“Protests Against Leaders Not Recognised in Islam” — Ex-Kwara Grand Khadi

Former Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Shari’a Court of Appeal, Justice Salihu Muhammad, has urged Nigerians to refrain from publicly condemning their leaders, saying Islam prescribes prayers and constructive advice instead of protests or insults.

Speaking in Ilorin, the retired jurist described political office as a trust from God, stressing that while leaders must govern with sincerity, citizens are enjoined to respect them and offer guidance through lawful means.

“Government offices are a trust from Allah and the people. Leaders must discharge them with sincerity. But as followers, our role is to pray for government and guide them with advice. Condemnation and abuse are not the way of Islam,” he said.

Justice Muhammad added that even when leaders fall short of expectations, staging demonstrations or publicly criticising them is not sanctioned in Islamic law. “Peaceful protest or whatever name you call it is not recognised in Islam. You pray for guidance for those in power,” he noted.

He further called for the regulation of religious preaching across all faiths in Nigeria, warning that the absence of standards allows unqualified individuals to assume religious authority. “The moment you can say ‘Allahu Akbar’, people call you Mallam. That is wrong. There must be law and regulation for both Christian and Muslim preachers. It should be a national policy,” he declared.

The retired Grand Khadi, who is also a UN peace ambassador, distanced Islam from terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes, describing them as signs of the end of time. He urged families to take early responsibility in curbing such vices by guiding their children properly.

Recalling his experience mediating conflicts in Sudan, Gambia, London, Malaysia and the United States, Muhammad said his engagements reinforced his conviction that constructive dialogue and mutual respect remain the foundations of lasting peace.