Islam Abhors Protests Against Leaders, Former Grand Khadi Declares

A former grand khadi of the Shari’a Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Kwara State, Justice Salihu Muhammad, has cautioned Nigerians against public condemnation of the nation’s leaders.

The retired jurist and preacher who spoke with LEADERSHIP in Ilorin, maintained that Islam prescribes prayers and constructive advice for leaders instead of staging protests or abusing them.
He said since political office is a trust from God, citizens have a duty to respect and guide those in authority through lawful means.

“Government offices are a trust from Allah and the people. Leaders must discharge them with sincerity. But as followers, our role is to pray for government and guide them with advice. Condemnation and abuse are not the way of Islam,” he said.

He stated that even when government fails to meet expectations, public protests and criticisms are not sanctioned by Islamic law

“Peaceful protest or whatever name you call it, is not recognised in Islam. You pray for guidance for those in power,” he stressed.

Muhammad urged the government to establish a regulatory framework for religious preaching across faiths.

“The moment you can say ‘Allahu Akbar’, people call you malam. That is wrong. There must be laws and regulations for both Christian and Muslim preachers. It should be a national policy,” he declared.

The UN peace ambassador distanced Islam from terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes, describing them as signs of the end of time.

He urged Nigerians to begin addressing the menace of violent crimes at the family level by guiding their children early.

Muhammad, who earned his UN peace ambassador title after a presentation at a Baptist Convention in the United States, recalled mediating conflicts in Sudan, Gambia, London, Malaysia and the US.

He said his experiences reinforced his belief that constructive dialogue and mutual respect are the foundation of peace.