By Muhammad Mamman
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerians to embrace a proper understanding of jihad, stressing that it has nothing to do with violence but everything to do with striving for excellence in life.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.), the Sultan cautioned against decades of misinterpretation by extremists and commentators who have wrongly equated jihad with terrorism.
“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can embrace violence in the name of the Prophet,” he said.
The Sultan noted that Islam, when rightly understood, promotes peace, justice and accountability. He emphasised that Islamic institutions — from mosques and scholars to traditional councils — have long played a stabilising role in Nigeria by mediating disputes, fostering tolerance, and reminding leaders of their responsibilities.
“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and fairness. Our democracy benefits from these principles, which are rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he added.
Calling for stronger interfaith dialogue, the Sultan stressed that Nigeria’s unity rests on mutual respect between Christians and Muslims. “If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national stability,” he said.
He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his experiences, describing the book as a timely contribution to Nigeria’s search for solutions to insecurity and national healing.
The event drew prominent figures including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior officers, and members of the diplomatic community.
