Islamic Leaders Condemn Ritual Killings, Advise Young Scholars To Embrace Vocations

Following the gruesome murder of a final year student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Hafsoh Lawal allegedly by a man who claimed to be an Islamic scholar, AbdulRahman Bello, Islamic spiritual leaders in Kwara State have advised young Muslim scholars to combine vocations with their religion propagation activities ( Dawah).

The spiritual leaders under the aegis of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, condemned the alleged murder of Hafsoh Lawal by Bello for ritual purposes.

They asked the young Muslim scholars to find job to do to enable them fend for themselves and their families through lawful means, citing the good example of the likes of Professors Badmas Yusuf and Halilu Gbodofu, and the chief Imam of Malete, Dr Abdullahi Ibrahim, who are Islamic scholars but fend for themselves by foraying into academic job.

Led by the chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Bashir Soliu, the spiritual leaders made their position known at a World press conference addressed by the secretary of the council and retired grand Khadi of Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Soliu Mohammed at the NUJ press centre, Ilorin.

While saying that Islam forbids killing of another soul , the scholars appealed to the state Police Command to be thorough in its investigations, saying that anyone found culpable in the murder of Hafsoh Lawal should be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

Some other members of the council at the press conference include the chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muyideen Salman, chief Imam of Malete, Dr Abdullah Ibrahim, the Ajanasi of Ilorin, Chief Imam of Gambari, Chief imam of Lafiagi, Professor Badmas Yusuf, Alh AbdulHamid Adi and retired Justice Adam Idris.

The scholars, who said they were interested in the course of justice for Hafsoh and her family, added that, “on our own part, we will not relent in assisting the security agencies in getting to the root of the matter”.
They , however, called on Nigerians to avoid profiling of any community for the sinful acts of a few individuals, saying that, “Ilorin and indeed, Kwara State, are not homes for ritualists. We are known for our Islamic culture, of which ritualism is not a part.
We call on all Nigerians to avoid profiling any community for the sinful acts of a few in our midst. Ritual acts are offensive to all known religions. We must all rise up and be counted in the war against it”.

They announced plans to organise a sensitisation programme for young Alfas on best ways to carry out Dawah( religion propagation) that will enjoy the favour of Allah.

“We will also double our efforts in preaching the correct attitude towards the propagation of Islam.
Ever since the unfortunate incident occurred, the council has stepped
up its activities in counseling our Alfas and the other clerics on the best conduct in preaching the religion of Islam; that our town and state have been known for, through the ages.

“The council, therefore, condemns the murder of Miss Hafsoh Lawal by AbdulRahman Bello for ritual purposes. Our religion forbids the killing of another soul, which is a grave crime in the sight of our Creator. For a young lady who was full of life to be cut down in her youth. Her killer has definitely committed an unpardonable offence against Allah, who has warned us to be righteous at all times.

“We commiserate with the family of Hafsoh, who has been thrown into mourning due to the unGodly act of AbdulRahman. In this moment of grief, it is only Allah who can console the family,” they disclosed.

The scholars also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for ensuring
peaceful co-existence in the state, saying that growth and development cannot be attained in the absence of peace.