No link between Islam, extremism – Sultan
“So, Islamism is not what you think it is; it is a wrong notion that you are bringing up here that it is to seize power. It is not to seize power. We are after good governance,” he added.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has stated that Islamism in Nigeria like anywhere in the world is oriented towards promoting good governance rather than the pursuit of political power.
He also refuted widespread beliefs that Jihad is intended to target non-Muslims.
Speaking at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, the Sultan addressed misconceptions surrounding Islamism.
“I also correct the notion when Bishop Matthew Kukah spoke about Islamism. Some words may be used inappropriately, or some may perceive Islamism negatively,” the Sultan said.
“Islamism is not aimed at seizing power at any particular forum. Islam is after good governance in society.”
He recalled Nigeria’s political history to illustrate his point, noting the support Muslims extended to former President Goodluck Jonathan during his tenure.
“President Goodluck Jonathan was President; we gave him 100 per cent support. Throughout his presidency, nobody said anything negative against him; he knows that, and he is here,” he said.
The Sultan further explained that Islamism should not be interpreted as a mechanism for political control.
“So, Islamism is not what you think it is; it is a wrong notion that you are bringing up here that it is to seize power. It is not to seize power. We are after good governance,” he added.
Reflecting on past controversies, the Sultan noted that in 2011, he faced criticism for comments relating to Islam and governance during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s bid for a second term.
“In September 2019, I gave a talk on Islam and good governance in Nigeria. President Buhari was just going for his second term. The following day, the papers carried reports suggesting I was aiming at President Buhari’s second term because I outlined what a good Muslim should do as a leader,” he said.
Abubakar also emphasised that Muslims are guided by a code of conduct derived from the Qur’an, Hadith, and the consensus of Islamic scholars, which rejects extremism.
“You cannot be an extremist and then claim to be a good Muslim. Islam abhors extremism,” he said.
He encouraged unity among Nigerians of different backgrounds to address the country’s security challenges.
On the issue of Jihad, the Sultan explained that its meaning has been widely misunderstood.
“Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim by a Muslim. Jihad means to strive, and in whatever you do in life, you strive to be the best you can be. You strive to be a good Muslim, you strive to be a good Christian, you strive to be a good farmer, or a good engineer. Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim; that’s a wrong notion people have been airing out for decades,” he said.
He further recognised General Irabor’s service in national security and commended his decision to share insights from his military experience through the publication of the book.
