Avoid provocative sermons during Ramadan, MMWG, KSBC warn preachers

AHEAD of the commencement of the Ramadan fast, Muslim preachers have been cautioned against sermons or remarks that are capable of causing religious strife in the country.

Presenters of Islamic programmes on electronic and social media were particularly asked to eschew attacks on personalities through their programmes.

The national coordinator of the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG), Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, gave the advice at a pre-Ramadan enlightenment programme organised for Muslim preachers by his group and the Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Abdullahi, who urged the preachers to exercise restraint in their presentations, emphasised the need for them to acquire sound knowledge before delivering sermon.

“A situation whereby half-baked preachers go on the radio, television and facebook to arouse the passion of people must be discouraged. Rather, acquisition of sound Islamic knowledge must serve as the basis for preaching on the electronic media.

“We shall always discourage and raise eyebrows to abusive and provocative sermons that could lead to religious conflict, including remarks that attack some personalities for whatever reason whatsoever,” he added.

The chairman of the occasion, Professor Badmus Yusuf, urged Muslim preachers to do extensive research before delivering sermon on any issue in order not to mislead the public.

He urged the state government to discourage its radio and television stations from charging fees on religious programmes.

Yusuf praised the organisers of the programme for their foresight and commitment to a peaceful society through the propagation of ideals of Islam.