Bandits Cannot Speak for Islam or Call for Shariah — Grand Mufti of Yoruba Land
By KEMI KASUMU
“It is both surprising and misleading to hear claims that bandits and criminals are demanding Shariah,” he said. “Those who engage in such criminal acts are acting in direct contradiction to the teachings of Islam and the values Shariah represents,” said he.
The Grand Mufti of Yoruba Land, Sheikh Imran Molaasan, has dismissed claims that bandits and other criminal elements are advocating for the implementation of Shariah, describing such assertions as both misleading and unfounded.
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In a statement issued through Mufti Media, Sheikh Molaasan said individuals involved in kidnapping, banditry, murder and other crimes are acting in clear violation of Islamic teachings and the principles of Shariah.
“It is both surprising and misleading to hear claims that bandits and criminals are demanding Shariah,” he said. “Those who engage in such criminal acts are acting in direct contradiction to the teachings of Islam and the values Shariah represents,” said he.
The cleric emphasised that Shariah remains a constitutional right of Muslims, noting that every Muslim has the freedom to practise and seek its application within the confines of the law. However, he stressed that any implementation must follow lawful, established and legitimate procedures.
He questioned the rationale behind attempts to associate criminal activities with Islam, asking whether individuals who openly disregard Islamic teachings could genuinely claim to be advocating for its legal and moral framework.
According to him, attributing the actions of criminals to Islam neither serves truth nor justice. Instead, it fuels misunderstanding, reinforces stereotypes and diverts attention from the real issues.
Sheikh Molaasan urged those promoting such narratives to provide verifiable evidence rather than rely on assumptions, maintaining that while falsehood may gain temporary traction, truth will ultimately prevail.
