Sultan calls for unity among Muslims

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Nigerian Muslims to unite and protect their right to practise Islam.

He gave the advice at the General Assembly of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) in Abuja on Thursday.

The Sultan said the gathering was significant, coming about seven years after the council’s last General Assembly.

He said the meeting offered Muslim leaders from across the country an opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen their bonds as “one big family of Islam.”

He urged Muslims not to remain passive when issues affecting their faith and welfare arise.

According to him, Muslims should engage constructively to protect their religious interests while respecting the rights of others.

“What we need in this country and anywhere else is for us, as Muslims, to be allowed to practise our religion without hindrance.

“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,” he said.

He also urged Muslims to support those who voluntarily embrace Islam and assist them in practising their faith.

The Sultan called for humility and equality among Muslims, stressing that all people were equal before Almighty Allah.

“The best among us is he who is most pious,” he said.

He further encouraged Muslim leaders and members of the Ummah to continue serving humanity, whether publicly or quietly.