The Sultan of Sokoto says Islamism promotes good governance, not political domination, and stresses that Jihad means striving for excellence, not violence.
The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has clarified that Islamism in Nigeria is focused on promoting good governance rather than seizing political power.
Speaking at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book by former Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, the Sultan rejected misconceptions surrounding Islamism and Jihad.
“Islamism is not aimed at seizing power… Islam is after good governance in society,” he said, noting that Muslims supported former President Goodluck Jonathan during his tenure.
Addressing long-held misinterpretations, he added, “Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim by a Muslim… Jihad means to strive to be the best you can be.”
The Sultan condemned extremism, stating, “You cannot be an extremist and then claim to be a good Muslim.” He urged unity across religious and ethnic lines to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.