Sultan to Muslims: Don’t force anyone to accept Islam

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims not to compel anyone to accept Islam, stressing that religious conviction must be based on free will.

The Sultan said Muslims had a responsibility to respect the religious rights and freedoms of people of other faiths while contributing positively to the development and stability of Nigeria. Blueprint reports

He spoke on Thursday at the NSCIA General Assembly held at the National Mosque, Abuja, where Muslim leaders from across the country gathered to deliberate on issues affecting the Islamic community and the nation.

“We do not intend to force anybody to join Islam. But we have seen how many people have been joining Islam on their own free will because Almighty Allah said there is no compulsion in religion,” the Sultan said.

Respect for other faiths

The Sultan’s call came against the backdrop of security, social and economic challenges confronting Nigeria, which he said required greater responsibility and consciousness among religious leaders and their followers.

He urged Muslims to respect people of other faiths and avoid actions that could undermine peaceful coexistence, stressing that religious differences should not prevent Nigerians from working together for the progress of the country.

According to him, Muslims have important roles to play in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria and must ensure that their conduct contributes to peace, unity and national development.

“It is coming at a time when we should be attentive, we should be a little more conscious because we all know the situation in the country, the situation in the world, and we Muslims have a lot of roles to play,” he said.

The Sultan also called for greater unity among Muslim leaders, describing the assembly as an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen cooperation and examine the responsibilities of the Islamic community.

He noted that the gathering was taking place about seven years after the council’s last general assembly.

Education remains major concern

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, urged Muslim parents to ensure their children receive both Islamic and Western education.

Oloyede expressed concern over the educational challenges confronting many predominantly Muslim states, saying the situation required deliberate action from the present generation.

“The most educationally disadvantaged states are Muslim states. The current generation must be sound in both Islamic and Western education,” he said.

He also called for greater support for qualified Muslims seeking opportunities in the media, employment and other sectors, urging community leaders to promote competence and encourage capable individuals to take up positions where they could contribute to national development.

Oloyede questions government role in Hajj

Oloyede also raised concerns about the extent of government involvement in the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

He argued that government’s role should largely focus on facilitating the pilgrimage rather than taking on responsibilities that could be handled through other arrangements.

He further cautioned against the use of public resources to sponsor individuals who were unable to personally afford the pilgrimage.

NSCIA deputy urges Muslims to lead by example

The Deputy Secretary-General of the council, Professor Salisu Shehu, urged Muslims to uphold unity, excellence, prudence and commitment while occupying positions of responsibility.

Shehu said Muslims and other Nigerians could contribute to improving the country by diligently performing their duties and maintaining high standards in their respective fields.

He cited Oloyede’s tenure at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board as an example of the level of dedication and performance Muslims should strive to demonstrate in public service.

The NSCIA leaders’ messages came with a common emphasis on responsible citizenship, education, unity and positive contributions to national development.

However, the Sultan’s central appeal was that Muslims should practise and propagate their faith without compelling others to accept it, while respecting the rights of Nigerians of different religious convictions.

His position places freedom of religious choice and peaceful coexistence at the centre of his message to Muslims as the country continues to navigate its social, security and economic challenges.