Goodluck Jonathan quoted as National Mosque Imam, Sholagberu, urges unity among Muslim sects

The Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate and Imam of the National Mosque in Abuja, Sheikh Dr. AbdulKadir Al-Salman Sholagberu, has emphasized that national development can only be achieved through unity, peaceful coexistence, and collaboration among religious groups and scholars.

Dr. Sholagberu made this call during his inaugural Jumat sermon and lecture at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday. He stressed that the happiness and progress of any nation are deeply rooted in the unity and righteousness of its preachers and scholars, which ultimately contributes to the country’s growth and development.

Quoting the Quran, he said: “And if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community; but they will not cease to differ, except whom your Lord has given mercy. And for that He created them…” (Al-Hud 11:118-119).

Addressing religious scholars, he urged them to bridge divides, emphasizing that no sect holds superiority over another:

“Scholars of the nation, it is time to unite ranks, an era of rapprochement between parties and sects. No party is better than the other. Remember your Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, who said: ‘If a man says, ‘People are doomed,’ then he is the most doomed of them.’” (Narrated by Muslim).

Dr. Sholagberu highlighted that true awakening within a nation begins with the enlightenment of individuals. He called on preachers to provide clear guidance to their communities:

“Our preachers must clarify the path before taking it, and become aware of it. They should clear the way before entering and light up with the lamp before nighttime.”

He further encouraged religious leaders to embrace mutual learning, forgiveness, and tolerance to foster societal advancement:

“Scholars of the nation, why don’t we excuse each other, learn from each other, and forgive each other?”

Addressing the issue of doctrinal disagreements, he reminded scholars of the value of diverse opinions in Islamic scholarship:

“Isn’t it correct according to Sharia and belief, or is it not among the established principles of religion, that we cite the words of someone who has made a mistake? And if our answer is ‘No,’ then you should not benefit from the knowledge of many of the scholars of Islam… If you do this, then peace be upon Islam.”

Dr. Sholagberu urged preachers to abandon hatred and adopt the principles of early Islamic scholars, who often referenced the works of those with differing views: “Preachers of the nation, cast hatred behind you, and follow the path of the great imams in exchange, taking and giving… The truth is accepted from any source, and whoever says it.”

He concluded by reminding Muslims to make up for missed Ramadan fasts and avoid negative behaviors such as holding grudges, dishonesty, hypocrisy, and other immoral acts:

“May God let me and you reach Ramadan, accept our offerings in it, and may God return it to us and to you for many years and times.”

In his remarks, the former Grand Khadi of Kwara State and Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, Salihu Mohammed, who represented the Emir of Ilorin, expressed confidence in Dr. Sholagberu’s capabilities and urged the congregation to support him.

“He can perform, he would be performing. We want you all to please give him your support so that he can succeed.”

Mohammed also advocated for harmony between Muslims and Christians.

Quoting the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan where he said if given the opportunity at presidency, he would like to mend fences among the Muslims, the Christians and other non Muslims, “because without unity Muslims cannot go to Christians, and without peace Christians cannot go to Muslims. So there is a need for us to synergise and work for visible coexistence.”