Muslim Clerics Condemn Boko Haram

Some prominent Islamic clerics in Rivers State have joined other Muslim faithfuls to condemn the terrist activities of fundamental group, Boko Haram, saying the sect is made of “deviants” who are bent in denting the image of Islam.

Barring their mind in a weekly media-phone-in programme organized by Silverbird Communications at the weekend in Port Harcourt, the Islamic scholars said the group agitations were baseless.

Imam of Asuno Mosque at Eligbolo, Port Harcourt, Sheik Shaffi Kosim, argued that contrary to the belief of the group, Islam does not condone the killing of innocent people.

He remarked, “No where in the Quran did they approve taking of innocent lives. And as far as I am concerned, there is a clear distinction between what they are doing and the cardinal principles of Islam”.

Sheik Kosim argued that the western education which Boko Haram kicks against does not make faithful unbelievers, since it does not condemn Islamic teachings.

In his views, Imam of Eneka Mosque, Sheik Abdusani Abdulsalam, opined that there is nothing wrong with western education, “the truth is that the group cardinal belief is against western education”, he added.

On the tactics used by Boko Haram, Sheik Abdulsalam explained that the problem stems from a misconception and wrong interpretation of some portions of the Quran, “the first command for Jihad is for self-defense. So the Holy Prophet did not direct Muslims to be aggressors. We are only allowed to fight enemies and to fight injustice”.