NAPAIS urges fairness in religious affairs, condemns Islamophobia

THE National Association of Proprietors of Arabic and Islamic Schools (NAPAIS) has appealed to the Federal Government to sustain the principles of justice, fairness and equity in handling religious matters, in order to engender peaceful coexistence and religious harmony in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued in Ibadan by the NAPAIS National President, Sheikh Muhammad Jamiu Abdulgafar, to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia as declared by the United Nations.

Sheikh Abdulgafar noted that consideration, tolerance and inclusion of Islam and Muslims in government policies and programmes would give them a due sense of belonging as bona fide and recognised Nigerian citizens.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, as well as the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for his demonstration of justice and inclusiveness.

“NAPAIS recognises and highly appreciates Dr. Alausa; he is the best Minister of Education so far,” he stated.

The NAPAIS President said Muslims have been subjected to marginalisation, oppression and tyrannical treatment by Islamophobes, especially in public spaces, but expressed gratitude to Allah for what he described as victories over the enemies of Islam.

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“We recall the unpleasant experiences of our fellow Muslims who were denied their fundamental human rights for no offence other than their professed faith,” he said.

The cleric appealed to the Federal Government and the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, to strengthen the legislative framework for the establishment and proper functioning of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), describing it as the only Islamic examination body in Nigeria catering to the certification of over five million Muslim students.

“It is Islamophobic for anyone to plan or act against NBAIS. At present, it conducts examinations with certificates recognised for university admission for Muslim students,” he explained.

Sheikh Abdulgafar stressed that religious persecution is an ill wind that benefits no one, underscoring the need to refrain from such tendencies in order to foster peaceful coexistence and cordial relations in society.

“Adorning the hijab is innocuous; wearing a beard disturbs nobody, and practising Islam is not inimical to any other religion,” he said.

Citing the example of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, he noted that Islam has produced prominent personalities across all spheres of national life who have contributed, and continue to contribute, significantly to national development.

The NAPAIS President, who described Muslims as role models of good conduct and virtue, cautioned Islamophobes against unwarranted scapegoating, labelling, and stereotyping of Muslims, which often result in attributing crimes and insecurity to the faithful.

He called on the media to uphold its professional ethics of fair and balanced reporting, emphasising the need for verification and objectivity at all times.

Sheikh Abdulgafar also urged journalists to ensure that appropriate lexicon is employed in the reportage of Muslims and Islamic affairs.

“Media practitioners are advised to be mindful in the use of terms such as Jihad, Sharia, and Allahu Akbar, so as to guard against sensationalisation,” he counselled.

He, however, commended the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, for standing in solidarity with Muslims globally and amplifying their voices for dignity and honour.

The NAPAIS President also felicitated Muslims on the completion of Ramadan fasting and Eid-ul-Fitr, praying to Allah to accept their acts of worship and grant them bountiful rewards.