A coalition of Islamic scholars under the aegis of the Concerned Ulama of Sunnah has petitioned the Kaduna State Government over alleged blasphemous remarks made by two preachers in their online sermons.
The group, in a letter signed by sixteen scholars and led by Shaikh Umar Shehu Zaria and Malam Muhammad Sani Abubakar, the Chief Imam of Juma’at Mosque, Hayin Na’iya, accused the unnamed preachers of making comments deemed offensive to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Raising alarm over what they described as a “potential trigger for public unrest,” the clerics called on the government to act swiftly to forestall a breakdown of law and order. They advised that the preachers either be invited for a public debate or restrained from further public preaching to avoid escalation.
“Our move is not driven by personal animosity but by the sacred duty to defend the honour of the Prophet (SAW),” the petition partly read. “Islamic teachings clearly warn against blasphemy, and as faithful adherents, we must protect the sanctity of our religion.”
The group maintained that failure to intervene could result in violence, given the sensitivity of the matter in a multi-faith state like Kaduna.
Responding to the development, the Director-General of the Kaduna State Bureau for Interfaith, Tahir Umar Tahir, confirmed receipt of the petition on behalf of Governor Uba Sani, assuring that the matter would receive due attention.
“We have received the petition, and by God’s grace, the issue will be properly handled,” Tahir said.
He also appealed to clerics across the state to exercise restraint and promote harmony through their sermons, stressing the need to avoid inflammatory comments that could inflame tensions among residents.
Kaduna State, often seen as a microcosm of Nigeria’s religious diversity, has in the past witnessed violent conflicts sparked by religious disputes—making the clerics’ warning a reminder of the delicate balance required in public religious discourse.
