influence authorities to make unjust decisions in favor of those who offer illicit inducements.
Mallam Sa’id Ishaq further stressed that Islam condemns corruption in its entirety—not only in matters relating to financial and resource management but also in leadership and governance. He described injustice by leaders against those they govern as a form of corruption that Islam strongly opposes.
In that regard, he cited Qur’anic warnings urging believers to always uphold what is right as commanded by Allah. He explained that corruption is likened to jarimah hirabah—an offence interpreted as waging war against the Muslim Ummah (community)—due to its destructive impact on society.
He questioned how corruption equates to such a grave offence, explaining that it endangers lives, causes untold suffering, breeds enmity, and fuels injustice and inequality. According to him, these consequences have the potential to spark unrest, protests, and even revolutions within society.
“Today, corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of society, causing many to lose sight of Allah’s commandments and the consequences that accompany disobedience,” he lamented. He expressed concern that corruption is increasingly being normalized, even among some Muslim public servants who no longer see any wrongdoing in misappropriating resources meant for the welfare of the people, despite receiving salaries and benefits not available to ordinary citizens.
The cleric concluded by calling on Muslims to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan—self-discipline, accountability, and fear of Allah—and to uphold integrity in all aspects of life.
