The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has moved to dispel long‑held misconceptions about Islam and its teachings, insisting that Jihad does not mean violence and that Islam strongly rejects extremism in any form.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday , October 3, at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book by former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Sultan said misinterpretations of Islamic principles have done immense damage to Nigeria’s unity and peace.
He stressed that contrary to misconceptions, Jihad is about personal striving to live a life of excellence, not killing.
“Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim by a Muslim. Jihad means to strive, and in whatever you do in life, you strive to be the best you can be,” the Sultan explained.
“You strive to be a good Muslim, you strive to be a good Christian, you strive to be a good farmer, or a good engineer.
“So, Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim; that’s a wrong notion people have been airing out for decades,” he added.
The monarch, who also serves as Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, noted that Islam operates on a clear framework of values rooted in the Holy Quran, the Hadith, and consensus among respected clerics. He said any attempt to justify extremism using religion is misplaced.
“Anybody coming outside these to say things that he really doesn’t know about is not for Islam because Islam abhors extremism. You cannot be an extremist and then claim to be a good Muslim,” he stated.
Abubakar urged Nigerians to be cautious when framing their conversations about insecurity, saying careless language often fuels division instead of solutions.
READ ALSO: Jihadists Now Recruiting on TikTok as Violence Surges in Borno
“So, let’s come closer as one big family with different backgrounds to forge ahead to make this country a better country,” he urged.
The Sultan also pushed back against suggestions that Islam is about seizing political power, clarifying the true spirit behind the faith.
“Islamism is not aimed at seizing power at any particular forum. Islam is after good governance in society,” he emphasized.
Citing past experiences, he said his call for leaders to embody Islamic values of justice and fairness once led to accusations of political interference, including during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term campaign. But he insisted his position was driven by principle, not politics.
He further pointed out that Nigeria’s Muslim community supported leaders across faiths, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, without discrimination.
The Sultan noted that misinterpretations of Jihad and Islam have been exploited by extremists like Boko Haram to justify their campaign of violence, a distortion he insists Muslims must strongly correct.
The event brought together key figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, governors, service chiefs, clerics, and other dignitaries, all seeking fresh perspectives on tackling the Boko Haram insurgency.
In closing, the Sultan commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his experiences in the fight against terrorism, describing it as a courageous effort that would serve as a resource for future generations.