The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has said nobody should be compelled to embrace Islam.
The Sultan made the statement while addressing the NSCIA General Assembly at the National Mosque in Abuja, where he called on Muslims to respect the rights and freedoms of people who practise other religions.
He stressed that conversion to Islam should be a matter of personal choice, noting that Muslims should not use force or coercion to influence anyone’s religious decision.
According to him, people who embrace Islam should do so willingly, adding that the faith does not support compulsion in matters of religion.
“We do not intend to force anybody to join Islam,” the Sultan said.
He added that many people had embraced Islam voluntarily, citing the Islamic principle that there is no compulsion in religion.
The Sultan also urged Muslims to practise their faith without hindrance while respecting the religious freedoms of others.
His comments come amid continuing concerns about religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. He has previously called on Christians and Muslims to avoid insulting one another and instead promote mutual respect.
At the same gathering, NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, called on Muslim parents to ensure their children receive both Islamic and Western education.
Oloyede also spoke about the role of government in Hajj administration, arguing that government involvement should focus on facilitating the pilgrimage rather than sponsoring people who cannot afford it.
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