The Chief Imam of the DaaruNaim Central Mosque in Lagos, Sheikh Imran AbdulMajeed Eleha, spoke with The Punch about insecurity in the North, misconceptions surrounding Islam, and the motivations behind violent groups.
When asked about groups such as ISIS, ISWAP, and Boko Haram, which claim to act in the name of Islam, he responded by emphasizing that their actions do not reflect the teachings of the religion. He reiterated that these organisations, like the historical Khawarij, misrepresent Islam to justify violence and should be regarded as criminals rather than genuine adherents of the faith.
When asked about Boko Haram, he explained that the group adheres to a rigid ideology that fundamentally contradicts the teachings of Islam. He noted that the sect has existed since the 1980s and originally consisted of farmers and fishermen who lived deep in the bush, far from towns.
Further talking, he said, “That aside, we even have Christians among Boko Haram members who were later arrested by the government. That means different sets of people have hijacked Boko Haram. Is a pastor who buries people inside his church not a Christian? Is a pastor sleeping with church members not a Christian? But do they represent Christianity? No.”
He explained that banditry is a separate issue altogether. He noted that, historically, the Fulani and Bororo herders have been part of the region, but their interactions with local communities differ. According to him, the Fulani have coexisted peacefully for many years, respecting farms and establishing settlements. In contrast, he said, the Bororo do not follow the same approach. View, More,
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