An Islamic scholar and lecturer in the Islamic Studies Department, Al-Hikmah University Ilorin, Dr. Sanusi Lafiagi, has warned Muslim content creators not to go overboard with excessive jokes and morally bankrupt messages in their quest to drive traffic and generate revenue but to be conscious of the consequences of their actions and avert the wrath of Allaah.
He spoke at the first edition of Lecture Series organised by the Unilorin Muslim Graduates Association (UNILOMGA) with the theme: “Strategies for converting knowledge to halaal earnings.”
Lafiagi said Prophet Muhammad has warned against lying under any guise and excessive jokes or comedy capable of making people laugh at all costs.
According to him, “There is a limit to what Islam permits about creating funny things. Prophet Muhammad said anyone who deliberately lies to make people laugh is cursed by Allaah. So, how do you create content without telling a lie? So, if there is no lie, it is permitted.
“As Muslims, it is also wrong to be known as a funny person. No one takes a jester very seriously. So, you can create educative content devoid of lies or excessive jokes which Islam also prohibits or objectifies the womenfolk. They are destroyers of morality.”
The scholar encouraged Muslims to constantly evaluate themselves by examining their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in every situation for proper planning and actionable results leading to halaal (lawful) earnings.
Dr Lafiagi also charged Muslims to acquire relevant skills, make the right network, and build a quality audience that can guarantee sustenance and lawful earnings.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of UNILOMGA and Vice Chancellor, of African School of Economics Nigeria, Prof Mahfouz Adedimeji, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), The Gambia, Prof. Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakinde emphasised the need for selfless service to the people and communities rather than for the material gains all the time.
Speaking earlier, the National President of UNILOMGA, Barrister Ibrahim Atanda, had explained that the topic was chosen because of the prevailing economic situation in the country, saying that the lecture series would hold every month.
“One of the main objectives of the association is to create a common platform for all Muslim graduates to interact and network. We also plan to give back to our Alma mater by way of scholarship and gifts, starting from the next convocation.”
UNILOMGA was established in 2014, registered with CAC and the membership is open to all Muslim graduates of the University of Ilorin.
