Islam: Sultan, Council Of Ulama Urges Unity Among Muslim Leaders, Calls For Uniformity In Preaching

The Council of Ulama in Nigeria has called for greater coordination and uniformity in Islamic preaching to prevent misinterpretation of the Qur’an and divisions among Muslims.

The call was made on Monday at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Council held at the headquarters of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna.

In a message to the conference, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged Islamic scholars to promote unity and strictly adhere to the teachings of Islam.

The Sultan, who was represented by the Secretary-General of JNI, Sheikh Khalid Aliyu, described Islam as a religion of peace and stressed the need for harmony among its followers.

He cautioned against preaching that promotes hatred, noting that such conduct could reflect a shallow understanding of the Qur’an and Islamic teachings.

The National Secretary of the Council, Prof. Muhammad Sadiq Abubakar, said the annual conference provides an opportunity for Islamic scholars to review developments affecting Muslims and the wider society.

Prof. Abubakar expressed concern that banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges had persisted despite repeated recommendations by religious leaders in the last five years.

He urged the Federal Government to strengthen its response by engaging security chiefs, setting clear performance targets and holding them accountable for results.

In a paper titled “Islamic Perspective on the Present Political Dispensation,” Dr Usman Muhammad Bugaje attributed the rising levels of poverty, moral decadence and insecurity partly to poor budget implementation.

Dr. Bugaje urged Muslim leaders to take an active role in democratic processes, noting that the Qur’an provides principles of leadership that promote justice and accountability.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, represented by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Alhaji Isa Ashiru Kudan, urged Islamic scholars to use their positions to promote moral values and social responsibility.

Atiku also cautioned religious leaders against openly favouring particular political candidates.

Similarly, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, represented by the Director-General of Interreligious Affairs, Mallam Tahir Umar Tahir, expressed concern over declining mutual respect among religious leaders.

Governor Sani urged them to see themselves as partners in promoting religious harmony and national development, and pledged his administration’s support for initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence.