Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organisations in Nigeria, FASON, has declared that Islam has no link with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or any other criminal activities.
The Islamic group noted that anyone who believes in the teachings and principles of Islam will not engage in any form of criminal activities against either individuals, groups or communities.
FASON National Amir, Sheikh Tajudeen Abdul-Kareem, made these revelations while addressing a press conference in Ibadan, Tuesday evening.
Abdul-Kareem, flanked by Deputy National Amir of FASON, Salisu Abdullahi, Amir of Universal Muslim Brotherhood, Abdulateef Olaniyan and Chairman of Sharia Panel in Oyo State, Sheikh Abdullahi Adedeji, noted that the press conference became necessary in view of the recent abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in Oyo State and negative comments made by some individuals and groups against Islam and the Muslims across the country.
Abdul-Kareem, while addressing the journalists, maintained that all the evil acts being committed by bandits or terrorists or any other groups in the country or any part of the world have no link or basis in Islam.
He quoted Qur’an 5:23 for the punishment for terrorism, bandits and other vices.
He added that those who are linking Islam with terrorism and other criminal activities are the enemies of Islam and the Muslims.
He then urged the federal government, State Governors and security agencies to immediately curtail insecurity across the country.
Abdul-Kareem, who said that members of the group have been praying for the release of 39 students and seven teachers who were kidnapped in Oriire local government area of Oyo State last month, condemned the abduction of the victims.
He also charged the governments to make laws and policies aimed at improving the living conditions of the people.
Abdul-Kareem said, “This press conference centres on the current issues in the country, especially, the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State. It also centres on our resolve to pray for the successful release of the people who are in captivity. It is over a week now that we have been praying for the successful release of the victims, we will continue to pray till they are released. We are also praying for the country to overcome all these challenges. We don’t want war in Nigeria or any other parts of the world.
“The bandits should stop it. It is better for them to stop it because it has no reward here and in heaven. We want the federal government, the state and local governments not to treat security issues with levity. Do not use the issue of banditry to cause problems in Oyo State.
“Do not attribute violence or banditry to Islam or the Muslims. We want people to know that Islam has no link with terrorism or kidnapping. People should know that. We also want to advise the governments at all levels to ensure that they do what they are supposed to do for the people. All those things that will make people more meaningful should be done.
“All those who are causing trouble should also know that it is not good. Whoever kills people unjustly should be killed. That is the judgment under Islamic injunction. The government should call itself to order. The people, too, should be careful. Don’t kill people unjustly. All those who are fomenting troubles are not Muslims. A good Muslim will not kill his fellow human; likewise, a good Christian will not kill his fellow human being unjustly.
“There are some people out there who want to destroy the image of Islam and the Muslims; they will not succeed. We should all work together for the sake of peace and harmony. A person who believes in Islam will not kill his fellow human being. The bandits should fear God. They should desist from those criminal activities because they are not good. The politicians should know that this is a political season. They should not mix politics with religion because they are different things”.
