spot_img

8 Popular Islamic Scholars That Publicly Oppose Abuja Qur’an Convention

The Nigeria Qur’an Convention being proposed by some Islamic scholars generates divergent reactions continuously since it was made public. Religious organisations, individual Islamic scholars and the laity are still exchanging views on the plausibility or otherwise of the conference scheduled for February 22, 2025.

The organisers have rechristened the event ‘Qur’an Convention’ after public criticism of the earlier nomenclature ‘Qur’an Festival’.

Related Posts

WikkiTimes earlier reported 10 prominent Islamic clerics that have publicly supported the Conference from across different sects and creeds in the country.

The organisers noted that they aim to promote unity and build a strong Ummah through celebrating the longstanding tradition of Qur’anic knowledge in Nigeria. The event has gained support from the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Kaduna headquarters, Tijjaniyya Sufi Order, the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III among others.

However, despite massive endorsement, other prominent clerics in the North have openly criticized the convention arguing that the event has no place in Islam, thus a bid’ah (religious innovation).

The conference also, it was alleged, was primarily to bolster the support base of President Tinubu whose political fortune is waning as a result of his harsh economic policies that many Nigerians found unpalatable. The President said the policies are meant for economic reforms for the long-term interest of Nigeria. 

Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket was backed by majority of Islamic establishment in Nigeria. Critics of the conference propagate that the Government is likely to use the event to promote prospects of Tinubu’s reelection come 2027. The organisers flatly denied such allegation.  

Sheikh Sani Yayaha Jingir, the leader of the Jos-headquartered faction of the JIBWIS has disassociated himself from the project. Sheikh Jingir has staunchly promoted muslim-muslim candidature of Tinubu and Shettima. Despite his previous records of championing the “Muslim-Muslim ticket”, Jingir has severely criticised the Qur’an convention. He argued that it was not even sanctioned by the President. He accused the orginisers of planning to use the Holy Book other than what is supposed to be used for. Sheikh Kabir Gombe reacted to the allegation and harshly accused Jingir of having grudge with them.

Dr Ahmad Abubakar Gumi is a Kaduna-based cleric reputed for his stern and blunt positions on issues such as politics and security. He described the event as having no basis in Islam. He noted that although the convener was said to have learnt about a similar event in Indonesia and decided to replicate it in Nigeria, the Cleric argued that Islam is not learnt from any country even Saudi Arabia. He said classical Islamic texts remain the guiding light for the faithful.

Dr Idris Abdul’aziz Dutsen Tanshi is Bauchi based. Although he has been out of public limelight due to his reported illness, his Naib Malam Sagir Adamu who led Jumuah prayer in Dutsen Tanshi Mosque last Friday condemned the event as religious innovation. Malam Sagir is the current face of Dr Idris who is known for his severe criticism of government policies that incurr hardship on the masses

Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa. Sheikh Lukuwa is a Sokoto based Islamic cleric who openly opposed the Convention in his lectures which went viral on social media especially on Facebook. He strongly reminded the Izala leaders of their stand on acts which are against the teaching of Islam, arguing that if Maulud (birthday celebration of the Prophet) is bidi’a as advocated by Izala, why will they innovate the Qur’an convention since it has no basis in Islamic history and culture?

Sheikh Ishaq Adam is also a prominent Islamic cleric from Kano who uses his places of lectures and sermons to oppose the event. According to him, if the idea is to promote Qur’an teachings and knowledge, why can’t the organizers support Qur’anic teachers and their students? Why would they be in Abuja to celebrate the Qur’an when they always recite and tutor their students, he queried.

Sheikh Murtala Bello Asada Sokoto is another scholar that openly critized the Tinubu’s policies especially on the insecurity in the North West region. Known for his candid discussions on various socio-political issues, Bello Asada has been utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook to provide commentary on the actions of government and its officials. He fiercely criticized both terrorists and government for the lingering insecurity.

Professor Sani Abubakar Lugga, the 5th Wazirin Katsina has also cautioned Islamic scholars against participating in the event. His major concerns were that it might politicize religious practices, giving references to past events where political involvement in religious activities led to unfavorable outcomes. He advised scholars to avoid actions that could be perceived as exploiting religion for political purposes.

Sheikh Abbas Isah Jega is a Kebbi state based prominent Islamic scholar, renowned for his extensive knowledge and teachings in Islamic jurisprudence and theology. He counselled the clerics against engaging in the convention which he explained as wrong.

WikkiTimes learnt that the organisers have moved to the next phase of the convention which is opening of online application form for prospective participants to register.

Send us tip

If you or someone you know has a lead, tip or personal experience about this report, our WhatsApp line is open and confidential for a conversation

Latest stories