Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? - Islam - Nairaland
Nairaland Forum › Nairaland General › Islam › Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? (3326 Views)
| Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by kaybeejnr(op): 10:26am On Jan 15 |
History, Power, and the Roots of Suspicion To understand why many Nigerian Christians despise Islam, we must strip away emotion and deal with history, power, and narrative control. This is not about every Christian, and it is not about theology alone. It is about how Islam has been framed, experienced, and politicized in Nigeria over time. First, history. Islam entered what is now Nigeria centuries before Christianity, spreading through trade, scholarship, and governance across the Sahel and the Sokoto Caliphate. Christianity, on the other hand, arrived largely through European colonialism, backed by imperial power, Western education, and missionary institutions. This difference matters. Islam is often perceived by Nigerian Christians as an older rival civilization, not just another faith. It was already governing, judging, and shaping society before colonial rule restructured the region. Second, colonial legacy and divide-and-rule politics. British colonial administrators deliberately deepened religious and regional divisions. The North was governed indirectly through Muslim emirs, while the South was heavily Christianized and Westernized. After independence, political competition hardened these divisions. Christianity became associated with “modernity,” “education,” and “global alignment,” while Islam was portrayed—often unfairly—as resistant, traditional, and authoritarian. These stereotypes were not accidental; they were cultivated. Third, power anxiety. In Nigeria, religion is inseparable from politics. Many Christians fear Islam not because of doctrine, but because of demographics and influence. The North is largely Muslim and numerically significant. Whenever Muslims assert political relevance—through Sharia debates, northern leadership, or public Islamic identity, it triggers fear of domination. For many Christians, Islam is not just a belief system; it is seen as a political force that could limit their freedoms. Fourth, missionary framing and pulpits. From churches, crusades, Christian radio, and social media, Islam is often taught not as a legitimate Abrahamic faith but as a threat. It is described as violent, expansionist, anti-freedom, and oppressive to women. These ideas are repeated so often that they become “common sense,” even among Christians who have never read the Qur’an or spoken to a knowledgeable Muslim. Fear is inherited, not investigated. Fifth, global events projected locally. Terrorism carried out by groups claiming Islam such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram; has been used to define Islam itself. Nigerian Christians often collapse the actions of extremist groups into the faith of over a billion people, including their Muslim neighbors. Boko Haram, in particular, traumatized Christian communities in the North and Middle Belt. Instead of separating Islam from criminal insurgency (which mainstream Muslims also suffered from), many Christians fused the two permanently in their minds. Finally, silence versus narrative dominance. Muslims in Nigeria have historically been less aggressive in media counter-narratives compared to evangelical Christianity. While churches actively preach against Islam, many Muslims assumed coexistence would speak for itself. It didn’t. In the absence of a strong Muslim narrative, caricatures filled the vacuum. This is where the disdain begins: not from pure theology, but from history, fear, politics, and unchallenged stories. Theology, Double Standards, and Manufactured Moral Superiority Beyond history and politics, Nigerian Christian hostility toward Islam is fueled by theological polemics, often shallow, selective, and deeply inconsistent. The disdain intensifies when Christianity positions itself as morally superior while refusing the same scrutiny it directs at Islam. First, selective outrage. Nigerian Christians frequently attack Islamic law (Sharia), portraying it as barbaric, cruel, and incompatible with human rights. They cite punishments, gender roles, or apostasy laws as proof that Islam is inherently violent. Yet the same critics ignore or excuse equally harsh laws and narratives in the Bible. Capital punishment, divine violence, slavery regulations, and patriarchal norms are all present in Biblical texts. The issue is not that Christians have scripture with difficult passages, it is that many refuse to acknowledge that every ancient scripture does. Islam is condemned for verses Christians explain away in their own book. Second, the obsession with apostasy. One of the loudest accusations is, “Islam kills those who leave the faith.” This claim is repeated endlessly in Nigerian Christian spaces with little nuance. Classical Islamic jurisprudence discusses apostasy in the context of treason during wartime and not private belief change. Modern Muslim scholarship is far from monolithic on this issue. But nuance is irrelevant to critics. Ironically, Nigerian Christianity has its own violent history: forced conversions during colonial times, social ostracization of converts, and even mob violence against alleged “blasphemers” today. The difference is that Christian violence is labeled cultural or political, while Muslim violence is labeled religious. Third, the weaponization of women’s issues. Nigerian Christians frequently frame Islam as uniquely oppressive to women, focusing on hijab, inheritance laws, or polygyny, while ignoring the agency of Muslim women themselves. They rarely ask Muslim women what they believe. Instead, they speak for them. Meanwhile, churches promote male headship, restrict women’s leadership, and normalize emotional and economic control in marriages. Islam is condemned for visible patriarchy, while Christian patriarchy is spiritualized and sanitized. Fourth, ignorance masquerading as confidence. Many Nigerian Christians who “hate Islam” have never read the Qur’an, never studied Islamic theology, and cannot accurately explain basic Muslim beliefs. Muhammad ﷺ is routinely insulted using medieval European polemics recycled through modern sermons. Islam is described as a “false religion” without engagement with its intellectual tradition, ethical system, or historical achievements. This is not critique; it is indoctrination. Fifth, the savior complex. Christianity in Nigeria often operates with a psychological hierarchy: Christians are “saved,” Muslims are “lost,” and Islam is an obstacle to God’s plan. This mindset produces contempt disguised as concern. When Muslims succeed politically, culturally, or intellectually, it is seen not as coexistence but as a threat to Christian destiny. Evangelism quietly mutates into rivalry. Finally, refusal to self-reflect. Nigerian Christianity has internal crises; corruption, prosperity gospel excesses, moral scandals, and denominational chaos. Islam becomes a convenient external enemy that distracts from internal decay. Criticizing Islam is easier than reforming the church. The result is not honest disagreement but hardened disdain. Islam is not engaged as a faith; it is reduced to a caricature that confirms Christian self-righteousness. Fear, Identity Insecurity, and the Battle for Cultural Dominance At its deepest level, Nigerian Christian hostility toward Islam is not sustained by history or theology alone. It is sustained by fear; fear of loss, fear of displacement, and fear of sharing Nigeria without dominance. Until this is acknowledged, the tension will never be honestly addressed. First, identity insecurity. In Nigeria, religion is not merely belief; it is identity, tribe, culture, and social belonging. For many Christians, especially in the South and Middle Belt, Christianity is tied to education, global relevance, and post-colonial progress. Islam, by contrast, is imagined as a force that pulls society “backward.” This binary is emotionally comforting but intellectually lazy. When Muslims assert confidence in their faith publicly, through dress, prayer, or moral boundaries; it unsettles Christians who were taught that modernization would naturally marginalize Islam. The fact that it hasn’t creates anxiety. Second, the fear of coexistence without control. Nigerian Christianity, particularly in its evangelical and Pentecostal expressions, is expansionist by nature. Growth is celebrated, dominance is spiritualized, and numerical strength is equated with divine favor. Islam does not play by the same performative rules. It grows quietly, sustains tradition, and resists dilution. This frustrates a Christian culture accustomed to converting, absorbing, and redefining religious space. What cannot be absorbed is often demonized. Third, political competition masked as moral concern. Debates over Sharia, northern leadership, or Muslim public influence are rarely about justice alone. They are about who defines Nigeria’s moral compass. Many Christians claim to fear “Islamization,” yet openly support Christian symbols, prayers, and preferences in public institutions. Neutrality is demanded only when Muslims benefit. This double standard exposes the issue: the problem is not religion in politics, but which religion holds influence. Fourth, trauma weaponized into permanent hostility. Violence in Nigeria; communal clashes, terrorism, insurgency, has deeply scarred Christian communities. That pain is absolutely real and should never be dismissed. But instead of channeling grief into accountability against specific criminals, it is often redirected toward Islam itself. An entire faith becomes guilty by association. This allows rage to feel righteous and prejudice to feel justified. Healing is replaced with blame. Fifth, the echo chamber effect. Social media, WhatsApp groups, sermons, and Christian television recycle the same narratives daily: Islam is violent, Muslims are deceptive, coexistence is impossible. Any Muslim counter-argument is dismissed as “taqiyya” (often misunderstood and misused). Dialogue is treated as betrayal. In such an environment, despising Islam becomes not just acceptable, but virtuous. Finally, the uncomfortable truth. Many Nigerian Christians do not merely dislike Islam, they resent its resilience. Despite centuries of opposition, colonial disruption, media hostility, and global demonization, Islam remains intellectually coherent, spiritually disciplined, and socially rooted. That endurance challenges the assumption that Christianity is Nigeria’s inevitable moral endgame. This exposition is not a plea for sympathy, nor a denial of real tensions. It is a mirror. Disdain rooted in fear, double standards, and insecurity does not weaken Islam it corrodes coexistence. Nigeria’s problem is not that Christians and Muslims disagree. It is that too many have decided the other must be diminished for themselves to feel secure. 2 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by richeeyo(m): 10:34am On Jan 15 |
STOP CHANGING NARRATIVES NIGERIAN CHRISTIANS ARE NEVER IN YOUR BUSINESS YOU GUYS WANTS TO MAKE SURE ALL CHRISTIANS DIE YOUR WRITE UP IS TRASH 4 Likes |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 10:52am On Jan 15 |
richeeyo:How many muslims has ever tried to assasinate you in real life? 3 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 10:52am On Jan 15 |
Christians see Muslims as the greatest opposition to the growth of Christianity! Islam emphasises strictly one God! The oneness is clear, indivisible. Also the definition of God is clear without mysteries! God is unlimited, All-Knowing and Eternal! He is distinct and superior to all His creations at all times! He does not die, nor become man, nor needs any help from any of his creations! He begets no one nor is He begotten! And there's no one comparable to Him! 3 Likes |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by EmperorIsaac(m): 11:47am On Jan 15 |
No one likes death! |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by richeeyo(m): 4:20pm On Jan 15 |
AntiChristian:four with weapons, and the fifth claiming master of taekwando😂😂😂 Locked in up in a room together Fellow teblik cake to threaten me I moved out of the area and showed them street love Till they left |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 4:48pm On Jan 15 |
richeeyo:So show us where Islam says muslims should do all that? Those things you highlighted are done by louts (aka touts) outside religion! 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Truvelisback(m): 10:33pm On Jan 15 |
AntiChristian:You know the truth, stop beating around the bush. Christians despise Islam because of violence and terrorism. 2 Likes |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 5:30am On Jan 16 |
Truvelisback:You should hate Yahweh and Moses too! There are worse massacres and genocides in the Bible! Even babies are killed! Isn't that hypocrisy? 1 Like |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Lukuluku69(m): 11:36am On Jan 16 |
Op, thank you for this beautiful eye opening treatise. Tuesday Nigerian Christians have been taught hate against Islam and Muslims right from when they learn to say "Dada". I have come to live with it. It doesn't mean anything Tommy any longer. It is like the proverbial water off the back of a Duck. |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Truvelisback(m): 7:37pm On Jan 16 |
AntiChristian:You know your religion better. They are the opposite of the word "Islam", which they claim that it means "Peace". People who can't co-exist with others peaceful. 2 Likes |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 8:03am On Jan 17 |
Truvelisback:Salam is peace! Islam is submission to the one and only God! |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Truvelisback(m): 8:36am On Jan 17 |
AntiChristian:Their submission is driven by violence and terrorism. 2 Likes |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 9:43am On Jan 17 |
Truvelisback:Apostasy is punishable by Death - Na so Yahweh say o! 1. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 (NIV) "If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, ‘Let us go and worship other gods’... do not yield to them or listen to them. Show them no pity. Do not spare them or shield them. You must certainly put them to death. Your hand must be the first in putting them to death..." This passage commands the death penalty for anyone who tries to lead others into idolatry. 2. Deuteronomy 17:2-5 (NIV) "If a man or woman living among you in one of the towns the Lord gives you is found doing evil in the eyes of the Lord your God... worshiping other gods... then you must bring them to your town gate and stone them to death." This law prescribes stoning for those who commit apostasy by worshiping other gods. 3. Leviticus 20:2-5 (NIV) "Say to the Israelites: ‘Any Israelite or any foreigner residing in Israel who sacrifices any of his children to Molek is to be put to death... I myself will set my face against that person and will cut them off from their people...'" This passage condemns idolatrous practices associated with apostasy, with the death penalty. 4. Joshua 7:19-26 (Story of Achan) Achan’s sin of taking forbidden items and causing Israel’s defeat is treated as a form of apostasy, and he and his family are put to death. 5. 1 Kings 18:40 (NIV) "Then Elijah commanded the people, 'Seize the prophets of Baal! Don’t let anyone get away!' They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there." This event shows the execution of false prophets who led people into apostasy. 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Antlisiam: 12:13pm On Jan 17 |
The reason is this 1 Quran 9:5 The Sword Verse 2. Quran 9:29: fite People of the Book (Jews/Christians) until they pay jizya (poll tax) 3. Quran 2:190 4. Quran 60:8 5. Quran 2:191-193 6. Quran 2:244 7. Quran 2:216 8. Quran 3:56 9. Quran 3:151 10. Quran 4:74 11. Quran 4:76 12. Quran 4:89 13. Quran 4:95 14. Quran 4:104 15. Quran 5:33 16. Quran 8:12 17. Quran 8:15 18. Quran 8:39 19. Quran 8:57 20. Quran 8:67 21. Quran 9:123 |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Truvelisback(m): 1:50pm On Jan 17 |
AntiChristian:What you should know is that then, God was the God of Israel only based on the covenant He had with their fathers and that was why it was that way and then, they were under the law but now it isn't so because those laws are no longer effect. 2 Likes |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 5:41am On Jan 18 |
Truvelisback:This is false! Were the people of Jonah israelites? And even if that is true then it's still the same! Those things you accuse terrorists of today have all been commanded by the God of Israel before in your Bible. So if we call them terrorists what about the person that sent them? |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Truvelisback(m): 3:47pm On Jan 18 |
AntiChristian:You know what I am saying. There is no terrorism in Christianity unlike Islam. Islam is the reason for insecurity in Nigeria and the world in large. 2 Likes |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Kobojunkie: 5:26am On Jan 19*. Modified: 10:17pm On Jan 20 |
AntiChristian:Ah! So, what you are insinuating is that if no serial killer has never directly informed me of an assassination attempt on my own life, I should therefore not live my life cautious of fall prey to serial killers with all the statistics out there revealing that their numbers are not abating? That literally seems like what a serial killer/murderer would say to a potential prey. 😂😂😂 1 Like |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Kobojunkie: 5:30am On Jan 19 |
AntiChristian:YHWH wey talk all this dismantle his own country by bring war, captivity, and exile on his people beginning over 2500 years ago. But here we are, 2500 years later, and a muslim is literally using the quotes of a YHWH who exiled and cursed his own people, as justifications for killings carried out by people who have absolutely nothing to do with YHWH and have literally no nation to claim as their own. 🥱🥱🥱 That a human will stoop to this level is beyond sad! 🥱🥱 |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 5:08pm On Jan 19 |
Kobojunkie:How do you know they have nothing to do with YHWH? They are doing less than the attrocities YHWH commanded and you no dey shame at all! |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 5:09pm On Jan 19 |
Kobojunkie:Is this how you were taught to comprehend? |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 5:12pm On Jan 19 |
Truvelisback:Answer the question! What the God that commanded killings in the old testament different from the one in the New Testament? Is the God of the Old Judaism God - Brutal and violent! And God of the New Testament - Meek and Princely Prince of peace? If na same God - He don change o! No be the same yesterday, today and forever again o! |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Kobojunkie: 5:14pm On Jan 19 |
AntiChristian:That is your comprehension turned around at you there. 🥱🥱🥱 |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Kobojunkie: 5:17pm On Jan 19 |
AntiChristian:It is written right there in the books. 🥱🥱🥱 2. Wow!, we are comparing the works of Islamic terrorists to the God of Israel now? 🥱🥱🥱 3. I don't fight for YHWH...and I don't compare myself to YHWH. I can't pretend shame on behalf of a God of Israel. Same way I am not a representative for the Greek gods or the gods of Nigeria. 🥱🥱🥱 |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 5:30pm On Jan 19 |
Kobojunkie:But they are killing Kids like YHWH! Look at today's Israel? Na only direct slavery remains! 2. Wow!, we are comparing the works of Islamic terrorists to the God of Israel now? 🥱🥱🥱Of course! The so called terrorists are by far better. Haven't you seen Samson whenever Holy Spirit enters him? He just goes on a killing spree! Na so Boko haram dey do! 3. I don't fight for YHWH...and I don't compare myself to YHWH. I can't pretend shame on behalf of a God of Israel. Same way I am not a representative for the Greek gods or the gods of Nigeria. 🥱🥱🥱So which God do you represent wey never command carnage? |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 5:31pm On Jan 19 |
Kobojunkie:No! Your thought brought bare! No be wetin i mean you type! Not even close! |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Kobojunkie: 6:06pm On Jan 19*. Modified: 6:35pm On Jan 19 |
AntiChristian:Oh! So, your Allah, who affirmed the words given by YHWH to His people— bani Israil—, sent out his own people to go out killing folks as supposed as YHWH did? Is this how you explain why terrorists in Islam kill numerous muslims every single year in the name of Allah? 🥱🥱 2. Direct slavery? For the longest, Islam has been about exactly that... direct enslavement of all those who do not bow to its many different mandates. So, what in the world are you on about? Look at what is happening today in Iran. Are those being killed not considered Islamic slaves who deserve no freedom from their oppressors? 🥱🥱🥱 3. Oh, I see! The massacres of people across the world daily in the name of Islam are by far better than the killings carried out by the nation of Israel, courtesy of the commandments of their YHWH thousands of years ago. Now I get it! 🥱🥱 4. I don't represent any deity. However, I see that you represent Mohammed and his Allah well. You are indeed a product of Islam! 🥱🥱 |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by AntiChristian: 8:56am On Jan 20 |
Kobojunkie:Terrorists are devilish and should be deterred whoever they are whether Muslim. Christian, USA, Israel or whatever! Where did Allah affirm Bani Israel to go killing others as in the Bible? I think those terrorists are filled with the same spirit that empowered Samson! They are killing Philistines! 2. Direct slavery? For the longest, Islam has been about exactly that... direct enslavement of all those who do not bow to its many different mandates. So, what in the world are you on about? Look at what is happening today in Iran. Are those being killed not considered Islamic slaves who deserve no freedom from their oppressors? 🥱🥱🥱But Islam has not slave Qur'an like there was Slavery Bible! You are just lying through your teeth! Iran is a diplomatic country and may not represent Islam. Why not talk about Saudi and UAE? Hypocri...! 3. Oh, I see! The massacres of people across the world daily in the name of Islam are by far better than the killings carried out by the nation of Israel, courtesy of the commandments of their YHWH thousands of years ago. Now I get it! 🥱🥱Are Killings done in the name of Islam or you labelled it as such? Just as Samson killed himself with 3000 Philistine to retaliate them blinding him, majority of the killings are retaliatory! Same as Numbers 31. 4. I don't represent any deity. However, I see that you represent Mohammed and his Allah well. You are indeed a product of Islam! 🥱🥱What you see may be wrong. I will like to inform you that among what a Muslim must ''believe in'' is to believe in the Prophets as stated in the authentic Islamic texts. This Prophets includes Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isma'eel (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Yaqoob (Jacob), Ayyob (Job), Yoonus (Jonah), Haroon (Aaron), Sulaiman (Solomon), Dawud (David), Idrees (Enoch), Dhul Kifl (Isaiah), Lut (Lot), Zakariyya (Zachariah), Ilyaas (Elijah), Al-Yasa (Elisha), Yahya (John), 'Eesa (Jesus) and Muhammad (Peace be upon them all). And the knowledge of their numbers belongs to Allah only! We believe all of them were sent by Allah to certain set of people. Some were given Inspired Books like Torah (Musa), Zabur (Dawud) Injeel ('Eesa), Qur'an (Muhammad), etc. |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by BlackfireX: 12:40pm On Jan 20 |
Ok I am here now The best is for you to study Islam and see for yourself. A religion based on lies , empty claims and more lies . Correction: Christain don't hate Muslims |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by Kobojunkie: 4:04pm On Jan 20*. Modified: 1:30am On Jan 21 |
AntiChristian:1. Mohammed was a slave owner. To this very day, much of the Islamic world continues to enslave those whom they consider beneath them — we are talking of over 1000 years of slavery tradition, practised to this very day in much of the Islamic world. Yet you think calling me a liar will make all that vanish into thin air? 🥱🥱🥱 2. Yes, much like Mohammed himself did throughout his lifetime as he went around plundering and pillaging. 3. According to the Book, Samson's major deal was the destruction of the Philistines, who came harassing and bullying his people in his own land of Israel. I am not certain why you think twisting the story into what it ain't would somehow help drive your lies home. Philistine history centers on a Sea Peoples group from the Aegean (likely Crete) who settled the southern Canaanite coast around 1200 BCE, forming a five-city league (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, Ekron) and becoming Israel's major Iron Age rivals, known for their distinct culture, early iron use, and eventual assimilation into Assyrian and Babylonian empires by the 6th century BCE. They were a significant, distinct power in ancient Levant for centuries, blending Aegean origins with local Canaanite culture before disappearing as a people.Philistinian history has it that they came pillaging and plundering, but were driven out by people like Samson from the land. 🥱🥱🥱 4. These are worthless stories you tell, given what is in fact written in your Quran and your Hadiths as well, which detail a belief based on the ideas and whims of a mere man who had nothing factual to state on any issues. |
| Re: Why Nigerian Christians Despise Islam? by stainzville: 7:16am On Jan 24 |
Light and darkness no dey mix |
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