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EXPERTS have made a case for a stricter regulation of religious activities by the government as a way of maintaining law and order and preventing conflicts. They also emphasised the importance of knowledge in the understanding and worship of Allah. Speaking in Abuja during the third Islamic Annual Conference of the Aonus Sunnah Da’wah Society, a Senior Lecturer at the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Dr Bashir Abdul, particularly advised government to take a keen interest in religious matters and ensure that different faiths are practised peacefully. He stressed that knowledge is essential for Muslims to worship Allah properly and to live a virtuous life. Dr Abdul called for strict adherence to Islamic principles and cautioned Muslims against engaging in activities that contradict their faith. He also emphasised the need for mutual respect and understanding among adherents of the different faiths in the country. Dr Abdul cautioned against what he called disconnection from Allah, which he said is capable of leading to a range of negative consequences, including poor moral character and a lack of direction. Another speaker, Ustaz Yusuf Abdul Salam Jabratah, founder of An-Nusra Islamic Dawah Group, corroborated Dr Abdul, noting that many people have deviated from the path of Allah, and have succumbed to satanic influences and materialistic pursuits. Ustaz Jabratah said the economic situation in Nigeria has contributed significantly to this disconnection, and has led many to seek quick-fixes and illicit means to sustain their lives. He lamented the rise of cybercrime, particularly among young graduates, and the erosion of moral values. The Islamic cleric called on the government to take responsibility and effectively address security challenges besetting the nation and provide for the people. Jabrata emphasised the importance of returning to Allah and following His teachings to find true peace and prosperity. He also condemned acts of violence and genocide, stating that they are not Islamic and have no place in Muslim communities. Ustaz Jabratah implored individuals, communities and the government to work towards a more just and peaceful society. Also speaking at the event, Professor Abdelaziz Shitu Balogun, the immediate past Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at the University of Abuja, emphasised the importance of peace and practicality in Islamic teachings. Professor Balogun urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of compassion, justice and peace in their daily lives. “Acts of violence and terrorism have no place in Islam. Muslims should strive to protect human life and promote peace,” he said. He also emphasised the importance of inter-faith understanding and cooperation in promoting peace and security, and called on Muslims to retrace their steps and abide by the teachings of the Qur’an and the Hadith. Mukhtar Yusuf, a media and politics expert from Aounus Sunnah Islamic Group, called for a comprehensive approach to address the growing insecurity in Nigeria. He bemoaned what he described as the exploitation of religious sentiments by politicians, noting that the violence and killings in the North are not solely related to religion, but indicative of a complex issue with political and economic undertones. He urged the political class to have the political will to address the root causes of these issues and work with communities to find solutions.
