We are protesting today to draw attention to the concerning persecution of Muslims in India by the Indian authority.
News reaching us here in Nigeria, through mainstream and social media, revealed that Muslims are systematically being attacked by Indian security agents through unlawful arrest, detention and demolishing of houses over their response to concerning a derogatory remark made about Islam.
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Indian government must note that derogatory remarks about people’s beliefs and religious personalityis not freedom of speech; but rather an immoral comportment and a crime capable of inciting hatred and violence across the globe.
Islam respects human beings irrespective of their beliefs. Qur’an (6: 108) Allah (Ta’ala) says: And do not insult those whom they worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge. Thus, we have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do.
Qur’an (17:70) Allah (Ta’ala) says: Indeed, We honoured the progeny of Adam, and bore them across land and sea and provided them with good things for their sustenance, and exalted them above many of Our creatures. Similarly, in Qur’an (49:13) Allah (Ta’ala) also says: Human beings, We created you all from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most God-fearing of you. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
Indian government must also note that disrespecting Islam and Muslims in India is also disrespecting Islam and Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe. We therefore demand an end to the derogatory remarks on Islam and attacks on Muslims in India. We also demand an end to lynching and all forms discrimination against Muslims in India. We would continue to study this situation, and demand justice for Muslims in India and extend our condolences to the people of India and the families of those who lost their lives and sympathize with those who lost properties or got injured.
Dr. Dauda Nalado of the Academic Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria writes from Abuja
