Stop the Blackmail’: Imam Gusau Calls for Unity, Peace Among Nigerians
By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In the Name of Allah, The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our beloved master, Prophet Muhammad, the last of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions.
Dear brothers and sisters! In recent days, coordinated attacks on Nigeria’s nationhood have swept across social media, blogs and television outlets, alleging a so-called “Christian genocide.” These attacks, driven by foreign actors, mischaracterise Nigeria’s domestic conflicts, ignore its complexities and manipulate longstanding ethnic and resource-based tensions to advance sectarian agendas.
One of the figures driving this propaganda is American comedian and television host, Bill Maher, who used his show to deliver a sensationalised account alleging the systematic slaughter of Christians in Nigeria.
Also United States Senator Ted Cruz has accused Nigeria’s government of enabling a “massacre” against Christians, citing a rising number of attacks against the community in the country’s troubled centre.
In an X post on Tuesday, Ted Cruz said 50,000 Christians have been killed since 2009 with 2,000 schools and 18,000 churches destroyed by what he called “Islamist” armed groups, but he did not cite sources for the information.
Ted Cruz, who counts evangelical Christians among his base, has introduced a bill to sanction Nigerian officials whom he accused of “ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians.”
The Republican lawmaker is the most prominent figure among voices from within the Christian political right in the US who are increasingly pushing claims of a Christian genocide in Africa’s most populous country.
Nigeria’s government, while admitting a security problem, has denied the claims. Responding to Ted Cruz’s claims, also the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said the killings in the country were not targeting Christians alone and foreign groups were looking to exploit domestic crises.
Our leaders in the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has countered the claims circulating on international platforms and social media that Christians in the country are facing a systematic genocidal campaign, describing such allegations as false, dangerous, and aimed at destabilising the nation.
Also the Senate, Nigeria’s highest legislative body, is proposing to set up an ad hoc committee to visit the United States to engage with members of the US Congress over reports accusing Nigeria of committing genocide against Christians.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed this during Thursday’s plenary during a debate on a motion on the matter.
The motion was sponsored by Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, and co-sponsored by 20 other senators, mostly from northern Nigeria.
Mr. Godswill Akpabio said the Senate would constitute a delegation to interface with the US legislature, adding that the composition of the committee would be decided during a closed-door session.
Respected brothers and sisters! I was told by a reliable source that there’s a governor from our Nigerian governors who was in the New York City during the recently concluded United Nations General Assembly and allegedly sponsored some people to go there to demonstrate that Christians in Nigeria are victims of genocide.
Fellow Nigerians! Know that, accusing people falsely and inferring them with no evidence is an inhumane filthy crime which Allah Almighty, equalised it in prohibition with worshipping the idols. Allah the Most High says:
“So shun the impurity of idolatry, and shun words of falsehood.” [Qur’an, 22:30]
Blackmailing people with false accusations through fake images designed by modern programs or through some other ways that may help to vilifying people’s honour and dignity, is repulsive lie and an excessive wrongdoing and a forbidden slandering about which Allah warmed us and promise those wrongdoers with the severe punishment. Allah Almighty says:
“Indeed, those who came up with that ˹outrageous˺ slander are a group from you. Do not think this is bad for you. Rather, it is good for you. They will be punished, each according to their share of the sin. As for their mastermind, he will suffer a tremendous punishment.” [Qur’an, 24:11]
Also Allah the Most High says:
“As for those who abuse believing men and women unjustifiably, they will definitely bear the guilt of slander and blatant sin.” [Qur’an, 33:58]
Due to the bad consequences upon people, both individuals and communities, resulted from committing such crime in this factual and virtual reality, and in order to achieve the most sublime and the noblest aims of Islam, Allah the Most High promised those wrongdoers with severe suffering in this life and with painful punishment in the hereafter. Allah Almighty says:
“Indeed, those who love to see indecency spread among the believers will suffer a painful punishment in this life and the Hereafter. Allah knows and you do not know.” [Qur’an, 24 : 19]
Allah the Most High also says:
“Surely those who accuse chaste, unsuspecting, believing women are cursed in this life and the Hereafter. And they will suffer a tremendous punishment.” [Qur’an, 24:23]
Accordingly, the person mustn’t transgress Allah’s limits by defaming people’s dignities, honour and reputations. The person, rather, must occupy himself with serious matters that would return benefits on him, his household and his country in this life and the hereafter.
It was reported from Al-Hassan Ibn Ali, may Allah be pleased with them both, in the elevated Hadith that our beloved Messenger (Peace be upon him) said:
“Indeed, Allah likes the serious matters while dislikes the inferior ones.” [Reported by At Tabarani]
Fellow Nigerians! Know that, the Nigerian Muslims are peaceful, and disowned terrorists and all their actions. The very word Islam etymologically refers to peace and submission to the will of Allah Almighty. In that sense Islam is the same as salam, which is the same as the Hebrew Shalom, meaning peace, with the special connotation of soundness and wholesomeness. Peace is so dear to Islam that every Muslim is ordered to greet another person on meeting, “Peace be upon you” (Assalamu Alaikum). In the Qur’an Allah refers to Himself as as-Salam or Peace, so as a Muslim, the yearning for peace is nothing but yearning for Allah Almighty.
Islamic history shows that Muslims and non-Muslims existed and lived in peace in Madinah (first Islamic State/Country or Nation) and in the successive states and epochs. Many treaties and pacts were signed between Muslims and non-Muslims. There were numerous treaties which were very important in the early history of Islam that showed tolerance and respect for other religions. Some of them are, for instance:
In Madinah, the Constitution of Madinah (drafted for the State of Madinah, known also as the ‘Sahifat al-Madinah’ was prepared under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in 622 AD, to meet the needs of people of different beliefs residing within the State/Country, and was put into practice as a written legal binding contract. Different communities belonged to different religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and races that had enmity towards one another for more than 100 years became parties to this ‘Pact’ and ultimately could actually live side by side in peace and respect.
According to the Constitution of Madinah, everyone was free to adhere to any belief or religion or to make any political or philosophical choice. People sharing the same views could come together and form a community. Everyone was free to exercise his own justice system. However, anyone who committed a crime would be protected by no-one. The parties to the contract would engage in co-operation with one another, provide support for each other, and would remain under the protection of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Conflicts between the parties would be brought before the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). This contract was in force from 622 to 632 AD. Through this document, the tribal structures which had formerly been based on blood and kinship were abolished, and people of different cultural, ethnical and geographical backgrounds came together and formed a social unity. The Constitution of Madinah is an excellent example of peaceful coexistence among peoples of different religions.
Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) gave full freedom to the Christians of Najran to offer prayers in their own way in the Mosque – The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Moreover, one of the best testimony to the toleration of the early Muslim government is furnished by the Christian themselves. In the reign of Uthman (the third Caliph of Islam), the Christians patriarch of Merv addressed the bishop of Fars, named Simeon, in the following terms:
“The Arabs who have been given the Kingdom by Allah do not attack the Christians faith; on the contrary, they help us in our religion; they respect our god and our saints and bestow gifts on our churches and monasteries.”
Additionally, the noblest monument of enlightened tolerance is the Charter which the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) granted to the monks of the monastery of St. Catherine, near Mount Sinai and to all Christians. This remarkable document, which has been faithfully preserved by the annalists of Islam, displays a marvellous breadth of view and liberality of conception. By it, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) secured to the Christians privileges and immunities which they did not possess even under sovereigns of their own creed; and declared that any Muslim violating and abusing what was therein ordered, should be regarded as a violators of Allah’s testament, a transgressor of His Commandments, and a slighter of His faith.
He (Peace be upon him) undertook himself and enjoined on his followers to protect the Christians, to defend their churches, the residences of their priests, and to guard them against all injuries. They were not to be unfairly taxed, no bishop was to be driven out of his bishopric, no Christian was to be forced to reject his religion; no monk was to be expelled from his monastery; no pilgrim was to be detained from his pilgrimage. Nor were the Christian’s churches to be pulled down for the sake of building mosque or houses for the Muslims. If Christians should stand in need of assistance for the repair of their churches or monasteries, or any matter pertaining to their religion, the Muslims were to assist them. If happens that the Muslims are to be engaged in war with outside Christians, no Christian resident among Muslims be treated with contempt on account of his creed (i.e., he/she should not be persecuted or harmed just because of him/her being a Christian). Any Muslim so treating a Christian will be severely accounted for by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
Last but not the least, Muslim Spain furnishes one of the most excellent examples of peaceful co-existence of various cultures and religions. It sets an example for contemporary Muslims how to live peacefully with non-Muslims. For seven centuries the Muslims held Spain, and the beneficence of their rule, in spite, of intestine quarrels and dynastic disputes, is testified to and acknowledged even by their opponents. On their arrival on the soil of Spain, the Saracens (Arabs) published an edict assuring to the subject races, without any difference of race, or creed, the most ample liberty. Suevi, Goth, Vandal, Romans, and Jews were placed on an equal footing with the Muslims. They guaranteed to both Christians and Jews the full exercise of their religions, the free uses of their places of worship, and perfect security of person and property. The high culture attained by Spanish Arabs has been sometimes considered as due principally to frequent marriages between Muslims and Christians. This circumstance, undoubtedly, exercised a great influence on the development of the Spanish Muslims and the growth of that wonderful civilisation to which modern Europe of today owes so much of its advance in the arts of peace.
Islam gives free choice in the case of religion and faith by declaring:
“There is no compulsion in matters of faith. Surely what is right has now become clear from what is wrong.” [Qur’an, 2:256]
Fellow Nigerians! Know that, love, compassion, and mercy are crosscutting core values of Islam which are shared by most other faiths including, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, among others. These values form a foundation for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, especially in a multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-religious society such as Nigeria. In Islam, numerous teachings provide a basis for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
In nurturing cohesion and coexistence, Islam appreciates diversity in the society and thus the need for respect and tolerance among Muslims and between Muslims and non-Muslims. The Qur’anic verse: “If your Lord had willed, surely He could have made mankind one community.” [Qur’an, 11:118] aptly captures the spirit of diversity. Allah Almighty says:
“O Mankind, indeed we have created you from male and female, and made you into peoples, nations and tribes so that you may know one another, indeed the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous. Indeed Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” [Qur’an, 49: 13]
In this Qur’anic verse, Islam not only accepts but rather embraces diversity. The use of the word “mankind” portrays the element of inclusivity towards all humans – Muslims or non-Muslims. Nigeria is a classic example of a society that bears the hallmarks of diversity. Muslims in Nigeria are therefore obligated to embrace diversity but within the bounds of the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), as narrated by Abu Hurairah, said:
“The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the believer is the one from whom the people’s lives and wealth are safe.”
This Prophetic Hadith contextualises the traits of a true believer – one who does not do any harm with his tongue or hand. While an individual cannot do good all the time, it is possible for them not to commit any harm; and this is the virtue that the Qur’an encourages all Muslims to embrace. Further, in the year 622, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and the believers moved to Yathrib which was later known as Madinatu Rasulillah (the city of the Prophet of Allah) or in short Madinah, after facing persecution from very aggressive polytheists of Makkah. Even when Muslims were later permitted to defend themselves, peace remained an overarching goal. The Qur’an forbade aggressive warfare:
“And fight in the way of Allah with those who fight with you, but aggress not: Allah loves not the aggressors.” [Qur’an 2:190]
The foregoing Qur’anic verses underscore the importance of peaceful coexistence, showing that it is the pinnacle of the ideals of Islam and that Allah is peace.
From a historical lens, Muslims and non-Muslims co-existed peacefully in Madinah and the subsequent Muslim states. The Constitution of Madinah, declared by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in 622 A.D. presents a perfect illustration of establishing the communal coexistence of different faiths. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) received various delegations who he welcomed in his Mosque. Among them were the Christian priests of Najran who he allowed to worship in his Mosque. This example signifies Islam’s utmost respect of other people’s faiths and beliefs. Elsewhere, Allah asks Muslims to keep their doors of peace wide open:
“… If they incline to peace, incline you as well to it, and trust in Allah…” [Qur’an, 8:61]
This Qur’anic verse demonstrates that peaceful coexistence among Muslims and between non-Muslims is one of the core values of Islam and this is an invitation to Muslims to coexist peacefully with other religions.
Coexistence is also underscored when the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) ordered Asma’u Bint Abubakar to host her mother who was still in her ancestors religion when she visited. Moreover, she was asked to assist her when she asked for her support. The Qur’an commands Muslims to be good to their parents whether Muslims or non-Muslims so long as they have not asked them to associate Allah with other deities. Allah the Most High says:
“But if they pressure you to associate with Me what you have no knowledge of, do not obey them. Still keep their company in this world courteously, and follow the way of those who turn to Me ˹in devotion.˺ Then to Me you will ˹all˺ return, and then I will inform you of what you used to do.” [Qur’an, 35:15]
Suffice it to say, there are more than a dozen Prophetic Hadiths and Qur’anic verses that encourage mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Islam came to unite people and not divide them.
Finally, the allegation of “Christians genocide” in Nigeria was not true and baseless! And we the Nigerian Muslims are pointing an accusing fingers to the United States, its Western allies, and some useless Nigerians of plotting to incite a religious war in our beloved and blessed country. The recent comments by some figures about “Christian genocide” in Nigeria were part of their broader agenda to destabilise the nation.
Therefore, we pray:
Ya Allah, unite our nation around the principles of justice, unity, peace, love and faith.
Ya Allah, put peace and love in our hearts for the diversity that makes our nation so beautiful.
Ya Allah, the Most Merciful, we pray for our nation to remain tolerant and loving, remove prejudice from our hearts, and allow us to love our brothers and sisters in humanity.
Ya Allah, allow our Governments at all levels, to remain accountable to the people, give them vision and wisdom, as they take decisions affecting peace in our nation so that they may uphold peace in the country, advance the welfare of our nation and deal kindly and justly with all our communities.
Ya Allah, the Most Strong, give us the strength to protect and care for our neighbours.
Ya Allah, make our hearts and minds aware of our heritage, fulfilling duties and responsibilities as a citizens.
Ya Allah, the Most Merciful, allow us to show kindness to those most vulnerable in the society.
Ya Allah, protect us all from evil, inspire and guide us in defending those open to abuse.
Ya Allah, the Most Generous, allow us to give in charitable activity, and to help those most in need.
Ya Allah, make us more conscious of what is not good for us.
Ya Allah, the Most merciful, the Most Generous, please give us the patience to continue to learn from one another and work towards a more peaceful and kind Nigeria.
Ya Allah, make our hearts generous so that we may treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Help us to share that which we have with others, for your sake. Strengthen us, love us and be kind to us all.
Ya Allah, have mercy on us all and make NIGERIA🇳🇬 and our leaders succeed, ameen.
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: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.
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