The Chief Imam of the Nigeria Police Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Dr Yaqub Alhassan, on Tuesday urged Islamic clerics to be wary of impacting extreme ideology to their followers.
Alhassan gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of a seminar for the Committee of FCT Imams in Abuja.
According to him, such teachings can lead to acts of “extremism and terrorism in the society’’.
The cleric stressed the need for religious leaders to lead campaign against terrorism by preaching and teaching the right knowledge to their followers.
He said religious leaders had moral obligation to promote peace and religious tolerance, stressing that the need for unity and understanding among Muslims and non-Muslims could not be over-emphasised.
He also urged Muslims to abide by the teachings of Islam in all their undertakings, adding that Muslims must put in practice the teachings of Islam in all aspects of their lives.
Alhassan, who is also a member, Committee for FCT Imams, said that the objective of the committee was to enhance unity among Muslims in the FCT and the country.
He also said that the committee would adopt holistic approach to ensure peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
“ This can be achieved through regular and constant enlightenment by all Imams in FCT for peaceful coexistence and extending the message of unity and togetherness.
“Imams were also encouraged to be active members of society, seek means of advancing their knowledge, and avoid any form of extremism that will lead to any act of terrorism.“
The cleric advised imams to be self reliant, hardworking and engage in one economic activity or another besides leading the prayer in their Mosques.
He also admonished Imams to use their congregational prayers to continue to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari, the nation and democracy. (NAN)
