INTERVIEW: Why Nigerian Shiites should be allowed to fully practise their faith — U.S. Envoy

October 29, 2016Bassey Udo and Sani Tukur


U.S. President Barack Obama’s Special Representative to Muslim Communities, Shaarik Zafar, was in Nigeria recently as part of his maiden visit to sub-Saharan Africa to meet with government officials and civil society representatives on issues of promoting educational and economic opportunities and accountable governance. At the end of a workshop on anti-corruption tools for religious leaders, Mr. Zafar spoke exclusively with PREMIUM TIMES’ Bassey Udo and Sani Tukur on the role of religious leaders in combating corruption, promoting accountability, and encouraging transparency. Excerpts:

PT: You were in Kano for the workshop on corruption with religious leaders. How did it go?

Zafar: First, let me say it was terrific honour and privilege to visit Nigeria, both in Abuja and Kano in the north. I am the Special Representative to Muslim Communities. I report to President Obama and Secretary (John) Kerry. My job is to engage with Muslim communities around the world. A lot of the 1.6 billion Muslims around the world are here in Nigeria. You can’t be everywhere. You have to prioritize.

So, it’s obvious to anybody why one would want to be in Nigeria. It is an important country, with a large Muslim population, the largest economy in Africa. The visit to Kano was so interesting, because we saw a city that is over 1,000 years old, terrific history and tradition. I had the privilege of meeting His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II, as well as the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

We had a range of very good conversations with religious leaders. The reason we were there was for a workshop on anti-corruption; engaging with religious leaders. U.S. is a secular government. But we are a very deeply religious country. Nigeria, obviously, is a very religious country. Religious leaders in both of our countries play pretty important roles in society.

This was an opportunity to engage them on the fight against corruption, which is something we identify with Nigeria. President (Muhammadu) Buhari has the kind of vision that is very important, and we want to play a supporting role on that. We also felt the religious leaders obviously have crucial roles to play.

So, it was a pretty successful workshop. They were very animated to participate in the workshop. I am sure from next month we will begin to see some progress.
PT: What were your takeaways from all these engagements?

Zafar: I think there is an enormous amount of pride in all of this. It’s a terrific country, and it’s understandable. There is a recognition of those challenges. It is not only the recognition of the challenge, but one they want to do something about.

For example, during the meeting, the religious leaders were not simply admiring the problem, or complaining about the problem of corruption. They rolled up their sleeves, men and women, most of them Christians, and decided to tackle the problem head on.
To me what that underscores is a willingness to improve the country for all Nigerians. That came away very clearly.

The tradition and history of the North was something that was terrific. I had the privilege to be in the Emir’s palace, the previous palace and other cultural locations; the very traditional home. That’s something I wish more Americans would have the opportunity to experience.

PT: On the willingness of the religious leaders to come together and work together to tackle the problem of corruption, how is the U.S. going to help in this regard?

Zafar: This is a Nigerian-led effort. The U.S. is not coming to help. Rather it is an effort where Nigerian Muslims have recognised the challenge of corruption. We have convened them. This is the second time. There was a previous workshop in the South, with the idea to establish the basic understanding about what is corruption.

How can they talk to their constituencies about the problem? Unless you are able to define the problem, you may not be able to solve it. The very first step is getting them to be able to explain to their constituents what the challenges are.

Our approach to partnering with and assisting Nigeria and other countries tackle corruption; the framework is very basic. The first is P – prevention.

We want to prevent a problem from taking place. That means helping financial institutions, banks, others have regular institutions in place to ensure monies are not diverted. We have a saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But corruption does happen.

Then, you need to prosecute. That’s the second P. You need to send a message not only to the people that committed the crime, but others who could be considering doing the same thing.

Then the third P – pursue. We are working with Nigerians in getting money back that has been transferred to other countries. But, it’s a slow process. It could be very frustrating. But, we are very much committed.

Finally, we want to be a good partner, the last P. That means, while we want to encourage more American companies to invest in Nigeria, which is incredibly important, we will also make sure they are not paying bribe and complying with a foreign practices in business.
Those are the four Ps. But, the most important P is people. That is kind of in the heart of our workshop. I believe they will be able to engage their constituents on the current issues and empower them to ask questions to their governments.

People or citizens in any country; your country, my country, should feel comfortable to reach out to government and ask them about the budget. How much of the budget is going to health? How much money is going into social services?

They should feel empowered to ask questions to such a level that the government feels compelled to respond. On that front, I think this workshop is going to make the difference on people. I am optimistic that it will. This is not going to be issue. This is something we should see as a challenge.

But, let me tell you what is at stake. PriceWaterCoopers released a report recently. This is not U.S. government. This is one of the most prestigious important consultancy firms in the world. They said in that study that if Nigeria’s level of corruption can reduce to the level of Malaysia’s (we are not talking about eliminating corruption), it would add $500 billion to Nigeria’s gross domestic products (GDP) by 2030.

What do you think about that? How many hospitals can be built? How many children can be vaccinated? How many kids can be educated? How many kilometres of roads can be built? That’s what is at stake.
So, I am also realistic. This is going to take time. There is no silver bullet. This is not the only engagement with religious leaders. This is one of a number of approaches. We think it’s an important one. That’s why we are supporting it.

PT: Nigeria is a secular state like the United States. How does the U.S. deal with issues of its federalism and religion?

Zafar: I am not familiar with issues of federalism. I know much of the powers are with the state governments. But, the states are very independent. The question is not who controls the power between federal and state governments? Rather it is: what’s the proper roles for federal and state governments?
Each country is going to make its own decision on what they want. The U.S. system works for the Americans. I believe the Nigerian system will work for Nigeria.

America is deeply religious country, but under a secular government. Many of the founders of our country faced religious persecutions. We found that the best way to protect religion is not to leave it with government.

So, in U.S., when you leave the house, your religion comes with you. So, you have the full right to practice your religion. I work in the seventh Floor of State Department where Secretary Kerry is. Every Friday, I and all those who want to pray can walk down four, five, six stairs to pray.

So, religious freedom in many respects are first freedoms. So, if a state government or state institution is preventing the practice of religion, the job of the federal government is there to protect it. I am not asking because of the situation in the North. I don’t believe religious freedom in federalism are inconsistent. It’s possible to have a federal structure that fully appreciates a people who are given the freedom of choice to worship as they think.


PT: The challenge of cyber extremism is huge. It has not really come to Nigeria. But, the threat is real. May be the right time is now to prevent our youth from being indoctrinated in extremism through cyber networks.

Zafar: The reason extremists use social media, like the internet, is very simple. First, they are arousing a lot of people very easily. The sites are very stable, meaning they don’t crash. Even those based in places like Russia, are still relatively stable. But, also what they are allowed to do is that they use the sites young people are using.

In most cases, you will think they are dash. Most of their materials are in Arabic and Russian languages. But, they are recruiting in Hindi, English and other languages. They are trying to recruit young people using the internet. There is much we can do about that.
First, empower parents. Just as sexual predators, pedophiles recruit young people online. You don’t blame the community and parents. You try to inform the parents on what is happening. We need an honest conversation with another expert on that phenomenon here in Nigeria. We need to be mindful what we tell religious leaders and parents about what is happening, by sharing information.

We need to look at ways to counter that narrative. Government still has credibility to represent the Muslim communities. What I have to say about Islam as a religion as a government official is absolutely irrelevant. What we need to do is to empower religious leaders and other people who are credible to go online.

Oftentimes, how do religious leaders communicate? It’s through sermon. As extremists, they realise that the attention span of the people is shrinking. As young people, they are not going to pay attention to an hour-long sermon. That’s why they communicate through short videos.
And so what we need to get are those people who have the credibility and have stories to tell. Nigerian Muslims have stories to tell. Sometimes we need help to tell your stories.
Beyond countering them, we have to perform alternative positive thinking. Young people who have been frustrated, or living in poverty, or do not have the opportunity to leave Nigeria to either Syria or Iraq. What these extremists do is to offer a false mission. It is completely false, because it is a myth.
We need to inform, empower parents and others. We need to help counter by proactively investing in the positive. If we do that, then we can preventive.

PT: The leader of the Shiite Movement in Nigeria, El-Zakzaky, has been in detention for months now on the orders of the government. During your meetings with government officials and leaders in the Northern part of the country, did you have the opportunity of talking to them about the issue?

Zafar: Yes, we raised the issue. In U.S., we believe freedom of religion is paramount and the people should be able to fully practice and organise their religion as a matter of human rights. I made that very clear.

PT: What did the government say?

Zafar: I am not going to speak for them. That’s not my job. But, we had an honest and candid conversation. They asked me: “What is the perception of American Muslims of Shiites’?” What I told them was that the U.S. has perhaps the most diverse Muslim community anywhere in the world.
A third of them are African-American Muslims – Malcom X, Muhammad Ali, truly great Americans and great Muslims who just passed away recently.

When you have Shiites, Sunni, Sufi, and people like me from Pakistan, South Asia, Iranians and others, this is incredibly diverse community. Everybody is Muslim at the end of the day. That, to me, is something that is a strength.

Just take a step beyond these Muslims. U.S. has race, ethnicity, religion, nationality as part of our citizenry. This is a national asset. That makes our country stronger. If you look at the number of start-ups in the Silicon Valley, something like 34 per cent come from people who are living in the background. This is the strength economically, socially and politically.
The same is true for Nigeria. Nigeria has an incredible amount of diversity. Over 370 something languages of different ethnic groups. The fact that Nigeria exists is a testimony to the strength of the Nigerian people. It’s not easy. But, people get along. That diversity is something that is great about Nigeria.

So, whether you are Shia, Sunni or Sufi or Christian; whether you are Catholic, Anglican or Pentecostal, you should have freedom of worship.

PT: Recently, Secretary Kerry was here to meet with the Muslim community. Now, you are here for the same purpose. Why is the U.S. government interested in Nigeria?

Zafar: This is a very easy question. It’s not only Muslim communities, but on Nigeria. This country is incredibly important to the U.S. relations. It is the largest economy in Africa. It has the largest population in Africa. It has so much potential. It is incredibly important as security and economic partner.

President Obama had a very important meeting with President Buhari when he visited the U.S. for the UN meeting.

Then, Secretary Kerry came. Now, I have the opportunity to meet with the Emir. But, I was also meeting with Christian leaders as well. Apart from the Bishop of Kano, I also met with the Christian leaders.

Let’s be honest, one thing the U.S. is concerned about is the troops operating in the North East. Terrorism is a shared challenge.
The reason we are engaging is that we have a shared interest in tackling this problem. But, we are engaging religious communities, including Muslim communities, not because they are a problem, but because they represent so many opportunities.

PT: Talk more about the opportunities.

Zafar: May be the opportunity to fight corruption, which is incredibly important. When you think of the role religious leaders play in anti-corruption, promoting health, vaccination, development, education, religious leaders, including Muslim religious leaders, have a big role to play.

This is not a silver bullet. This is an important strategy in the U.S. programme to address the challenge. But, when Secretary Kerry visited, a meeting was held with religious leaders in the South, including Christians, and southern legislators immediately after the Secretary’s trip to the North.

So, it’s not meeting one religious group over another, but looking at the country’s problem and the best way to tackle it. We are very sensitive about these issues.
This is our second workshop on fighting corruption. The first one we did was actually in the South, and because it was successful in the South, we decided to do it in the North. So, it is important to let the people know this is something that is in their interest, because this is too important a country to focus on one religion over another. It has nothing to do with Nigeria’s domestic politics.

PT: In your meetings with the religious leaders, what were your takeaways about the situation in Nigeria?

Zafar: There was no separate conversation between Christians and Muslims. We had one conversation. And I had only one takeaway, which is that the many men and women in that room, whether Muslims or Christians, were very committed to tackling corruption. There was no difference between the Christians and Muslims. They were all Nigerians united to fight against a common enemy. They realised there is a problem they must do something about.

PT: During your meeting with government officials, could you share with us your recommendation on how the El Zakzaky and Shiites crisis could be resolved?

Zafar: This is a Nigerian issue that can be solved through a Nigerian solution. My view is that you can have freedom of religion and freedom of association and also have the rule of law and security. They are not distinct.
The U.S. has such a multiplicity of faith, including Shiites, like in other countries, with incredible diversities. We should not always, on the basis of security, prevent people from practicing the very basic and fundamental right to religion. As a first principle, I think it is not only possible, I think it is the right thing to do.

BetaThings:

As you must know it is not everything in sunni books that are regarded as authentic. For instance salatul tasbih is accepted by some while some don't accept it
I don't accept that Quran 5 : 55 refers to Ali. I am sorry

I have no problem with calling out someone for making untrue statements. But when will you learn to admit that Hydari cannot declare that "it is not acceptable to ascribe any indecency to ALL the wives of the Prophet (SAW)" and then later turn around and say that "I will soon prove that Aisha (RA) is a liar". He does not need to prove that statement to contradict the first statement. He has already embarked on what he said was forbidden
This matter is clear to all, but I am sure that you will never admit that Hydari lacks credibility on this matter

BetaThings:

So the day the Prophet (SAW) died has no significance in Islam?
So the day the Ali (RA) died has no significance in Islam?

Ok. Some of the above were also murdered. Since I don't commemorate any of the above why should I single out the day Hussain (RA) was killed?

So what day was set aside to commemorate the Srebrenica massacre. Please what day was it marked or commemorated in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013
Tbaba opened this thread on Mar 10. What is the significance of that day to the days when those Muslims were massacred?

Will post the video for this later

deols: Any response that doesnt have a direct relationship with my question would be hidden in sha Allah.

deols: 1. Is it possible for everyone to be just Muslims rather than being sunni or shia?

This thread shall not be derailed pls.

BetaThings:

Only a misguided Sunni will remember (RA) every dead except Hussein (RA) and his family
The point is that how do we remember the dead? We relate the story like Tbaba did here. We don't set any day aside for remembering anyone including Hussein's father (Ali, RA) and grandfather, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
If you have evidence to the contrary, please provide it

But your brother did not say anything about the massacre. He did not say anything about it being a sad event. He did not want it mentioned because "Sunnis don't mourn for more than 3 days"
BTW others are reading this thread and they can see what everyone has said. There is no need for anyone in the ring to pretend to be a judge

As for the video, do you really think the failure of some Sunnis to remember an event is enough to make anyone switch to Shia

So I will become a Shia and start cursing Umar and Abu Bakr (RAA)? I will start saying anyone apart from Allah can just say kun faya kun and it will happen? I will start saying "to Hussain/Fatima/Ali/(RAA) Mohammed (SAW) we belong and to them we will return?"

Dan_de_Numeruno:
Then tell your kind to stop migrating to Christian countries.

Moukafoam:

That is correct I must say. My cousin that was living in Spain was forced to give up her two children in adoption. The way the white think is way beyond my comprehension. In the case above, they are seeing the children before their religion but Muslims being who they are cry fowl when there is non.

Christians in the Arab world are being forced daily to accept Islam or loose their lives bt Christians dont say

Biggoozz: Please desist from putting such sensitive topic on the front page. The purpose is simply to incite religious fights and divisions Muslims are entitled to their right of bringing up their child according to their beliefs, but digging up a story about foster parents that have raised their children to become successful adults while their real parents' innocence were yet to be proven and skewing the whole thing from the purview of religion is wrong and shouldn't even be discussed in the "Islam for muslims" section not to talk of on the home page. Whoever put up this story on homepage should remove it at once or should be ashamed of himself.

vanstanzy: The children now are 22, 21 and 18. The Amers say the children were trained to be Christian missionaries and to believe that Muslims cannot enter heaven because they do not believe that Jesus is God.

I strongly think this teaching is WRONG . One shouldn't teach children this..."who is fit for heaven and who isn't" besides some muslims do believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but just can't admit it openly for fear of being mobbed by their fellow muslims.

BetaThings:

So if I seek forgiveness for them, I become a sinner?
What if I stand on the fence and allow to judge the matter?
You are assuming of course that I believe those "authentic ahadeeth"?

I will refute this someday Insha Allah

I said maybe, maybe, perhaps. I don't know why they are killing people. I just suspect they cannot control they anger when they hear those annoying words. Jesus is God is the essence of Christianity. Ali (RA) did not do some of these stuff you guys do

I don't intend to murder any Shia
I want to turn ALL of you to Sunnis

So why are they killing Shias - pls help me reduce my ignorance

BetaThings:

I suggest you should leave all the judging of sanity to Allah
When you tell me that you sent lanat on people, you are indirectly asking Allah to close the door of mercy which according to the Shia narrations Ali (RA) did not even close the door on his enemies
As a man who understood Islam, he left the matter to Allah
But people who claim to love him will have none of that. They must remind Allah as if Allah can forget
They invoke Allah not to forgive. Although Allah's punishment is severe, his mercy encompasses all things

Suppose these guys make Jannah, will some people refuse to enter Jannah so that they will not inhabit same place with "these hypocritical criminals"

When you stop annoying people by cursing them (you claim it is lanat, not curse, although I wonder wish you prefer that people should visit on you), maybe, maybe they might stop attacking others
But you guys should also stop oppressing people
http://news.yahoo.com/rights-groups-call-iran-stop-execution-arab-activists-201835825.html

Arab minorities in Iran are mostly based in the southwest. They complain of economic deprivation and systematic discrimination by authorities which, they say, try to dilute their Arab identity.

There are no official figures for the size of the Arab population but independent estimates count Arabs as the majority in oil-rich Khuzestan province, which borders Iraq.

Iranian officials maintain they have no problems in Khuzestan and dismiss talk of human rights violations against Arab Iranians in Ahvaz as propaganda.

BetaThings: ^^^^
So I am beginning to understand
May Allah save us from misguidance and fitna

Zhul-fiqar:
Militants can marry Syrian women: Wahhabi cleric in Saudi Arabia

[img]http://previous.presstv.ir/photo/20121231/pirhayati20121231051834147.jpg[/img]
Hard-line Saudi Wahabi cleric Sheikh Mohammed al-Arifi


Mon Dec 31, 2012 6:22AM GMT

A hard-line Wahhabi cleric in Saudi Arabia has recently issued a special religious decree that permits the militants in Syria to engage in short-term marriages with Syrian women.

Sheikh Mohammed al-Arifi said that the marriages between the foreign-backed militants and Syrian women will satisfy the militants’ sexual desires and boost their determination in killing Syrians.

He added that the marriages, dubbed by him as “intercourse marriages,” can be with Syrian females as young as 14 years old.

He also promised “paradise” for those who marry the militants.

Arifi has issued similar decrees in the past in support of the violence in Syria.

He has also been organizing a fundraiser for the militant groups fighting Syrian government forces.

Syria has been experiencing unrest since March 2011. Many people, including large numbers of security forces, have been killed in the turmoil.

The Syrian government says the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country as there are reports that a very large number of the militants are foreign nationals.

MP/SZH/HJL

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/12/31/280993/militants-can-marry-syrian-women/

BetaThings:

I have watched the video of Amar in MIT. Explained some concepts but left out some

Watch this too


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izDif7mH_cs

LagosShia:

firstly when it is said that Allah is everywhere,it does not mean Allah (swt) is physically everywhere.through His knowledge,spirit and power He is everywhere.that why we believe Allah (swt) has the knowledge of the unseen and the knowledge of the nafs.

as for your second question,we (Shia) believe that Allah (swt) created the entire universe because of love for Muhammad and Aal Muhammad (sa).the entire universe was created because of the love Allah (swt) has for Muhammad and his Ahlul-Bayt (as) i.e. Muhammad,Fatima,Ali,Hassan,Hussain and the 9 Imams from the line of Hussain (may peace and blessings be upon them all).Muhammad (sa) is the greatest and best creation of Allah (swt).according to hadith Muhammad (sa) and Ali (as) are created from the same nur (light) and tree.the good tree mentioned in Surat-an-Nur is the tree of Muhammad and Aal Muhammad (sa).also that is why in hadith you hear the Prophet (sa) saying:"Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain".that is because they are one and the same.

you most likely would ask me where is the proof that Allah (swt) created the entire universe because of Muhammad and Aal Muhammad (as)? the evidence is in Hadith al-Kisa.Jibril (as) stated that Allah (swt) said if not for the love of them (those who took part in Mubahilah),Allah (swt) would not have created anything.now you may say what about other prophets.the answer is Muhammad (sa) is the greastest and best of them all and master of them all.

please watch a narration of Hadith al-Kisa with english subtitles:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFuAKucK264&feature=related

LagosShia:
it is only a confuse mind that would take the proof Allah (swt) has made and the reason manifest He has perfected and put as mercy, for injustice.since you (as a "submitter" or follower of Rashad Khalifa) do not accept any hadith,i will prove you wrong and make my case solely using the Holy Quran.

the logic and reason for saying that Allah (swt) created the entire universe for the love of Muhammad (sa) and Aal Muhammad (sa) is just.based on the verse you presented (49:13),the best in Allah's sight is the most pious.i will show you with a few verses that Muhammad (sa) and Aal Muhammad (sa) are the best in Allah's sight.also,if not for the mercy of Allah,no creature deserve to remain on earth because of our wrongdoing and our will-full actions which make us undeserved to be the servants of Allah (swt).and also the mercy of Allah (swt) is Muhammad (sa) and he is the best for us to emulate.therefore if not for the closeness and love (through mercy) Allah (swt) has for His best of creatures,mankind is undeserving to be on earth!my case therefore in this post/reply is to demonstrate to you that it is not unjust but perfect justice when we say (as stated in my previous post quoting hadith al-kisa),that Allah (swt) created the entire universe for the love of Muhammad and Aal Muhammad (sa).there is no question of injustice when we say Allah (swt) created and even sustains the universe for the love of Muhammad and Aal Muhammad (sa) because mankind is undeserving (by their actions) and Muhammad and Aal Muhammad are exemplarily righteous and most submissive to Allah (swt) and superior to us and their love by mankind is a divine command in the Quran.

who is the best in Allah's sight?
"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)"[49:13]


do humans deserve to remain on earth if Allah (swt) is to apply His justice and take into account the deeds of all creatures?
"If Allah were to punish men for their wrongdoing, He would not leave, on the (earth), a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: when their Term expires they would not be able to delay (the punishment) for a single hour, just as they would not be able to anticipate it (for a single hour)". [16:61]

if you say it is Allah's mercy that makes Him to bear with us and give us respite,that very mercy is manifested in Muhammad (sa):

"We sent thee not, but as a mercy for all creatures".[21:107]


Is Muhammad (sa) the most righteous and best example for all mankind?
"And We have not sent thee (O Muhammad) save as a bringer of good tidings and a warner unto all mankind; but most of mankind know not" [34:28]

"Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much."(33:21)

"Allah verily hath shown grace to the believers by sending unto them a messenger of their own who reciteth unto them His revelations, and causeth them to grow, and teacheth them the Scripture and wisdom; although before (he came to them) they were in flagrant error".[3:164]

"And Verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character".[68:4]


The Love Of Aal Muhammad Is A Divine Command
"That is (the Bounty) whereof Allah gives Glad Tidings to His Servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say: "No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of my Ahlul-Bayt." And if anyone earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (service)". [42:23]


Lower Youselves In The Prsence of The Messenger
"O ye who believe! put not yourselves forward before Allah and His Messenger: but fear Allah: for Allah is He who hears and knows all things.O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk, as ye may speak aloud to one another lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not.Those that lower their voice in the presence of Allah's Messenger― their hearts has Allah tested for piety: for them is Forgiveness and a great Reward.Those who shout out to thee from without the Inner Apartments― most of them lack understanding.If only they had patience until thou couldst come out to them, it would be best for them: but Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful".[49:1-4]

LagosShia:

Purpose/Duty,and Cause Are Separate

i had in mind that someone would raise the verse of the Quran that says:"I have not created man and jin except to worship me".

the purpose/duty God made man and jin for including Muhammad (sa) and Aal Muhammad (sa) is to worship Allah (swt) and Allah (swt) alone.

the duty/purpose/use of creation which is worship and Allah's love for Muhammad (sa) are inter-related and consistent (not contradictory).Allah's love for Muhammad (sa) comes from his piety and worship of Allah (swt) according to Allah's plan for creation.God made us to worship Him.but it is the love for Muhammad (sa) that made Him to create us to worship Him (as our duty) and furthermore sustain us,who are very sinful and many of us do not fulfill our duty to Allah (swt) as expected of us.we have our shortcomings.Allah (swt) loves Muhammad (sa) because he is the best of us.the best of us in the sight of Allah is the most pious.Muhammad (sa) passed his test and did not fail Allah (swt) and fulfilled his duty as expected.therefore there is reason and justification for Allah (swt) creating us.the proof (hujjah) Allah (swt) will present against us when judging us is Muhammad (sa).he is the standard and that is why we should be like him.

so really,you should be very careful and not jump into conclusions as our "submitter" friend to use a word like "digusting".as for the Prophet (sa) existing (physically) before Adam (as),no one says that.we (Shia) believe that Muhammad (sa) being the Seal of the Messengers,was in the plan of Allah (swt) before creation.Allah (swt) was going to create us to test us and the plan was set before creation.the plan of Allah (swt) is perfect and He has the knowledge of the unseen.

LagosShia:

there is no where anyone denied that the purpose or duty for creating mankind is to worship Allah alone.that point is not even related to what the OP asked.the OP asked us to explain what it means that Allah (swt) created everything because of His love for Muhammad (sa).that has nothing to do with the purpose God created man for or the duty assigned to him.why mix the two up?

LagosShia: what is wrong with this statement:

out of love for Muhammad s.a. (who epitomizes complete worship and submission) God created all else to worship Him? how does that deny that the duty of man to his Lord is to worship Him?