MSS president deplores blasphemy, urges religious tolerance

The National President of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Ameer Muhammadu Jameel Muhammadu, has warned against blasphemous statements that can jeopardise the peace and unity of the country.
This is coming on the heels of the recent religious crisis that led to the closure of Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, following two days of unrest between Muslim and Christian students, which resulted in the death of a student with several buildings burnt down.
He noted that blasphemy was the exhibition of irreverent behaviour or language towards God, religion or anything held sacred.
He said, “It is a sensitive issue for many, especially those who have an unshakeable faith in their beliefs, religious leaders, holy book, places of worship and rituals. Every true Muslim loves and regards the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Founder of Islam, more than any other human being. A Muslim may tolerate insults against his parents, relatives or friends, but he cannot endure anyone mocking the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“But Islam teaches a Muslim how to respond to insults against the Prophet (SAW), or for that matter, insults directed at God or anything sacred; unfortunately, many Muslims assert that death or other harsh measures are the only possible punishments for those who commit blasphemy.”
He said this act was, however, incorrect as both the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah taught different lessons.
“In Quran, Surah Al-Maidah, Chapter 9, the practice of the Holy Prophet (SAW) enjoined fair treatment of all, including one’s enemies. It is quoted thus, ‘O ye who believe! Be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do.’”
According to Jameel, Islam does not only condemn the blaspheming of God but it also protects the feelings of polytheists, by forbidding Muslims from attacking their idols.
“On this point, the Holy Qur’an in Surah Al-Kafirun states, ‘And revile not those whom they call upon beside Allah, lest they, out of spite, revile Allah in their ignorance…,’” he said.
Jameel added that, unfortunately, certain misguided Muslim groups were attributing teachings to Islam that had nothing whatsoever to do with it.
He said, “The media happily relays these stories to the world without considering the fact that such acts are not representative of Islam’s true teachings. Islam teaches Muslims to be sensitive to the sensibilities of others, no matter how strongly they disagree with them. The implication of this verse is that, if it is not permitted for Muslims to slander false idols, it certainly cannot be permissible for Muslims to defile other sects within Islam or other religions.”
He concluded that there should be peaceful coexistence between religions, saying, “It is a pity that the media wrongly targets Islamic laws to try and prove that Islam discharges harsh, excessive and medieval justice, whereas the reality is that these laws do not reflect true Islam; only a completely erroneous interpretation of the Islamic law.”
“Muslims and Christians should continue to live in peace, and love one another and coexist peacefully. Whether we like it or not, Muslims cannot eliminate Christians from the country, likewise, Christians cannot eliminate Muslims. So, there
is no reason to hate one another. Both Muhammed and Jesus preached love; it is both evident in their holy books.”