The chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Muhammed I, has urged Nigerians to support the government in achieving peace in the country, saying it is not solely government’s responsibility.
He made the call at the public presentation of a book titled; ‘Philosophy of War and Peace Under Islamic Law,’ authored by the head of Public and International Department in the Faculty of Law at Baze University in Abuja yesterday.
The traditional ruler stated that peace in Nigeria can be achieved all come together and acknowledge that it is not solely the government’s responsibility to tackle the challenge.
“Peace is everyone’s responsibility, and we must support the government’s efforts. The government is doing its utmost to create a better society for us. What we need to do is cooperate with the government.
“Everyone must make it their business to support the government and make whatever contribution, no matter how small, to ensure that we maintain peace in this country.
“It is achievable. It is not a mirage. Other countries that have achieved peace have done so not because they are better than us in any respect, but because of the commitment of the people and their love for their country,” he said.
The traditional ruler urged Nigerians to love the country and accept that no one will come to defend the country for them.
“Once that is done, what is this small thing (violence) going on that we cannot overcome and crush when we put our heads together? We can do it,” he said.
Speaking on the motive behind the book, the author, Dr. Nurean Dindi, said; “Considering the austerity happening across the world, a book like this is very timely. That’s why the title and philosophy of war and peace under Islamic law were chosen.”
According to him, the general misconception worldwide is that Islam is a religion of war.
“Everything attributed to Islam is viewed as hostile. Therefore, there is a need to let the world know the true concept of armed conflicts in Islam.
“Must there be war? Why should there be war? The singular purpose of war under Islamic law is to protect individuals, save lives, souls, and protect the religion itself.
“If nobody is aggressive against the Muslim world, there will be no war. There will be peace all around. If the jurisprudence of Islam in relation to war and peace is rightly observed, we will have less hostility and more peace in the world. This is the basic motive of writing the book,” Dr. Dindi said.
