‘Refrain From Inciting Political Statements’
Muslim scholars in Osun State have cautioned Imams in the state to refrain from making inciting statements as political atmosphere begins to gather momentum ahead of the next year governorship election.
Speaking at the Osogbo Central Mosque during a seminar organised by the Association of Youths and ‘Ulama’u (AYU), for Imams drawn from different parts of the state, the Mufasir of Osogbo and facilitator of the seminar, Sheik Maruf Isola Olawale appealed to the Imams in the state to shun sentiments and always focus their preaching on genuine issues.
Sheik Maruf Isola explained that the seminar was designed to guide the Imams and Muslim clerics that participated on the best way to promote and propagate Islam in the most appropriate manner as practiced by Prophet Muhammed (SAW) without infringing on the rights of other people.
He admonished the Imams to refrain from inciting preaches that could trigger crises and disturb the peace enjoyed in the state. Sheik Maruf Isola said Imams must be careful in making political comments during their sermons because majority of their followers would take their words as direct order.
According to him, “it has become necessary for us to be proactive and guide against any action or utterance that may cause crisis in this state as we are approaching the 2018 governorship election in this state and the political gladiators and already warming up with their antics and intrigues.”
“I advise Imams in this state to remain focus and concentrate their sermons on the teaching of Islam, not politics. During the month of Ramadan, our Imams should centre their lecture on issues that concern Islam and Muslims rather than politics and politicians”.
