Between Governor Bago and Some Islamic Clerics…
By Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi
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In recent time, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, issued a warning to certain misguided preachers who spread hatred and division within society. He stated that any cleric found engaging in such conduct would face severe government sanctions.
In response, some Islamic clerics expressed dissatisfaction with the governor’s position. However, the question that arises is: Was the governor right in taking this stance? Is it acceptable for preachers to spread hatred and hostility? According to Islamic teachings, how should a preacher deliver sermons within society?
From an objective standpoint, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s warning to preachers who promote hatred and division within society is justified.
As the leader of his state, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has a responsibility to safeguard peace and promote social cohesion. Therefore, warning preachers who use the pulpit to incite hatred and sow division can reasonably be viewed as a legitimate effort to protect public security and preserve unity.
Nevertheless, any action taken by the government must remain within the bounds of the law and must not infringe upon the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
In reality, sermons that foster hostility, hatred and discord do not contribute to building a healthy society. When a preacher habitually insults others or portrays a particular group or Islamic school of thought as worthless or inferior, such rhetoric can provoke conflict, misunderstanding, and social unrest.
Virtually all religions advocate peace, justice and respect for human dignity. Consequently, using religious sermons to inflame tensions and fuel conflict runs contrary to these fundamental principles.
In Islam, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) set the perfect example of wisdom, compassion and gentleness in preaching. Allah (SWT), in the glorious Qur’an, commands those who invite others to the faith to do so with wisdom, sincere and gracious counsel and respectful dialogue.
This clearly demonstrates that the purpose of preaching is to reform character and guide people toward righteousness, not to create hostility or spread hatred. Likewise, preachers should recognize that every society consists of people with diverse opinions, Islamic schools of thought and religious beliefs.
Therefore, they should use words that inspire calmness and understanding, avoid statements that could provoke the public and focus their sermons on noble character, truthfulness, integrity, patience, and mutual support. Effective preaching is that which unites hearts rather than divides them.
On the other hand, the government should distinguish between respectful, constructive criticism delivered through sermons and preaching that incites hatred or violence. Religious leaders have the right to express their views on societal issues and governance, provided they do so respectfully, responsibly, and with sound evidence.
Accordingly, any punitive action should only follow a thorough investigation and strict adherence to due legal process, so that no one is treated unjustly. The most appropriate approach is for the government to work collaboratively with religious scholars, religious institutions and community leaders to establish clear guidelines for preaching and organize public awareness programmes.
Such cooperation would help promote sermons that strengthen society while minimizing the misuse of the pulpit to disseminate messages capable of provoking conflict.
Conclusively, peace and unity are the cornerstones of every prosperous society. Therefore, when a preacher embodies wisdom, justice and sincerity, his sermons become a source of guidance and enlightenment for the people.
Similarly, when the government enforces the law fairly and without bias, it creates a proper balance between protecting the right to preach and safeguarding public peace. This remains the most effective path toward building a society founded on mutual respect, understanding, harmony, and lasting peace.
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