19/07/2025
*Dr. Sharaf’s Clarification and the Lessons on Justice, Sincerity, and Methodological Integrity*
In light of the recent clarification issued by Dr. Sharaf regarding his statement at the Bārīkà Iléyá program in Ogbomoso particularly the question that generated alot of heat, it becomes imperative to draw key lessons and address the unfortunate misrepresentations that followed the event.
📍Dr. Sharaf Has Clarified His Intent Where Are the Advocates of Misinterpretation?
After his statement drew varied reactions, some individuals began circulating interpretations suggesting that Dr. Sharaf affirmed the existence of idol worship (“Oṣa”) in Ilorin. Ironically, when concerned brethren advised that Dr. Sharaf should be approached for clarification, these same individuals rejected the call and insisted, rather adamantly, that “Dr. Sharaf was right and no clarification is needed.” But now that Dr. Sharaf himself has issued a clear and public clarification, disassociating himself from the misinterpretation and denying that he ever intended to affirm the presence of idol (Osa) worship in Ilorin, where do you stand?
It is now evident that your affirmation was not on the same page with the very scholar you were defending. By contrast, Dr. Sharaf’s clarification aligns more closely with Ustādh Sarumi’s original position that there is no known community in Ilorin engaged in actual idol (Osa) worship and that the statement was rhetorical, not literal.
This raises an important question: Have we lost the spirit of fairness and objectivity so deeply that we insist on a scholar's position even when he himself has clarified otherwise?
📍. Clarification is a Sunnah, Not a Weakness
Dr. Sharaf’s noble act of offering clarification should be celebrated as an example of humility and scholarly responsibility not portrayed as weakness. The Prophet himself was known to clarify misunderstandings in his speech. This is part of the Sunnah and a hallmark of sincerity. It is those who discourage clarification, insisting on their own interpretations despite the speaker's intent, who have erred in both adab and manhaj.
📍. Salafiyyah Is Not a Political Camp
This entire event illustrates a deeper malaise: the politicization of da‘wah and the degeneration of some circles into partisan loyalty. Why must some individuals rush to oppose Ustādh Sarumi at every available opportunity? Why must his statements be scrutinized with hostility while those of others are defended even when they are misunderstood or require correction?
This is not Salafiyyah. This is partisanship disguised as rectification.
Salafiyyah teaches us to love the truth wherever it comes from, and to correct falsehood regardless of who utters it. Ustādh Sarumi and Dr. Sharaf are not opponents, they are scholars striving on Haqq , and in this case, as Dr. Sharaf’s clarification shows, they are in agreement.
📍. Let This Be a Turning Point
It is time for self-reflection. Those who weaponized this statement to attack scholars or sow division must now humble themselves to the reality that their interpretations were misguided. There is no shame in retracting a mistaken stance when the truth becomes clear. Rather, that is a mark of integrity and taqwá.
Let this serve as a lesson that:
Clarification is always superior to assumption.
Blind loyalty to personalities leads to error.
Unity upon truth is superior to division upon egos.
We must return to principled discourse, scholarly humility, and genuine brotherhood. The clarification issued by Dr. Sharaf should not only silence the controversy but also realign our focus toward sincerity and unity upon the Sunnah. Let us uphold the truth as it is not as we desire it to be.
Abu Mazeedatulthair
