Sultan Tasks Muslims On Unity, Religious Freedom At NSCIA Assembly

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for renewed unity and purposeful leadership among Nigerian Muslims.
He said the council’s long-awaited General Assembly must strengthen its capacity to serve the Ummah.

The Sultan, who addressed Muslim leaders and delegates at the NSCIA General Assembly at the Conference Room of the National Mosque, Abuja, said the prolonged absence of the General Assembly had not stopped the council from functioning, as expanded meetings of its General Purpose Committee had continued to provide a platform for consultation among Muslim leaders.

The gathering was the council’s first General Assembly in about seven years, a development the Sultan described as significant for the Muslim community.

He, however, noted that such meetings could not replace the General Assembly, which has specific responsibilities within the structure of the council.

“There are things we cannot do unless we convene the General Assembly,” the Sultan said.
He attributed the failure to convene the assembly for several years partly to financial difficulties, saying the council had been compelled to seek assistance to sustain its activities and fulfil its responsibilities to Muslims across the country.

The Sultan urged delegates to use the gathering to reflect on the challenges confronting both Nigeria and the wider world, stressing that Muslims had important responsibilities to fulfil in promoting peace, stability and the welfare of society.

He said the current circumstances required Muslim leaders to be more attentive and united rather than remain passive in the face of developments affecting their faith and community.

The Sultan also stressed the importance of preserving religious freedom, saying Muslims should be allowed to practise their faith without hindrance.

He made it clear, however, that the Muslim community did not seek to impose Islam on anyone, stressing that conversion should remain a matter of personal choice.

“We do not intend to force anybody to join Islam,” he said, citing the Islamic principle that there should be no compulsion in religion.

He added that Muslims should instead protect and support those who freely chose to embrace Islam and assist them in living according to their faith.

The Sultan further called for humility among Muslim leaders, warning against turning religious activities into avenues for personal recognition.

He noted that many people contributing to Islam and society do so quietly, without seeking public acknowledgement, while others may publicise their activities for recognition.

“The quiet ones are even more than the public ones,” he said, adding that Almighty Allah ultimately knows and rewards people’s deeds.

He reminded delegates that Islam teaches equality among people, saying no Muslim should consider himself superior to another on account of status, wealth or position.

“The Almighty Allah knows that all of us are equal before Him. The best amongst us is he who is most pious,” he said.

The Sultan thanked delegates for travelling from different parts of Nigeria to attend the assembly, describing them as members of one family who had gathered to exchange ideas and chart a better course for the Ummah.

He expressed hope that the deliberations would produce renewed commitment and practical steps towards strengthening the NSCIA and addressing issues affecting Muslims and the wider Nigerian society.