Muslims urge massive campaign against terrorism

An Islamic group, Nasrul-lahi-l Fatih Society (NASFAT) has said the failure of many Islamic leaders to speak out on terrorist activities in some parts of the country is a way of supporting the perpetrators unintentionally, urging a massive campaign against terrorism and public enlightenment on peace, love and unity.

According to the group, this failure of the leaders to openly condemn killings of innocent people by Boko Haram, has given Islam negative impression to some people about the religion.

This was stated at a world press conference on Saturday in Lagos by the President of NASFAT,  Mr. Kamil Bolarinwa. The press conference was called to mark the group’s 21 years of existence.

Read also: Buhari pleads for help against terrorism

He lamented that while terrorists were often wrongly tagged Muslims, he said anybody could hide under the religion with a view to tarnishing its image.

“Religion does not promote terrorism, neither do race or ethnicity. It is people who perpetrate acts of terrorism. Our contemporary experience has shown that when it comes to sharing lucre, big men and women, Muslims and Christians, Imams and pastors alike, act as one to fleece society.

“But when it comes to terrorism, just because eyewitnesses hear the perpetrator say ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is great) before the trigger is pulled or before a suicide bomber blows himself up, that invariably is the conclusive evidence that the perpetrator is a Muslim. Allahu Akbar is sacred to Muslims, but it is simple and anybody can be taught to say it, Muslim or not.

“Unfortunately, many Muslim leaders have not risen as one to challenge this mindset and condemn terrorism perpetrated by groups of psychopaths masquerading as Muslims. By their loud silence and indifference, they unwittingly create impression of support for these terrorists. And for us at NASFAT, our 21st anniversary provides a unique opportunity for new partnerships for public enlightenment and mass education of people on what Islam truly stands for”, Bolarinwa said.

 

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