Muslim leadership should denounce Boko Haram - Imam urges

Alhaji Faisal Abdul-Rahaman, Imam of Hohoe branch of Ahlussuna Wall-Jamaa, on Monday, called on Muslim clerics and leaders to denounce and condemn openly atrocities being perpetrated by Boko Haram in Nigeria.

He said the teachings of Islam abhorred abduction and taking of a fellow Muslim's life, more so women and children and that atrocities being visited on mankind by the group could not be related to Islam.

Alhaji Abdul-Rahaman, who spoke to the GNA after prayers to mark Eid-ul-Fitr, said ignorance on the virtues of Allah and misinterpretation of the Quran were responsible for some of these developments.

He said the Quran spelt out how conflicts should be resolved and through dialogue, arbitration leading to peaceful co-existence and not terrorism.

Alhaji Abdul-Rahaman said fundamentalism and extremist activities were alien to Islam and appealed to Muslims to embrace peace at all times for prosperity and development as these were the time-tested ideals of Prophet Mohammed.

Alhaji Tajudeen Mairiga, Sariki Zongo of Hohoe, reminded Muslims of the piety, fulfillment and steadfastness that they observed during the fasting period and said these must be sustained throughout the year.

He urged Muslims to eschew corruption, laziness and work hard to become stewards of change and development in the country.