Religion Sultan of Sokoto calls on individuals not to embarrass Islam

– The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has said that Islam has become a “bashing boy” – He regretted that the attitude of a few was being used by people to judge the religion – The Sultan called on Muslims in Nigeria to work very hard towards making things better

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has said that Islam has become a “bashing boy” and called on Muslims in Nigeria to work very hard towards making things better. This Day reports that the royal father stated this during the inauguration of a central mosque built in the premises of the Wings Schools in Iwo, Osun state, on Sunday, March 27. The Sultan regretted that the attitude of a few was being used by people to judge the religion, turning it into the object of bashing. “Our religion is becoming the bashing boy because people hold it responsible for the misdeeds of a few individuals. Don’t pretend, you can’t afford to be lazy, work for this religion and be peaceful. People should know that an individual’s attitude cannot be used to determine what a religion is.

“We must henceforth separate the behavior of a few individuals from what our religion stands for, because if an individual is bad, religion should not be held responsible. An individual is an individual while religion will always be separate,” he said. Also speaking, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, urged adherents of Islam to shed all acts that could discourage people from embracing the religion. Oba Akanbi commended the Sultan and expressed hope that his visit would further cement North/South relationship and promote peaceful coexistence of people from different parts of the country. According to the traditional ruler, centering of Islamic preaching on Sharia of punishment and killing has caused a lot of setback, segregation and dis-harmony among Muslim faithful. He stressed that only Sharia of love could promote peace and stability in the country.

In his speech, Profeasor Lai Olurode, the national commissioner, South-west of the Independent National Electoral Commission, called better understanding and promotion of knowledge and more dialogue between religions in the country. “We need to understand and appreciate the values of others in order to concede to them a measure of respect as humans,” he said. Meanwhile, Nigeria has recently become a member of Organisation of Islamic Coalition. Confirming the country’s membership in the coalition of Islamic countries against terrorism led by Saudi Arabia, Garba Shehu, the presidential media aide, said: “Nigeria is already a member of the OIC but the membership has not altered Nigerias diversity in terms of religion and so on. In fact, the OIC, which is much distrusted by people who donât have the larger view of things, is a positive force in terms of moderation when it comes to the sharing, creation of knowledge and awareness or the practice of Islam.”