The Sultan of Sokoto, who also doubles as the President of Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Abubakar Sa’ad, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdurasheed Akanbi, have both called on Muslims in Nigeria to abide in peace with their neighbours and imbibe the virtue of genuine love.
The two moslem monarchs gave their speeches at Iwo on Sunday, at the inauguration of the Central Mosque, built in the premises of The Wings School.
The Sultan noted that it was only love that could ensure peace and progress in the country, saying this important aspect of Islam should be imbibed and exhibited by all its adherents.
He said, “A practising Muslim should not pretend to be one but work religiously to uphold its doctrinal principle, which is love.
“Our religion is becoming ‘a bashing boy’ because people hold it responsible for the misdeed of few individuals. Don’t pretend, you cannot 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 behaviour of few individuals from what our religion stands for. This is because if an individual is bad, religion should not be held responsible. An individual is an individual while religion will always be separate.”
In his own speech, the Oluwo also called on Muslims to embrace knowledge and pursue a ‘Jihad of love’ and shun any act that could prevent others from embracing Islam.
The monarch also said focussing of Islamic preachings on Sharia of punishment and killing was not alright, as it was only the ‘Sharia of love’ that could promote peace.
The National Commissioner, the Independent National Electoral Commission, South-West, Prof. Lai Olurode, called for promotion of knowledge between the various religions in the country.
“As a practical step, read up and learn something from a religion other than yours today. Humanity should transcend ethno-religious barrier while we struggle to retain our diverse identities.” He said.
