Imam says regulating mosque sermons will reduce divisive messages and help tackle insecurity

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Abuja National Mosque Imam, Professor Ibrahim Ahmad Maqari, urged governments at all levels to enforce standards for Islamic preaching in mosques as part of efforts to prevent inflammatory sermons and strengthen the fight against insecurity.

While addressing a public lecture organized by the Katsina Scholars Forum for Community Advancement, led by Sheikh Munir Adam Koza, in Katsina, Maqari said that defeating insecurity will remain difficult if it is seen solely as the government’s responsibility. He added that enforcing rules and regulations to guide religious sermons in mosques would also help in the fight against insecurity by reducing the spread of irresponsible and divisive messages capable of fueling conflict.

“I know this call may not sound appealing to many ulamas (clerics), but this is not about us; this is about an issue that is vital to everyone’s survival. There is a need for the government to draft a policy to regulate Islamic preaching,” he said.

He also called for the establishment of community-based civil intelligence networks in strategic locations to support security agencies with credible information.

He further emphasized the need for social and civic knowledge among clerics, describing the lack of such knowledge as a challenge, and urged religious leaders to focus more on addressing contemporary security issues rather than promoting divisive narratives.

He stressed the responsibility of parents to ensure every child receives proper Islamic education to instill discipline and moral values.

At the sensitization event, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda called on religious leaders to partner with security agencies and traditional institutions in the fight against banditry.

He added that when his administration assumed office, 23 of the state’s 34 local government areas were severely affected by insecurity, prompting the government to recruit 2,500 members of the Community Watch Corps and equip them to complement conventional security agencies.

According to him, the initiative has significantly improved security: many roads previously deserted because of attacks have reopened, and markets that had been shut by bandit activity have resumed normal operations.

The governor lamented that people from different sectors were aiding insecurity and warned politicians against exploiting the situation for political advantage. He urged residents to identify and expose informants and collaborators assisting criminal groups.

“I have the responsibility to tell the people what the government has done, but the people also have a responsibility to stop supplying bandits with information, logistics, and other forms of support,” he said.

Radda described religious leaders as trusted figures with enormous influence and urged them to remain truthful and sincere in their sermons while encouraging citizens to support security personnel in tackling crime.

Earlier, the convener of the program, Sheikh Munir Adam Koza, said the event was organized to build the capacity of clerics and communities to respond more effectively to security challenges while promoting peaceful coexistence.

Source: Daily Trust