THE AREWA-BIAFRA ISSUE: ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES ON TRIBALISM (‘ASABIYYAH) Assalamu ‘alaykum – mayPEACE be with you! Allahreminds us in the Qur’an, “O you who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in upholding justice, bearing witness to the truth for the sake of Allah, even though it be against your own selves, or your parents and kinsfolk. Whether the person concerned be rich or poor, Allah’s claim takes precedence over (the claims of) either of them. Do not, then, follow your own desires, lest you swerve from justice; for if you distort (the truth), behold, Allah is indeed aware of all that you do!” (Qur’an 4:135) Again He says,“O you who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in your devotion to Allah, bearing witness to the truth in all equity; and never let hatred of anyone lead you into the sin of deviating from justice. Be just; this is closest to being God-conscious. And remain conscious of Allah; verily, Allah is aware of all that you do.” (Qur’an 5:8) The recent waves ...