The Chief Guest Lecturer at the Warri Muslim Community Central Mosque’s chieftaincy award programme, Dr Abbulmajeed Akorede Quadri, has dismissed the association of Islam with violence, terrorism and criminality, saying the religion promotes peace, submission to Allah and responsible conduct.
Quadri stated this on Sunday while delivering a lecture at the Warri Muslim Community Central Mosque’s chieftaincy award and fundraising programme held at Rice Farm, Esisi Road, Warri, Delta State.
The event also featured the turbaning of distinguished members of the mosque and a N95 million fundraising drive for the purchase of a 25-seater coaster bus to support the community’s religious and developmental activities.
In his lecture, Quadri identified what he described as common misconceptions about Islam, including claims that Muslims worship an idol called Allah, that the religion was spread by force, and that Muslims were associated with banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
He explained that Allah is the Arabic name for God, the Creator of the universe, and urged people to acquire a proper understanding of Islam rather than rely on misconceptions about its teachings.
According to him, Islam is a religion of submission to Allah and is practised by people across different nationalities, ethnic groups and continents, not only Arabs.
Quadri cited the global spread of Islam, including its large following in Indonesia, to support his argument that the religion is not restricted to any particular race or geographical region.
He also challenged the notion that Islam was spread through violence, describing the claim that Prophet Muhammad presented people with a choice between accepting the Qur’an and facing the sword as a misrepresentation of the religion’s history.
The lecturer further condemned the tendency to label Muslims collectively as terrorists, bandits, kidnappers or criminals because of the actions of some individuals.
He said criminality should not be confused with religious teachings, maintaining that the actions of individuals who commit offences do not necessarily represent the principles of the faith they profess.
Quadri urged Muslims to demonstrate the values of their religion through good character and conduct, noting that their behaviour could influence how others perceive Islam.
Addressing concerns about the position of women in Islam, he said women had rights, responsibilities and the capacity to own property and inherit wealth under Islamic teachings.
He maintained that men and women had different responsibilities within the religious framework but stressed that women should not be regarded as lacking rights or dignity because of their faith.
The lecturer also challenged the perception that begging was an acceptable practice in Islam, encouraging Muslims to embrace hard work, self-reliance and personal dignity rather than depend unnecessarily on alms.
He emphasised that Muslims should strive to earn a living and contribute positively to society, rather than allow the conduct of some individuals to define the religion.
Quadri also addressed misconceptions surrounding the treatment of non-Muslims, arguing against the assumption that Islam teaches Muslims to kill people who do not share their faith.
He called for greater understanding and peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds, stressing the importance of separating religious teachings from individual actions and societal prejudices.
Turning to the turbaning ceremony, the lecturer reminded the recipients that the titles conferred on them were recognition of their contributions to Islam and the Muslim community, as well as a call to greater responsibility.
He urged them to become more committed to their religious obligations, particularly regular prayers, worship and service to humanity.
Quadri cautioned that traditional and religious titles alone would not guarantee spiritual fulfilment, saying that personal devotion, good character and a sound relationship with Allah remained essential.
He prayed for the newly turbaned title holders, existing leaders and other participants, asking Allah to guide them and bless their contributions to the community.
The programme also featured a fundraising appeal for N95 million to purchase a 25-seater coaster bus for the mosque. The proposed vehicle is expected to facilitate transportation for Islamic programmes, educational activities, youth engagements, welfare services and community outreach.
The Chief Imam of Warri Central Mosque and Chairman of the Delta State League of Imams and Alfas, Prince Alhaji Biliamin Oritsetimeyin Emiko, said the turbaning exercise was both an honour and a call to service, urging the recipients to demonstrate integrity, unity and dedication.
Quoting Qur’an 2:261, which likens spending in the cause of Allah to a seed that produces a multiplied harvest, Emiko appealed to Muslim faithful, philanthropists, corporate organisations and friends of the community to support the bus project.
A representative of a political figure who was unable to attend the programme announced a donation of N5 million towards the project.
The representative said the donor had supported the Muslim community for about 22 years, including providing meals for Muslims to break their Ramadan fast, and urged the audience not to interpret the gesture as merely political.
The programme recognised Alhaji Chief Abdul-Qodir Akomolafe Alade as Baba Adeen; Alhaji Chief Asimiyu Gbadebo Salawu as Otun Baba Adeen; Chief Suleiman Mogbolagade Odejide as Asiwaju Adeen (Asiwaju of Warri central mosque); Chief Abideen Ademola Adebayo as Balogun Adeen; Chief Lukmon Adekunle Azeez as Otun Balogun Adeen; and Chief Kabiru Jimoh as Osupa Adeen of Warri Central Mosque.
The organisers expressed appreciation to the Muslim and non-Muslim guests who attended the programme, describing their participation as a demonstration of unity, religious tolerance and support for community development.