In a significant statement addressing contemporary societal discourse, a prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar has reaffirmed that the religion of Islam places a profound emphasis on peaceful coexistence and harmony within a diverse society.
Core Islamic Principles of Peace and Justice
Ustadh AbdulHakeem AbdulRasheed Adebayo, the Founder and President of the Al-Hakeem Islamic Foundation of Nigeria (AIFN), articulated this position in a detailed post on his Facebook page on December 5, 2025. He maintained that the Glorious Quran explicitly prohibits violence and aggression, while simultaneously championing the protection of human life and property.
The scholar outlined three key principles derived from Islamic scripture: peace and coexistence, insecurity and protection, and justice and fairness. He emphasized that the Quran encourages peace at all levels—between individuals, communities, and nations—and advises believers to respond to harshness with words of peace and to always be inclined towards reconciliation.
Quranic Verses and Prophetic Traditions on Harmony
"Islam promotes peace and encourages Muslims to be peacemakers," Ustadh AbdulHakeem stated, citing Quran 8:61. He further referenced Quran 10:10, which states that the best word is 'peace,' and a saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Sahih Muslim about spreading peace to foster love among people.
On the critical issue of security, he pointed to Quran 5:32, which prohibits violence, and Quran 5:33, which underscores the sanctity of life and property. He also quoted a Hadith from Sahih Bukhari: "A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand people are safe."
The Active Pursuit of Justice and Building Bridges
Regarding justice, the scholar highlighted Quran 16:90, which commands fairness for all regardless of background, and warned against oppression as mentioned in Quran 42:42. He also referenced the Prophet's instruction to help one's brother, whether he is an oppressor or oppressed, as a guide for corrective justice.
Ustadh AbdulHakeem connected the concept of peace directly to the divine, noting that "As-Salaam" (The Source of Peace) is among the 99 names of God in Islam. He explained that the common Islamic greeting "As-salaam alaikum" (Peace be with you) is a daily reminder of this commitment.
However, he acknowledged that these messages are sometimes misinterpreted or ignored. He stressed that those who justify violence are misrepresenting the full scope of Islamic teachings. The Quranic verses and sayings are not merely words but a call to action.
He therefore urged Muslims to actively become "friends of peace," to extend kindness in the face of hostility, and to embody humility. This, he noted, means going beyond tolerance to actively build bridges, heal divisions, and create spaces of safety and hope for everyone in society. Such embodied principles, he concluded, are what can encourage more people to understand and embrace the true message of Islam.
