A[b] professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Ilorin, Yasir Quadri, at the weekend said Boko Haram, a radical Islamist insurgent group, is not an agent of Islam, but the handiwork of the destructive Nigerian politicians.

The don consequently acknowledged that if Nigeria would know peace, the Nigerian politicians should resolve to achieve their ambition, not through manipulation of religion, but by becoming nation builders.

He disclosed this at his inaugural lecture titled, All In The Name Of God, delivered at the university, noting that Boko Haram members “are not justifiably fighting in the name of Allah”.

"Nigerians need mutual understanding to move the country forward. Everybody is entitled to freedom guaranteed under section 38 of the 1999 Constitution just as everybody is free to propagate his/her religion either overtly or covertly on others".

Quadri noted that members of the Boko Haram group who have been extreme about religious intolerance are doing what offends both the Qur’an and constitution of the country. The provision of the constitution of the country on religion state is in line with that of the Qur'an”.

He said that the demands and mode of operation of Boko Haram are not Islamic, adding that the stand of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution “agrees totally to the view of the Qur'an on multi-religious community."

“Qur'an 10:99-100 makes it clear that it is the wish of Allah not to make everybody a Muslim. He has given everybody the choice to choose which religion he/she wants to adopt. Qur'an 2:256 was emphatic on the issue of freedom of religion and it reads: There is no compulsion in religion.

“Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path... From these Quranic Verses it is clear that Boko Haram cannot claim to be an Islamic organisation. Neither can it claim to be guided by the Tradition of Prophet Muhammad”.

BOKO HARAM VS ISLAM


ISLAM: There is no compulsion in religion.
BOKO HARAM: Everyone must adhere to our ways else…

ISLAM: Love all and be just to all regardless of religion.
BOKO HARAM: If you are not with us you are against us.

ISLAM: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived with peaceful Christians and Jews as his neighbors.
BOKO HARAM: All non-Muslims must leave the North.

ISLAM: You are only permitted to protect yourselves when you are attacked first. And you should retaliate justly but if u leave everything to Allah it is better for you.
BOKO HARAM: We attack all who stand in our way

ISLAM: A Muslim is one whom his community is safe from his tongue and hands.
BOKO HARAM: We do not care your religion. Muslim or Christian we will crush any who stands in our way.

ISLAM: Innocent Killing is a great sin. Allah has ordered us not to do it! No human being has the right to take life.
BOKO HARAM: Allah will understand. He will not punish us, but give us virgins in heaven

ISLAM: When there is a war, Women and children must not be touched. Talk less of when there is no war.
BOKO HARAM: We kill and kidnap men, women and children.

ISLAM: When there is a war, all non-Muslims that run into their places of worship or their homes will not be harmed. Talk less of when there is no war.

BOKO HARAM: We bomb non-Muslims in their places of worship. We also bomb Muslims in their places of worship and homes if we feel they are a threat to us.

So who really are these people with warped ideologies and intents?

I may not know what they are really out to achieve but I do know for sure they do not represent Islam. Rather, they are acting contrary to it in most cases.

THIS IS INDEED AN EYE OPENER FOR THOSE WHO SEEK TRUTH! WE MUST WORK TOGETHER, REGARDLESS OF TRIBE AND RELIGION IF WE WISH TO PROVIDE A BETTER TOMORROW FOR ALL....Stop the Misconception, Muslims aren't Terrorists. May Allah help us all!

From a concerned muslim...