The Chief Imam of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago- Iwoye in Ogun State, Professor Akeem Akanni, has advised parents across the country not to allow their children to be recruited as terrorists or bandits.
The professor of Islamic Studies made this declaration while delivering the 33rd Ramadan lecture organised by University of Ibadan Muslim Community (UIMC) on Saturday. Akanni while speaking on the topic “Between ‘scapegoatism’ and responsibility: Muslims’ roles in and Islam’s response to security concerns in Nigeria” noted that Quran recongnises sanctity of life and condemns all forms of violence.
He said that any group such as Boko Haram, ISWAP or any other terrorist groups taking lives of people and burning houses or destroying properties unjustly has no basis in Islam.
He then used the opportunity to warn parents not to allow their children or relatives be recruited as members of Boko Haram, ISWAP or any other violent groups.
Akanni tasked the governments at all levels to engage youths in meaningful endeavours to address the problem of insecurity in the country.
He advised that the government and other stakeholders engage in moral education, youth empowerment, community vigilance and responsible leadership.
He said, “Do not allow your children to be recruited as terrorists by Boko Haram, ISWAP. The Quran recongnises sanctity of life. Whichever group taking people’s lives, Islam does not recognise it. So, it is very wrong to say that Islam encourages people to kill people. Islam does not encourage shielding in whatever forms.
“So, Boko Haram, ISWAP or any other groups taking lives and destroying properties unjustly are condemned in Islam. Islam condemns public disturbance. Those who kill and burn properties unjustly are spreading public disturbance. Islam encourages peace building. So as long as it is peace building, Islam encourages it. Therefore, acts that encourage terrorism, banditry are condemned in Islam.
“Parents should give their children tools, skills that will make them economically independent. The government should engage the youths through provision of empowerment tools and job opportunities.
“Thus, any Muslim involvement in insecurity constitutes a betrayal of Islamic identity, not its fulfilment. Thus, acts that destabilise society, like terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or communal violence are therefore categorically prohibited (haram) in Islam.
“To address these, therefore those in positions of authority in Nigeria would be required to engage in moral education, youth empowerment, community vigilance, and responsible leadership. It is a collective responsibility for all as parents, leaders.”
The event was attended by Secretary to Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, UIMC President, Professor Musiliu Onilude, Chairman of UIMC, Professor Sirajudeen Bankole, Chairman of the occasion, Engineer Ishaq Folorunso, and Chief Imam of the institution, Professor Ibrahim Uthman.
Do not allow your children be recruited as terrorists, bandits – Islamic scholar warns parents
