- The Sultan of Sokoto urged Muslim scholars to set aside differences and unite ahead of Ramadan during JNI's pre-Ramadan meeting in Kaduna
- JNI leaders highlighted the risks of misinformation and divisive content spread on social media, urging scholars to stay ethical and responsible
- Muslim leaders further stressed the importance of unity and integrity in scholarship to ensure a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan experience for all
As the Muslim faithful prepare for the holy month of Ramadan, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has called for greater unity and integrity among Islamic scholars, emphasising the importance of working together despite differences in interpretation.
The appeal was made by the President-General of JNI, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, at the annual pre-Ramadan meeting held on Monday, February 24, in Kaduna.
The event, which attracted prominent religious figures, had the theme: Social Media and Islamic Scholarship: Causes of Conflict among Muslim Scholars.
Addressing attendees, the Sultan urged for unity among Muslims, stressing that despite varying perspectives and interpretations of Islamic teachings, the community must remain united.
He said: “We may have our differences in how we see things and how we understand things, but we must unite as Muslims under one umbrella.”
The Sultan also warned against the dangers of division and discord, particularly in an era where social media has amplified differing opinions.
He added, “We must not allow our differences and level of understanding of Islam to divide us to the point that we insult one another.”
He went on to remind scholars that no one holds a monopoly on knowledge, stating, “Whatever you think or know, somebody knows better than you.”
Promoting unity within the Muslim community, the Sultan emphasised the importance of scholars adhering to proper ethical guidelines.
He said this would ensure a positive and spiritually uplifting experience for all during Ramadan.
Prof. Khalid Aliyu, Secretary-General of JNI, also addressed the gathering, stressing the responsibility of scholars to promote unity through responsible scholarship.
He warned that while social media has offered scholars a platform to share their teachings, it has also become a vehicle for misinformation and divisive ideologies.
He said, “With the rise of social media, it has become easier for scholars to share their teachings and connect with a wider audience. However, this has also led to the spread of misinformation and the promotion of divisive ideologies.”
Prof. Aliyu reiterated that JNI had established specific guidelines for Tafsir sessions, urging scholars to avoid sectarian propaganda and personal opinions in their teachings.
He also called for wisdom and humility in the delivery of Islamic messages, stressing that scholars should prioritise promoting a positive and uplifting narrative.
“The importance of unity and integrity among the Muslim scholars cannot be overstated,” Aliyu added, as he urged his fellow scholars to focus on fostering understanding and cooperation.
Yoruba Imams clarify Ramadan fast declaration, say no rift with Sultan
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland clarified that its decision to announce the commencement of the Ramadan fast was not an attempt to challenge the authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.
According to a communiqué released by the league, scientific calculations based on precise lunar observations determined that the astronomical new moon (conjunction) would occur at 12:45 a.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on Friday, February 28, 2025.
