The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for a deeper understanding of jihad, stressing that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence and righteousness in all aspects of life.
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The Sultan made this clarification on Thursday in Abuja during the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He cautioned against the longstanding misinterpretation of jihad, which, according to him, extremists and uninformed commentators have wrongly linked to terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.
“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.
Highlighting the relevance of Islamic principles to governance, he noted that Islam promotes peaceful coexistence, justice, and accountability. He added that Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in Nigeria’s democracy by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.
“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.
The Sultan also stressed the importance of interfaith dialogue as a foundation for peace and security. “If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.
He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his experiences and reflections, describing the book as a timely resource that not only captures the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and reconciliation.
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