The Daaru Na’im Academy for Shariah Sciences, Nigeria, has called for renewed national unity, religious tolerance and technologically driven Islamic scholarship as critical tools for combating extremism, misinformation and social instability.

The call was made at the 17th yearly Islamic International Conference of the academy in Lagos. The four-day event attracted over 20,000 participants, including renowned Islamic scholars from Nigeria, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Asia and Europe.

The conference was themed “The Jurisprudence of the Sound Creed and Contemporary Challenges.” Speakers at the event unanimously rejected any association of Islam with criminality, banditry or terrorism, describing such a narrative as false, prejudicial and harmful to peaceful coexistence.

They stressed that Islam is founded on peace, justice and the sanctity of human life, warning that misrepresentation of the religion continues to fuel intolerance and social division.

The Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Mohammad Ali Wahiso, alongside scholars from Saudi Arabia, reiterated that violence and injustice have no basis in Islamic teachings.

They urged religious leaders and educators to reclaim the narrative of Islam through sound knowledge and responsible scholarship. In his address, the Director-General and Chief Imam of Daaru Na’im, Sheikh Abdul Mojeed Imran Eleha, said the conference was convened to address rising doctrinal confusion and moral challenges confronting African societies.

According to him, these challenges are worsened by groups that claim Islamic affiliation while promoting beliefs and practices that contradict authentic Islamic teachings.

Beyond religious discourse, speakers also emphasised national cohesion and interfaith harmony as solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges. They urged citizens of all faiths to embrace tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.

Professor Abdul Mojeed Rasaq Alaroof of the Islamic Law Department, University of Ilorin, stressed civic responsibility and peaceful coexistence as the cornerstone of national stability.

Similarly, Justice KamaldeenAbdulateef, Grand Kadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, highlighted the conference’s potential impact on the younger generation, noting that it would instil discipline, moral character and respect for the rule of law.