The Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) has watched keenly the ongoing protests in our dear country for the past two weeks.
The protests are organised by young men and women, protesting against police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and other forms of injustice, perpetuated especially by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a special unit of the police.
Prof TGO Gbadamosi, President of the group said Muslims are enjoined by Allah to support one another in what is just and fair. We are also advised to enjoin what is good and forbid what is wrong. Allah says;
“And let there arise from you a group (of people) enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, those will be the successful.” Q.3 : 104
And Our Prophet and mentor said:
“Whoever (amongst you) witnesses any evil, let him change it with his hand; if he is unable, let him change it with his tongue; if he is unable, let him hate it in his heart, and that is the least of faith. (Sahih Muslim, Book 1 no 79)
Our young “protesters” have come now to a glorious stage. They have enjoyed the sympathy and support of the masses. They have also attracted the attention of the legislative arms of government at both the federal and state levels. Above all, they have also attracted the attention of the executive arm of government at the state and federal levels. The executive arm of government has taken some actions in line with the articulated demands. Consequently, we can say that we have achieved glory so far.
Demanding for justice is a noble cause. In the light of this, we appeal to the protesters to remain focused on their noble objectives. We also urge them to be cautious lest those who do not identify with their high moral ideals nor share the patriotic objectives of their cause infiltrate their ranks and compromise the glory that has been achieved so far.
We also urge them to eschew violence in all its forms because violence in any form, detracts from the nobility of a cause.
In particular we should consider the wise and beautiful way of dealing with differences, captured from the norms of Islam by Imam Shafii (767-820 AD), one of the founders of the Islamic School of law:
“Always hate what is wrong, but do not hate the one who errs. Hate sin with all your heart, but forgive and have mercy on the sinner. Criticise speech, but respect the speaker. Our job is to wipe out disease, not the patient.”
Reported by Imam Adh-Dhahabi in Siyar Alam an-Nubala
We advise them to take advantage of their current glory to consider seriously getting to the negotiating table. This would enable agreement on modalities, strategies, and timelines; and this would take us from our glorious stage to ushering in a new and better Nigeria.
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