Ahmadiyya leader tasks Nigerians, other stakeholders on justice, tolerance, peace

The Deputy Amir of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole, has urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance, justice and fairness regardless of religion, race or tribe, saying lasting peace can only be achieved where justice prevails.

Bankole made the call during this year’s 60th Jalsa Salana of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, held last weekend at Oakland Farm, Hadeeqatul Mahdi, Surrey, United Kingdom, which was attended virtually by several Ahmadiyya members in Ojokoro, Lagos.

He said the key lesson Nigerians should draw from the annual gathering was the need to promote peace, noting that the event brought together participants from more than 200 countries despite their diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.

“What Nigerians should take away from this year’s event is the call for peace. The fact that people from over 200 countries can gather in one place sends a clear message that we must advocate for peace worldwide. 

“We have Nigerians, Pakistanis, Europeans, and people of every background present. Irrespective of tribe, religion or faith, we come together and worship as one.

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“It teaches us tolerance. We have to tolerate one another and preach peace and justice. That is the core message of coming togeth,” he said.

Bankole described Nigeria’s current security and economic challenges as unfortunate, but stressed that both citizens and leaders must continue to uphold justice.

“If we want peace, there must be justice. Without justice, peace is hardly attainable.

“So, first and foremost, we preach justice. Our leaders must be just in everything they do. This is vital to achieving peace in any nation. Once justice is established, peace will naturally reign in the country. Those are the two fundamental pillars: justice and peace,” he said.

He added that Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria would continue to strengthen its Da’wah strategy, noting that through MTA International, the organisation has been able to reach audiences across the world with what it described as the true, peaceful teachings of Islam.