Get Guardian on GoogleThe Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Sunday urged Muslims to promote peace and correct misconceptions about Islam, declaring that violence is not the religion’s weapon.
The Sultan said Muslims had a responsibility to explain the teachings of Islam accurately and peacefully, rather than allow ignorance and distorted interpretations to shape public perception of the religion.
He spoke as Special Guest of Honour at the 11th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), held at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The assembly was themed: “Insecurity in Nigeria: A Technology-Driven and Collective Approach for National Development.”
Addressing Muslim leaders, scholars and delegates from across the South-West, Abubakar said one of the major challenges confronting Islam was not necessarily external opposition but widespread ignorance about its actual teachings.
He said the situation had been worsened by social media, where misleading information and distorted interpretations increasingly influenced people’s understanding of the religion.
According to him, many people, including Muslims, lacked adequate knowledge of Islam, while their spiritual lives and perceptions were increasingly shaped by content consumed on social media.
The Sultan also identified ethnicity as a major threat to the unity and progress of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.
He cautioned against using ethnic identity or regional affiliation to determine who qualified as a Muslim, urging adherents to put aside such divisions and contribute to the development of the community.
“I urge you to continue giving your best in the service of Islam, regardless of your background, ethnic affiliation or where you come from. None of these should be an excuse for failing to contribute to the progress of the Muslim community,” he said.
Abubakar described the outgoing MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, as a soldier of peace who had devoted himself to helping people understand the true nature of Islam.
He also welcomed the new president, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, and prayed for Allah’s guidance and blessings to enable him to surpass the achievements of his predecessor.
In his remarks, the Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Sharafadeen Alli, said the 2027 election should focus on equality, moral values in schools and the improvement of public education rather than religion or division.
Alli said the electorate should assess political leadership based on issues that directly affect the welfare and future of the people, rather than allow religious differences to shape political choices.
