The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has said nobody should be forced to embrace Islam, stressing the need to respect the rights and religious freedom of people of other faiths.
The Sultan made the remarks while speaking at the NSCIA General Assembly held at the National Mosque in Abuja, where he said conversion to Islam must be based on an individual’s free will.
“We do not intend to force anybody to join Islam,” the Sultan said, adding that people should be allowed to embrace the religion voluntarily because “there is no compulsion in religion.”
Abubakar’s comments come amid continuing concerns over religious intolerance and tensions between adherents of different faiths in parts of Nigeria.
He also called on Christians and Muslims to refrain from insulting one another, saying mutual respect and tolerance were essential for peaceful coexistence.
“We must be honest with ourselves that Christians can stop insulting Muslims. Muslims can stop insulting Christians. And that’s how we live in peace,” he said.
The Sultan further urged adherents of both faiths not to regard themselves as superior to one another, maintaining that all people are equal before God.
Meanwhile, the NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, called on Muslim parents to ensure their children receive both Islamic and Western education, saying the combination was important for preparing young people to contribute effectively to national development.
Oloyede also advocated greater participation of qualified Muslims in the media and employment sectors, while questioning the extent of government involvement in organising the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The NSCIA leadership’s remarks highlighted religious tolerance, education and peaceful coexistence as important issues in Nigeria’s social and national development.
