Scholars Harp on Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria
Raheem Akingbolu
Islamic scholars, lawmakers, and other stakeholders have advocated peaceful coexistence and avoidance of misinformation that could lead to conflict in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
They stated this at the 15th annual Islamic International conference organised by Daaru Na’im Academy for Sharia Science of Nigeria with the theme, “The Link between Jurisprudence of Sharia and Contemporary Issues”.
The Conference Supervisor and General Director, Daaru Na’I’m Academy for Shariah Sciences of Nigeria, Sheikh Imran Abdulmajeed Eleha said that with the advancement in technology and other changing realties in society is important to know the position of Sharia to avoid misinformation and misunderstanding. He pointed out that the conference brought together scholars from around the world to dissect the link between the jurisprudence of sharia and contemporary issues affecting Muslim communities.
He said: “The purpose of the conference is for people to better understand Islam and understand the position of Sharia on contemporary issues that involve human beings from marriage to finance and others.”
He advised Islamic scholars to remain committed to preaching the message of peaceful coexistence and also urged the government to support religious institutions and organizations to achieve this objective.
The Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Lawal Ridwan, stated that the discussions at the conference can help lawmakers make laws that will promote peaceful coexistence.
He said:”It is important to note that Islam connects us to the ever-changing world. With the new technology advancement affecting the economy, health, also with interest in economic transactions such as online transactions to contemporary issues of DNA as it affects paternity right among others.”
He added: “Being a lawmaker and a Muslim, this is of great interest to me as we constantly look forward to ways to make visible and pragmatic laws that will impact positively, provide a better life, safeguard well-being, ensure progress, and secure the future of our people and enhance better understanding and peaceful coexistence in the state.”
Deputy Minister, Minister for Islamic Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who spoke on behalf of the Minister for Islamic Affairs in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Dr. AwwadSibtiy Al-Anaziy, said the conference underscored the importance of unity among Muslims, stating that Islam preaches about coexistence, and therefore called on Muslims to be good ambassadors of Islam.
In another vein, some of the Islamic scholars who made their presentations at the conference pointed out that some scholars misinform people on social media because of their lack of understanding of the subject matter which might be IVF, knowing blood group before marriage, and others. They therefore urged Islamic leaders to learn more about topics before lecturing their congregations on them.
