Islamic scholars and clerics from Nigeria, the United States, the Middle East, and Europe have unanimously rejected attempts to associate criminal violence, including banditry and terrorism, with Islam.
They warned that such misconceptions not only misrepresent the religion but also fuel prejudice and religious intolerance.
Naijaonpoint reports that the declaration came at the 17th Annual Islamic International Conference, convened in Lagos, by the Daaru Na’im Academy for Shariah Sciences, Nigeria, which drew over 20,000 participants and international scholars.
The four-day event, held from January 1 to 4, 2026, focused on the theme, “The Jurisprudence of the Sound Creed and Contemporary Challenges.”
Speaking at the conference, Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Mohammad Ali Wahiso, alongside representatives from Saudi Arabia, underscored that Islam is rooted in peace, justice, and the sanctity of human life.
The Director-General and Chief Imam of Daaru Na’im, Sheikh Abdul Mojeed Imran Eleha, highlighted the conference’s purpose.
“This conference was aimed at examining the importance of sound Islamic belief across African societies in view of evolving social practices and behaviors that contradict the principles of authentic Islamic creed,” Eleha said.
Sheikh Eleha blamed the spread of confusion on groups who, while claiming to follow Islam, remain far removed from its true methodology.
“This challenge is further compounded by discourses hostile to the sound creed, propagated by groups that claim affiliation with Islam and the qiblah, yet remain far removed from the true methodology of Islam in belief and actions,” he explained.
He also urged Nigerian scholars to unite on the word of Allah, overcome fragmentation, and prioritise collective scholarly engagement over social media discord.
Guest speakers at the conference stressed the importance of religious tolerance and national cohesion as tools to combat insecurity. Professor Abdul Mojeed Rasaq Alaro of the University of Ilorin reminded Nigerians that mutual respect underpins national unity.
“I’m calling on all Nigerians irrespective of your faith, irrespective of your tribe. We don’t have any other country except this one and we must preserve and protect it. We are brothers. We are citizens. We can sit on the round table and find solutions to our problem,” he said.
Alaro emphasised that respect for others’ beliefs is non-negotiable.
“You don’t necessarily impose your faith on me and I don’t have to impose my faith on you, and that is basically categorically stated in the glorious book of Islam. The verse of Quran states clearly that there should be no compulsion in religion. We need to tolerate one another. We need to respect one another,” he said.
Also, the Grand Kadi of Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Kamaldeen Abdulateef, highlighted the conference’s long-term benefits for the youth.
“Our upcoming generation will learn from this international conference by emulating our good practices in Islam. It will help our future generations foster strong relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims, as well as with the government. It will teach the youth to stay away from corruption and promote discipline within society, particularly concerning the environment,” he said.
Sheikh Mohammad Ali Wahiso also stressed the importance of leveraging modern technology to ensure correct teachings reach young Muslims.
“It is important that we build the capacity of Muslim scholars in addressing the needs of society in a contemporary way, especially using online and technological approaches. Otherwise, the youth will always be dependent on misinterpretations rendered through Google and other sources, which are not appropriate,” he said.
Naijaonpoint reports that the conference drew key stakeholders, including government institutions, ambassadors, traditional rulers, and academics, reinforcing the message that the pristine Islamic creed is essential for moral order and societal stability.
Meanwhile, barely weeks ago, controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, called on the Federal Government to immediately halt all forms of military cooperation with the United States following reports of recent US airstrikes in Nigeria.
Naijaonpoint reports that Gumi made the call in a statement posted on his Facebook page, warning that American involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges and undermine the country’s sovereignty.
While acknowledging that Islam permits the fight against terrorism, the cleric argued that such actions must only be carried out by what he described as “clean hands.”
According to him, the United States lacks the moral authority to lead counterterrorism efforts, citing its global military record.
He said Nigeria made a mistake by allowing foreign powers to participate in its counterterrorism operations, insisting that foreign intervention often comes with hidden political motives.
Gumi cautioned that allowing Nigeria to become a theatre of war would attract anti-US forces into the country and further destabilise the nation.
“This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror’,” he said.
He warned that American involvement, especially under claims of protecting Christians, could polarise Nigeria along religious lines.