By Destiny Obinna
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has said Muslims have no intention of compelling anyone to embrace Islam, urging respect for religious freedom.
He made the declaration on Thursday at the NSCIA General Assembly held at the National Mosque, Abuja, where he called on Muslims to remain united and contribute to national development.
“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,” he said.
The Sultan described the assembly, held about seven years after the council’s last meeting, as an opportunity for Muslim leaders nationwide to exchange ideas and strengthen their unity.
He said the gathering was taking place at a time when Muslims needed to be more conscious of their responsibilities amid challenges confronting Nigeria and the wider world.
In his remarks, NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, urged Muslim parents to ensure their children received both Islamic and Western education.
“The most educationally disadvantaged states are Muslim states. The current generation must be sound in both Islamic and Western education,” Oloyede said.
He also called for increased Muslim representation in the media and employment, urging community leaders to ensure qualified members were considered for important positions.
On Hajj operations, Oloyede questioned the continued involvement of government in organising the pilgrimage, arguing that its responsibility should be limited to facilitating the exercise.
He further cautioned against sponsoring individuals who lacked the financial capacity to undertake the pilgrimage.
Earlier, the NSCIA Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Salisu Shehu, called for unity, excellence, prudence and dedication among Muslims occupying positions of responsibility.
She cited Oloyede’s service at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as an example of the standard Muslims should uphold, adding that diligent service by Nigerians in their respective roles would contribute to national progress.
