The Kano State government has told clerics to conduct their preaching according to the dictates of the religion and not on personal opinion or interest, urging them to also avoid using words that can generate controversy.
The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Muhammmad Tahar, gave the caution at a press briefing in Kano.
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He said the press briefing was organised to state the position of the government about recent preaching by a cleric, Shiekh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, who spoke about women and some parts of their bodies, which went viral.
The incident generated heated arguments on social media.
A Kannywood actress, Nafisat Ishak, took to her Tiktok account to comment on the matter by using abusive words against the cleric. She later apologised to him and the public.
The commissioner lamented that the cleric’s comment had ignited uproar from different sections of the public by using vulgar language on women.
He called on preachers to prioritise their activities in promoting Islam and peace rather than engaging on issues that would incite the public.
Tahar also expressed dismay over the actress’ comment, saying religious leaders deserved respect from the public.
“It is highly unbecoming for a Muslim woman portraying herself in such magnitude of irresponsibility. Islam has provided means and channels of addressing issues appropriately. Religious leaders are representatives of Allah on earth.”
The commissioner said the investigation revealed that some people were planning to attack the woman for challenging the cleric.
He warned Kano citizens against taking the law into their hands, emphasising that security agencies were monitoring all posts related to the incident.
