Sheikh Mohammed Mahmoud calls for education and interfaith dialogue to ease tensions.

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Sheikh Mohammed Mahmoud, Imam of the East London Mosque in the United Kingdom, has said that Nigeria’s religious tensions are driven more by ignorance than by religion itself.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna during his visit to the country, the cleric rejected claims that the violence in Nigeria is a religious war. He said Islam does not support attacks on people of other faiths and blamed most crimes committed in the name of religion on misinterpretation of sacred texts.

According to him, extremists often rely on selective readings of scripture without guidance from qualified scholars, leading to violence and fear. He explained that authentic religious knowledge is passed down through trained scholars, not learnt from books alone.

Sheikh Mahmoud said misunderstanding religion has widened the gap between Muslims and Christians and damaged Nigeria’s image abroad. He described education and enlightenment as the most effective way to prevent radicalisation.

The Imam also urged religious leaders to engage in regular dialogue, saying interfaith discussions help communities address grievances before they turn into conflict. Drawing from his experience in the UK, he noted that cooperation between Muslim and Christian leaders has helped reduce mistrust.

He stressed the need to engage young people early, warning that neglect makes them vulnerable to extremist ideas. Sheikh Mahmoud added that Islam’s message is rooted in peace and should unite, not divide, communities.

Source: Daily Trust