Don't force your faith on others, Islamic cleric warns

THOSE going about killing and maiming innocent Nigerians in the purported name of religion are not Muslims, an Islamic cleric, Alhaji Muhydeen Adul-Kareem, has declared.The popular Islamic preacher, also known as Onihantu, made the submission at the Scout Camp Open Field, Ibadan at the weekend while speaking on a lecture entitled; ''Islam, Religion of Peace'', at a Ramadan lecture organised by the League of Imams of Felele, Olorunsogo and Molete branch.Alhaji Onihantu said non-muslims cannot be described as enemies of Muslims, saying Allah who created various religions for mankind knew what he wanted with the people.He said if Allah wanted everybody to belong to one religion, he would have done so, adding that the leader of Islamic faith, Prophet Muhammed, did not pick quarrel with his family members who were not muslims, saying ''plurality of world's religions is God wish and every effort to force unity of religion among the people is an exercise in futility.''He said religious peace can only be attained when 'we accept the fact of life that we cannot change God's arrangement.''Quoting copiously from the Holy Qu'ran, the man of God noted that even at the peak of the Holy wars' waged against Islam, Prophet Muhammed never used his hand to kill anybody and he forbade his followers from killing enemies who sought refuge in worshipping centres even if such places were for non Muslims.He described Islam as a religion of peace which has no room for terrorism and all other wicked acts.The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Yisa Adele, the Agbesinga Adinni, had earlier charged Islamic leaders and their followers to intensify their campaign against the activities of the dreaded Boko Haram group.He said the devilish activities of the sect was giving a bad perception to the religion of Islam, adding the Islamic leaders must go beyond the rhetoric of disclaimer, to concrete actions to put a stop to the activities of the group. The Chairman of the League of Imams who is also the Imam of Anabi Lonigba Central Mosque, Alhaji M.F Kareem, said the coming together of the Imams in the three communities was informed by the desire to cement cordial relationship among Islamic leaders in the area as well as share their knowledge.About nine mosques, namely; Anabi Lonigba Central Mosque; Felele Central Mosque; Kolawole Central Mosque; Alahhulateef Central Mosque; Oshodi Central Mosque; Asia Mosque; Orilonise Mosque ; Imole Anabi Mosque ; and Olorungbebe Mosque were given various awards.The event was attended by many Islamic scholars, representatives of several mosques and groups.
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