The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims to respect the religious choices of Nigerians, stressing that nobody should be forced to embrace Islam.
The Sultan made the call while addressing the NSCIA General Assembly at the National Mosque in Abuja, where he emphasised that freedom of religion remains an important principle that should be respected by all.
According to him, Islam does not support forcing people to accept the faith, noting that individuals should be allowed to make their religious decisions freely.
“We do not intend to force anybody to join Islam,” the Sultan said, adding that people who embrace Islam should do so willingly.
His comments come amid his repeated calls for peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims across the country.
The Sultan had also previously urged adherents of both religions to avoid provocative and insulting remarks capable of creating tension, stressing that neither Christians nor Muslims should consider themselves superior to one another.
At the NSCIA gathering, the council’s Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, also called for greater investment in education, urging Muslim parents to ensure their children receive both Islamic and Western education.
Oloyede further advocated stronger Muslim participation in the media and employment sectors, while calling on community leaders to support qualified members in accessing opportunities.
On the annual Hajj pilgrimage, he questioned the extent of government involvement, arguing that government participation should primarily focus on facilitating the exercise rather than using public funds to sponsor individuals who cannot afford the pilgrimage.
The remarks by the Sultan and the NSCIA Secretary-General centred on religious freedom, education, responsible leadership and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths.
