₦airaland Forum

Islam and Muslims in Yorubaland: Separating Criminality from Faith and Examining the Reality of Peaceful Coexistence

In recent times, a growing narrative has emerged in some quarters portraying Islam and Muslims in Yorubaland as inherently violent, intolerant and hostile to non-Muslims. This perception has been fueled largely by reports of criminal activities, especially kidnapping and banditry, which are frequently linked on social media and other platforms to individuals who are identified as Muslims or Fulani. Consequently, some critics have sought to attribute the actions of these criminals to Islam itself, thereby creating the impression that the religion endorses or encourages such acts.

However, this conclusion is both unfair and logically flawed. No religion should be judged solely by the misconduct of individuals who claim affiliation with it while acting contrary to its teachings. To blame Islam for the crimes of kidnappers is no different from blaming Christianity, traditional religion or any other faith for the crimes committed by some of their adherents. Criminality is a human problem, not a religious doctrine.
A more objective assessment of Islam in Yorubaland should be based on the historical and contemporary realities of Muslim interactions with non-Muslims. For centuries, Muslims in Yorubaland have lived and interacted peacefully with people of other faiths and backgrounds. These interactions are not limited to one aspect of life but cut across family, social, educational, economic and professional spheres. Many non-Muslims have Muslim relatives through marriage, serving as in-laws, cousins, uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces.

In many communities, Muslims and non-Muslims live side by side as neighbours, sharing the same streets, markets and social amenities. They relate as landlords and tenants, participate in community affairs under the leadership of community leaders and depend on the services of security personnel regardless of religious affiliation.

In the workplace, Muslims and non-Muslims work together daily as employers and employees, bosses and subordinates, supervisors and staff, colleagues and co-workers. They collaborate as business partners, mentor one another and pursue common professional goals without religious differences becoming a source of conflict.

In schools and other educational institutions, Muslims and non-Muslims interact as teachers, lecturers, students, classmates, tutors and school administrators. Generations of Yoruba children have studied together in the same classrooms and learned under teachers of different faiths without any widespread record of religiously motivated violence.

The business sector provides another strong example of peaceful coexistence. Muslims engage with non-Muslims as clients, customers, suppliers, contractors, vendors and investors. Every day, countless commercial transactions take place between Muslims and non-Muslims throughout Yorubaland based on trust, mutual benefit and respect. Markets, shops and business centres across the region testify to the long-standing economic cooperation among people of different religious backgrounds.

The same pattern is evident in transportation. Muslims travel with public drivers, taxi drivers, okada riders, bus conductors and transport operators without discrimination. Likewise, in healthcare settings, Muslims receive treatment from doctors, nurses, pharmacists and caregivers of different faiths, while non-Muslim patients also seek medical attention from Muslim healthcare professionals. These interactions occur daily and are generally characterized by professionalism and mutual respect.
In addition, Muslims rely on and work with artisans, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, domestic workers, security personnel and other service providers regardless of their religious beliefs. These relationships are often long-term and are built on confidence, competence and good character rather than religious identity.

In recent years, Yorubaland has witnessed cases of kidnapping and violent crimes that have often been attributed in public discourse to some criminal elements among Fulani herdsmen. These incidents have understandably generated fear, anger and concern among the populace. However, it is important to distinguish between the actions of criminals and the teachings of a religion. Even if some of the perpetrators identify as Muslims, Islam cannot and should not be defined by their actions. Criminality is not a religious doctrine and kidnapping is not an Islamic practice.

The fact that many Fulani people are Muslims does not make kidnapping an Islamic act any more than the crimes committed by individuals from other ethnic groups make those crimes representative of their religions. Kidnapping knows no tribe, ethnicity or religion. Across Nigeria and the world, people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds have been involved in various forms of crime. The responsibility for such acts rests on the perpetrators themselves, not on the faith communities to which they claim to belong.
Islam explicitly condemns oppression, injustice, theft, murder and all forms of wrongdoing. The Qur'an teaches respect for human life and warns against spreading corruption and mischief on earth. The unlawful seizure of persons for ransom, intimidation or any other purpose is completely contrary to Islamic principles. A kidnapper acts in violation of Islam, not in obedience to it.

If Islam truly promoted violence against non-Muslims, one would expect centuries of Muslim interaction with neighbours, relatives, co-workers, teachers, customers, patients, landlords, tenants and countless others in Yorubaland to have produced a history of widespread religious hostility. Yet the historical reality is one of coexistence, cooperation and mutual dependence. Muslims and non-Muslims have lived, worked, traded, studied, travelled and built communities together for generations.

Therefore, it is neither fair nor intellectually sound to judge Islam by the actions of a few wretched criminals who happen to bear Muslim names or come from predominantly Muslim communities. Islam should be judged by its teachings and those teachings do not support kidnapping, banditry, terrorism or any form of oppression. The crimes of kidnappers belong to the kidnappers; they do not belong to Islam.
The history of Yorubaland itself stands as evidence that peaceful coexistence not violence is the dominant character of Muslim relations with people of other faiths.

AntiisIam:
Which media are you talking about?

I got all my info on internet, so which media is this one talking about?

Afghanistan's Taliban government launched a major ground operation against Pakistani military, both countries are Muslim nations fully practicing sharia law, where is the peace in these countries?

Iran launched thousands missiles at Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc they are all Muslim nations fighting each other, does that make sense to you or they are living in peace with each other?

So according to you, America and its allies caused two or more of your Muslim nations to be fighting themselves right? How did you guys reason in Islam

If they are not terrorist nation, why do they attacked Israel on October 7th 2023? Tell me one conflict Israeli started with any of your Muslim nations, just name one and year from a reliable source.

Did you think you were just labelled terrorists nations without concrete evidence abi?

Listen carefully, before responding to my post next time, make effective use of your M.O. I believed you knw what that means

I just realized it's futile engaging you because your knowledge about the whole thing is so shallow. You are annoyingly myopic as well buy referencing Afghanistan and Pakistan. You want to tell me you don't why Iran is attacking those countries. The fact that you started your story from October 7th, 2026 shows that you are not worthy of my engagement. Bye

AntiisIam:
Where is the peace in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, even Iran is now throwing missiles at Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE. Just tell me one peace all these nations are enjoying


Everything about anywhere Islam grows is fitting, keyling, even in Northern states Nigeria, the story is the same, kilode

Your problem is that you don't read. You just like to be spoon-fed by the media. Why can't you do your independent research on who is disrupting the peace in these countries you mentioned and others.
These countries are on their own ruling their countries with what they believe in. Your Gods, America and it's allies, will go their uninvited to stir up the peace. When these countries fight back, you label them terrorists for defending their countries.

Internet is free for everyone and Chatgpt and others are there for everyone. Many of these lies will be revealed but you just chose to be ignorant.

Bluna:
There's iota of truth in what he said.

When I was growing up in the 80s, there were only 2 mosques in the entire city I lived. The old central mosque was just a small building that couldn't accommodate more than 100 people. Later they built the new central mosque which was just a little bigger than the old. Only few people worshipped there because Muslim population was very very low.

Fast forward to today, mosques are now scattered everywhere in my city; there are at least 2 mosques in each street. In fact, they are now competing with churches in their numbers. That's not my worry though (I'm not against the spread of Islam), my worry is that those mosques are mostly occupied and used by the northerners, not the indigenous people.

Can you honestly update us on the growth of churches at that particular time and now?

How many churches were there in Iwo, Ikire, Ede, Osogbo, Ikirun, Ilorin etc, even in the North, in 80s compared to now. Muslims are
For every mosque in Southwest, there are 100 churches and the ratio is even more in some places. Muslims are not shouting CHRISTIANIZATION.

I am from Osun state. Oyinlola and his deputy ( both Christians) ruled for 7 years. Muslims accepted it and voted for them.

I don't understand how you people think.

onuman:
Is one Nigeria 🇳🇬 decreed in heaven? Why don't you seek for your smaller Islamic Republic for your ethnoreligious group, let others seek for their Christianity based Republic from Nigeria for their ethnoreligious group?
Why continue to shed blood to maintain one Nigeria?
Its stipeeed to believe that a country without crude oil cannot survive.

You are the one dragging yourself to Islam. Shariah is for Muslims, even not for all Muslims. You can choose not to be judged by Shariah if you don't want to because Nigeria is not an Islamic country and Shariah is just under customary law in Nigeria. Shariah cannot be enforced on everyone.

I repeat, Fulani kidnappers cannot negotiate for Shariah in Southwest.
We are Yoruba and we are Muslims. We are going nowhere. If you have any evidence of the Muslim kidnappers/killers, please help our security men to expose them.

Muslims do not propagate Islam by kidnapping.

Bluearrow:
Kiidnapping has nothing to do with Islam, but kiidnappers are using kidnappedd victims to enforce sharia law?? Why are u guys so delusional. You mean a Christian will kidnap students & start persuading a state govt to enforce christian laws & u will say it has nothing to do with Christianity? How u guys try to defend these atrocities is unbelievable!

You can believe whatever you want to believe. They are not negotiating for Shariah on behalf Muslims in Oyo State. We can also accuse you guys of using these wretched kidnappers to fight against Islam. What is the business of the fulanis with Muslims in Oyo State. No sane Muslims will use that stupid strategies to enforce Shariah. It doesn't make sense in this era. But that is what makes you happy. You are just using the strategy of calling a dog a bad name to hang it.

Bluearrow:
Islam entered Nigeria through the North & has remained dominant in the North. Christianity entered through South. So how do u mean the number of Christians? Has the number of Christians overtaken that of Islam in the North or do u see Christian leaders enforcing Christian laws on Northern states?

We don't need to be dragging this. Just do your research on how Christianity came to Southwest and the strategies used to convert people. Don't forget to tell us the religions people were practicing then. Forget about the North. Limit your research to Southwest.

Bluearrow:
You don't know anything
Go read about how Turkey was Islamize & how Usman Dan Fodio established the Sokoto caliphate. You think Islamization happens over night?

But Christianity met Islam in Nigeria. What do you have to say about the number of Christians now in Nigeria?

Emusan:
Don't worry it will soon clear in your eyes.

Before, if you are told that terrorists will be kidnapping and beheading people in South West, you'll say it's a lie but today, it's happening right in front of your eyes.

I remember when people in the south are always advised we in the North to stay safe. Now, we in the North have used to it as we're now the one advising people down south to stay safe.

Kidnapping has nothing to do with Islam. Kidnapping has been in Nigeria for ages and people from all tribes and religions are involved. Many of them have been arrested in the past.

The fulanis just discovered the lucrative business and took it to another level. They are doing it for money and nothing else. Fulanis are not that religious especially the nomads. They know nothing about Islam. They are just Muslims by birth. They don't normally go to school nor Islamic madrasa.

You people just need to stop attaching Islam to kidnapping. Muslims are being kidnapped also but you chose what fit your narrative

You and VDK are not serious and you are at the same time fueling religious war. Christians that are building churches every corner are not christianizing Nigerian? Who are those moving from house to house evangelizing? Who dominates our media spaces?

Is Tinubu, who doesn't know how to recite suratul Fatiah correctly, planning to islamize Nigeria?

It is the hatred for Islam that is making you paranoid. Islam has been in Nigeria for ages and has been coexisting with traditional religions.

You have all forgotten how Christianity came to Nigeria. If you pretend to have forgotten history will never forget.

No amount hatred or propaganda can harm Islam Islam.

It doesn't make sense to use kidnapping to negotiate the establishment of Shariah. This should tell any sensible person that those who are behind the kidnapping are not Muslims in any way. Anyways, let the propaganda continue. The truth will soon be revealed soon.

TaqabalahuLlahu minkum wa minna

TaqabalahuLlahu minkum wa minna

Pompeii

topefelix799:
Imams and konji.

It's better you accept Jesus now oga Imam.

What will the Abuja rapist pastor accept?

Where are those people attacking Islam over the London Imaam? You have lost your voices. Only Muslims are bad and others are saints. Billions of you can never defeat Islam. You are just waisting your time and energy in futility.

You are all hypocrites. You are attacking Islam for the wrongdoing of one Muslim Imaam. Anybody can commit crimes regardless of their faith or beliefs. Many individuals have committed different atrocities including pastors, babalawos and others. You are attacking Islam as if Islam instructed him to do so. You are also aware of the Shariah punishment for such crime but you pretend to be ignorant of it because you have seen an opportunity to attack Islam. Let him in rot in jail for the crime and leave out his religion. He acted against the teachings of Islam and he is now facing the consequences. Good for him

TONYE001:
You cited few instances of unruly people, and you have now concluded.

Well, I've been to Israel twice. And in all of those times, all the Israelis I had dealings with were super-polite and helpful in whichever way they could.

Just like any population, of course, there are some and eggs. But I doubt this is enough to judge the entire people as rude.

But you can judge Islam by the actions of some bad eggs!!

rotecch77:
Yes we work in every state
Ibadan is very close
You can reach out to us on
08066619493
call/ whatzap

Okay sir.

rotecch77:
Sallam Alekum sir
Yes we can handle this for you sir
You are free to check our past record here

Here is Ratibi mosque we constructed in 2019 in Lagos

Wa alaikum salaam Oga. I can see you are based in Lagos. Can you work here in Ibadan?.

Please house. I need an experienced reliable Muslim contractor to execute a mosque project around Omi Adio Apata Ibadan. Thanks

InestimableJoy:
Good day, please I stay around Apata. I need a teaching job, I can take any class. I studied Economics Education and I also have TRCN certificate with a wealth of experience. Thank you.

Forward your CV to hajjola78@gmail.com

An Islamic school in Apata, Ibadan is in need of Qur'an Islamic studies and Arabic teachers . Salary is very attractive. Send your application and CV to hajjola78@gmail.com

An Islamic school in Apata, Ibadan is in need of Qur'an Islamic studies and Arabic teachers . Salary is very attractive. Send your application and CV to hajjola78@gmail.com

Dammie199:
Is there going to be accommodation? And is the pay okay?

The pay is okay.
There's accommodation if you wish.
The school is a boarding school

Dammie199:
Hello house...... Please I need a teaching job in Ibadan most preferably gate, idi ape, Ashi, basorun and akobo axis..... I'm a graduate of computer science.... I can teach computer science, data processing, basic science and agric science...... If there is any vacancy please let me know

Can you work at Apata?. If you don't mind working there, forward your CV to hajjola78@gmail.com

still open
still open

An Islamic school in Ibadan around Apata is in need of
science teacher computer teacher Qur'an teacher Arabic and Islamic studies teacher laundry man
send your application and CV to: hajjola78@gmail.com

Debra911:
Pls you can be proud of any other thing in Islam but u see that Almajiri, pls don't b proud of it. Those children are suffering. I stay in core north& I can tell u,its d most irritating thing about Islam I don't like. I know how many times we did humanitarian works cos the condition of those children are just pitiable & its more annoying that parents see their children suffer & feel less concerned&yet they'll call these little innocent ones 'disciples' I can practice any other religion in this world,but u see Islam,sorry, its a no no. Islam got lots of things wrong with its doctrine. How do u explain Almajiri to me?

Almajiri has nothing to do with Islam. It is only cultural thing in the north. Tell me where you read that Almajiri is the part of Islamic doctrines. Or mention anywhere it is being practiced. There is nothing like that in any Arab countries where Islam came from. Islam got nothing wrong with its doctrine. It is you that got everything wrong about islam for your deliberate ignorance about its doctrines. You may not like Islam: that is your own problem but read before you criticize. Thanks

available

Smartwave:
At back of Ilesa motor park 650k? When Oke - Bale goes for #1m and above?? Then, the land must be far away from Ilesa garage motor park.

Yes, it is not directly at the back of Ilesha Garage. Koledowo area is at the far back of Ilesha Garage after Kunike International school, Odofin precisely. The owner needs the money badly.