A Professor of Islamic Studies at Gombe State University, Safiyanu Ishiaku, has reaffirmed that Islam strictly prohibits forced conversion and violence against people of other faiths, describing such acts as a distortion of the religion’s true teachings.
Speaking during the university’s 26th inaugural lecture titled “Islamic Principles of Tolerance Toward Non Muslims: A Panacea to Peaceful Coexistence in Multi Religious Nigeria,” the respected academic urged Nigerians to distinguish between the genuine teachings of Islam and the actions of individuals or extremist groups who commit violence in the name of religion.
According to Ishiaku, Islam is fundamentally a religion that promotes justice, compassion, peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity. He stressed that compelling anyone to embrace Islam or attacking people because of their religious beliefs has no basis in authentic Islamic doctrine.
The scholar noted that many of the conflicts often described as religious crises in Nigeria are, in reality, driven by political, ethnic, social or economic interests. He argued that religion is frequently used as a cover for deeper disputes, creating the false impression that faith itself is responsible for the violence.
He explained that because religion occupies an important place in the lives of many Nigerians, individuals and groups sometimes manipulate religious sentiments to advance personal or political agendas. As a result, conflicts that have little to do with faith are often presented as religious confrontations, further deepening divisions within society.
Addressing the activities of extremist groups, Ishiaku firmly rejected the notion that Islam supports the killing of innocent people or the forceful conversion of non Muslims. He maintained that insurgents and violent groups claiming to act in the name of Islam are misrepresenting the religion and acting contrary to its core principles.
He emphasized that Islam encourages dialogue, wisdom and peaceful invitation rather than coercion. According to him, genuine acceptance of faith can only come through personal conviction and free choice, making forced conversion incompatible with Islamic teachings.
The professor also expressed concern over the growing misconceptions surrounding Islam, observing that many non Muslims often judge the religion based on the behaviour of some Muslims rather than its authentic teachings.
He explained that when individuals who identify as Muslims engage in violence, intolerance or criminal acts, many observers mistakenly conclude that such behaviour represents Islam itself. This misunderstanding, he said, has contributed to negative perceptions of the religion both within Nigeria and internationally.
Ishiaku urged Muslim scholars, religious leaders and community organizations to intensify efforts in educating followers about the true values of Islam. He said greater emphasis should be placed on compassion, justice, honesty, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, values that have always been central to Islamic teachings.
He further called on Nigerians of different religious backgrounds to promote mutual respect and understanding instead of allowing differences in faith to become sources of conflict. According to him, peaceful coexistence remains essential for national unity and sustainable development in a diverse country like Nigeria.
Nigeria is home to millions of Christians, Muslims and followers of traditional religions who have lived together for generations. While religious diversity has enriched the country’s cultural identity, it has also been exploited at different times by individuals seeking political or economic advantage.
The university lecturer argued that lasting peace can only be achieved when citizens reject hate, prejudice and misinformation while embracing dialogue and tolerance. He encouraged religious institutions to continue building bridges across faith communities through education, cooperation and community engagement.
His remarks come at a time when conversations about religious harmony, security and national cohesion remain at the forefront of public discourse. Analysts have repeatedly stressed that strengthening interfaith understanding is critical to reducing tension and fostering peaceful relationships among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
Many observers believe that educational institutions also have an important role to play by encouraging research, public dialogue and civic education that promote mutual respect regardless of religious affiliation.
As Nigeria continues to confront security and social challenges, Ishiaku’s message serves as a reminder that authentic religious teachings should unite rather than divide communities. His call for tolerance, understanding and respect reflects the broader aspiration for a society where people of different beliefs can live together peacefully while contributing to national progress.
