In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our beloved master Muhammad, the last of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions.
Dear brothers and sisters! One of the most pervasive and damaging Islamophobic tropes is the assumption that Islam is inherently linked to terrorism. This belief is not only incorrect, but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes that fuel discrimination and hate crimes. A closer examination of Islamic teachings, historical context, and statistical data reveals a much more nuanced reality. Islam, like many other religions, advocates for peace and condemns violence, Islam’s primary sources explicitly prohibit the killing of innocent people. Furthermore, the concept of jihad often misinterpreted as “Holy War” primarily refers to the spiritual struggle against wrong actions. The greater jihad is the internal struggle to live a moral and virtuous life. While the lesser jihad can involve defending oneself against oppression. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) emphasised that the greater jihad is the struggle within oneself to live righteously. Islamic teachings consistently promote moderation and balance in every aspect of life…
Respected brothers and sisters! Nigerian Muslims, like the general population, are overwhelmingly united in their condemnation of terrorism, extremism, kidnappings, banditry, insurgency, and all other acts of criminality and violence. Various Muslim groups, Islamic scholars, and community leaders frequently issue strong statements and engage in initiatives to actively denounce these acts as contrary to the tenets of Islam.
Organisations such as the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III and many others regularly release formal statements and fatwas (religious edicts) condemning all forms of violence and terrorism, emphasising the sanctity of human life in Islam.
Islamic scholars and religious leaders use Friday sermons and various platforms to preach against radical ideologies and urge their congregations to reject violence and extremism.
Muslim organisations often collaborate with Christian leaders and other stakeholders in interfaith peace initiatives to foster unity and present a united front against criminal elements that seek to divide communities. These efforts demonstrate a clear and concerted rejection of criminal acts by the Nigerian Muslim community.
Sincerely speaking, Islam unequivocally condemns terrorism, the killing of innocent people, and all forms of aggression and extremism. Islamic leaders and scholars worldwide have consistently issued strong statements and fatwas (religious verdicts and rulings) denouncing such acts as fundamentally contrary to the religion of Islam.
Islamic teachings emphasise peace, justice, and the sanctity of life. The core message is that terrorism has no place in Islam.
The Qur’an states:
“…if anyone slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.”
This powerful Qur’anic verse underscores the immense value of a single human life and the grave sin of taking it unjustly.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and the early caliphs gave strict orders during any form of conflict to not kill any women, children, old persons, or those in places of worship. The deliberate targeting of civilians, a hallmark of terrorism, is therefore explicitly forbidden.
Fighting (jihad) is permitted in Islam strictly for self-defense, to eliminate oppression, and must be conducted within strict ethical limits. Aggression is forbidden, and force should only be used as a last resort. If an enemy inclines toward peace, Muslims are mandated to seek peace as well.
Muslim scholars teach that extremist groups are “heretical aberrations” to the Islamic message. Using religious labels to justify violence for political ends is a misuse and abuse of the religion.
It is a religious obligation for Muslims to stand against evil and expose those who would cause harm to others. Muslims are urged to show compassion, uphold justice, and strive to be an example of moral and kind behaviour to ensure peace for all.
The actions of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) after winning control of Makkah serve as a strong model of peace and forgiveness.
After years of persecution and war, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) entered Makkah victoriously with a large army. Instead of seeking vengeance, he chose forgiveness, declared a general amnesty, and only a few criminals were punished. This powerful historical example demonstrates that peace, mercy, and reconciliation are the preferred Islamic way, even in moments of triumph over former aggressors.
Therefore the vast majority of Muslims, as well as Islamic religious leaders and scholars worldwide, strongly condemn terrorism, extremism, kidnappings, banditry, insurgency, and all forms of criminality. These acts fundamentally violate core Islamic teachings, which emphasise peace, justice, the sanctity of human life, and compassion.
The Qur’an explicitly states that killing an innocent person is equivalent to killing all of humanity.
Islam mandates the establishment of justice and forbids oppression and chaos (fasad).
Numerous Muslim-majority nations, international Islamic organisations like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and countless local mosques and community leaders routinely issue fatwas (religious rulings and verdicts) and statements denouncing violence committed in the name of the religion by extremist groups.
Like any large and diverse population group, Muslims hold a wide range of views on political and social issues, including terrorism and other forms of criminality. The actions of extremist groups who commit these atrocities are widely viewed by many mainstream Muslims as acting contrary to the true principles of their religion.
So without any doubt, terrorist groups are not practicing Islam. Terrorism has no place in Islam and has no place in Nigeria. We firmly denounce the violent acts of Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, Lakurawa, Mamudawa, Wuruwuru, bandits, kidnappers and all extremist groups whose actions threaten peace, humanity and our nation.
Islam upholds the sanctity of life, justice, compassion, and the protection of innocent lives. Any individual or group that spreads terror and chaos stands in direct opposition to these values. Their crimes are against Allah, against humanity, and against Nigeria.
Islam teaches peace, justice, compassion, and protection of innocent lives. Any group spreading murder and chaos is an enemy of Islam.
Allah Almighty says:
“Whoever kills an innocent soul…it is as if they have killed all of humanity.” [Qur’an, 5:32]
We condemn all the terrorist groups destroying our communities. They do not represent Muslims, they do not represent Islam!
Our dear brother, Mufti Isma‘il Ibn Musa Menk of Zimbabwe said:
“When the Pharaoh butchered and destroyed, he thought he was the all powerful, the unstoppable. He was drowned. The Lord who drowned him is Alive. We seek His Help on behalf of the thousands of innocent women, children, elderly and others being butchered in a way that even the Pharaoh didn’t do.”
He also said:
“When you destroy people’s lives without any regard for humanity, be mindful. It will come back to you, perhaps not today or tomorrow, but rest assured that the loop will be closed. Be afraid. Be very afraid because the Almighty is All-Knowing.”
We strongly condemn the kidnapping of innocent students in Kebbi and Niger states. We strongly condemn the barbaric act of attacking and killing innocent worshippers in Kwara state by criminals. Please keep the families of kidnapped students and those who lost loved ones in your prayers.
Please pray for the families that lost loved ones in Nigeria in all the barbaric attacks by the terrorists and extremists who claim to be Muslims but have nothing to do with the real teachings of Islam…
Allah Almighty, we lift up our nation, Nigeria, into Your loving hands. Bless our land with peace, unity, and progress. Guide our leaders with wisdom, integrity, and compassion. Strengthen our communities with love and understanding. Protect us from violence, corruption, and division. Help us build a nation where justice flows, opportunities grow, and every citizen lives in dignity and hope. Ya Allah, heal our land and let Your light shine upon Nigeria. Allah of all wisdom and peace. Bless our country with unity, justice, and compassion. Guide our leaders to act with integrity, and strengthen our people with courage and kindness. Protect our land, heal our divisions, and help us walk together in hope. May peace take root here, and may love be our way forward.
Ya Allah, whoever has a hand in terrorism, in kidnapping, in banditry, in all the crises taking place in Nigeria directly or indirectly, Muslim or non-Muslim, old or young, Southerner or Northerner, Pastor or Imam, educated or uneducated, security agent or civilian, politician, business man, civil servant or labourer, whoever he may be, may Allah expose them, destroy them, put them on shame and send His wrath, punishment and calamity on them. Ya Allah, don’t allow them to know peace, don’t allow them to experience peace and happiness in their entire lives.
Ya Allah, destroy all the terrorists and idiots collecting ransom and causing pains to Nigerians. Whoever support these animals will never get peace of mind and their generation never end well In Shaa Allah!
Our hearts bleed
Our tears keep flowing
Our pain know no bound
So painful…!
Say NO to war
Say NO to racism
Say NO to tribalism
Say NO to double standards
Say NO to extremism
Say NO to terrorism
Say NO to banditry
Say NO to insurgency
Say NO to kidnapping
Say NO to foreign intervention
Say NO to animalistic behaviour
Say NO to ignorance
United we stand divided we fall…!
We pray for a world filled with peace, mercy, compassion and justice.
Absolutely! Allah is always with us, even in our loneliest moments. He is the best protector, the best listener, and the most merciful. Trust in His plan, and He will guide you through every difficulty. Stay strong and keep your faith alive!
Wassalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa bara ka tuh.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: [email protected] or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.
