The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has declared that no one should be coerced into accepting Islam, emphasizing that Muslims must respect the rights and beliefs of people from other religions. He made the remarks at the general assembly of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) held at the National Mosque in Abuja.
Sultan's Stance on Religious Freedom
Speaking at the assembly, the Sultan, who serves as the president-general of NSCIA, said, "We do not intend to force anybody to join Islam. But we have seen how many people have been joining Islam on their own free will because Almighty Allah said there is no compulsion in religion."
The Sultan's comments are part of a broader message on religious tolerance and coexistence in Nigeria. He has previously urged both Christians and Muslims to refrain from insulting one another.
NSCIA Secretary-General Highlights Educational Gaps
At the same event, Ishaq Oloyede, the NSCIA secretary-general, challenged Muslim parents to prioritize both Islamic and Western education for their children. He pointed to a worrying gap, noting that states with predominantly Muslim populations remain among the most educationally disadvantaged in the country.
"The most educationally disadvantaged states are Muslim states," Oloyede said. "The current generation must be sound in both Islamic and Western education."
Beyond education, Oloyede called on Muslim leaders to push for better representation of qualified community members in the media and across key employment sectors.
Call for Government Role in Hajj to Be Limited
Oloyede also questioned the federal government's direct involvement in managing the hajj, arguing that its role should be restricted to facilitating the pilgrimage rather than sponsoring individuals who cannot afford the journey on their own.
The remarks at the Abuja assembly align with a position the Sultan has been building publicly over recent weeks. At an earlier International Conference on National Security for Socio-economic Development, organized by Jama'atu Izalatil Bidiah wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS Nigeria) in partnership with the Muslim World League of Saudi Arabia and also held in Abuja, Abubakar called on both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria to end the practice of insulting one another.
"We must be honest with ourselves that Christians can stop insulting Muslims," he said at that event. "Muslims can stop insulting Christians. And that's how we live in peace."
The Sultan stressed that no religious group should regard itself as superior, saying all people stand as equals before God.
The Sultan's latest remarks reinforce his ongoing advocacy for interfaith harmony and respect for religious diversity across Nigeria.
