The Chief Press Secretary to the former Osun State Governor, Ismail Omipidan highlighted the need for Muslims in Nigeria to promote harmony and understanding across all divides.
Omipidan stressed the importance of supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima.
He noted that their performance or otherwise in four years will go a long way to determine the fate of Muslims in Nigeria’s politics.
Speaking at the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria’s 27th Islamic Vacation Course, Omipidan emphasized the significance of the Tinubu-Shettima leadership, a rare Muslim/Muslim ticket since Nigeria’s 1999 return to democracy.
The event’s theme focused on the role of Muslim youth in strengthening the unity of the Muslim Ummah in the socio-political landscape of Nigeria.
He said, “One of the ways we can recapture the lost unity in the Ummah is by emphasizing and focusing on common issues, that is, things that we share as Muslims. While we may have differences, matters that bind us as Muslims are far greater than a few things that tend to divide us.
“These days, we Muslims tend to dwell on differences and completely ignore common beliefs and principles we share as Muslims. Belief in Allah, in the Prophet, Solat, fasting, Zakat, Hajj, Qur’an, and many other subjects are common to Muslims. Focusing on these common things instead of the few differences we have can lead to the unity of the Ummah.
“In addition, we must avoid taking an extreme position on minor issues. We should place emphasis on aspects of Islam that are more important than the others. Knowing what our priorities are will help us avoid dwelling on minor issues that cause division in our communities, and ensure that small differences do not kill the unity of the Ummah.
“We should have honour and respect for one another irrespective of our divergence, whether on or offline, we must avoid unnecessary ideological debates and embrace scholarly engagements devoid of the exchange of insults and unpleasant remarks.
“Let us learn to criticize or correct others without hurting them. Harsh criticism or attack on fellow Muslims could create anger and disintegration.p
“Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, and Muslim youths can leverage it to revitalize the socio-political unity of the Ummah. By pursuing higher education and acquiring knowledge in fields such as politics, law, and governance, they can occupy leadership positions that enable them to influence policy decisions and advocate for the interests of the Ummah.
“The success of any nation or association is dependent on the mutual unity and harmony among its members. A strongly united nation becomes an indivisible force and has the capacity to overcome any hindrances that come its way.
“As Muslim youths, we must organize ourselves to be vigilant and thwart the conspiracies and efforts of the enemies to create rift and disunity among Muslims.
“You will all agree with me that extremism and radicalization pose significant challenges to the unity of the Muslim Ummah. Therefore, as Muslim youths, we must do our best to expose and counter extremist ideologies and promote a balanced understanding of Islam.
“This can safeguard the Ummah’s socio-political unity. By fostering critical thinking, promoting religious tolerance, and providing alternative narratives to extremist propaganda and ideologies, Muslim youths can prevent the spread of divisions and contribute to the restoration of a cohesive and inclusive Ummah.”
