By: AbdulHafeez Oyewole
The Al-Harakatul-Islamiyyah, Southwest and Ilorin Axis, has strongly condemned the rising cases of ritual killings in Nigeria, describing them as a grave violation of Islamic teachings and a threat to human dignity.
The group called on the government, religious leaders, and citizens to take urgent action in combating the menace and restoring moral sanity to society.
In a statement made available to FACTUAL NAIJA NEWS today titled "Bane and the Consequences of Ritual Killings", the movement emphasized that mankind has both spiritual and temporal missions on earth, stressing that material pursuits must not come at the expense of the hereafter.
Quoting the Qur’an (Al-Qasas 28:77), the group stated: “And seek by means of what Allah has given you the future abode, and do not neglect your portion of this world, and do good to others as Allah has done good to you, and do not seek to make mischief in the land, surely Allah does not love the mischief-makers.”
The statement lamented that while a few strive to earn a living through legitimate means, many have resorted to unlawful and diabolical methods, including ritual killings.
Citing a prophetic narration, the group warned that a time would come when Islam would be reduced to mere name and appearance, with corrupt scholars misleading the masses.
"There will come a time upon the people when nothing will remain of Islam except its name, and nothing will remain of the Qur'an except its words. Their mosques will be splendidly furnished but devoid of guidance. Their scholars will be the worst people under the heavens; Fitna (strife) will emerge from them and return to them."
Al-Harakatul-Islamiyyah decried the misrepresentation of Islam by individuals engaged in ritual killings, stating that their actions do not invalidate the divine message of Islam.
The group reaffirmed that Islam is a complete way of life that upholds justice, morality, and the sanctity of human life.
They highlighted the objectives of Islamic law (Maqasid ush-Sharii’ah), which include the protection of religion (Diin), life (Nafs), lineage (Nasab), property (Maal), intellect (Aql), and honor (Ird).
Urgent Calls to Action
To address the growing menace, the movement outlined key recommendations:
- No Political Interference in Justice – The government must stop granting prerogative of mercy to convicted ritual killers and ensure strict enforcement of justice.
- Swift Execution of Convicts – State governors, especially in Kwara State, should sign death warrants for convicted criminals without delay.
- Eradication of Corrupt Religious Figures – Citizens should shun false scholars who promote diabolical practices, and parents should avoid entrusting their children to such individuals for religious tutelage.
- Accountability for Religious Leaders – Traditional rulers and Islamic organizations should refrain from awarding religious titles to people of questionable character.
- Protection of Youth – Parents must monitor their children’s social media activities and educate them on ethical behavior to prevent their involvement in harmful ideologies.
- Reward for Righteous Scholars – The government and private sector should provide employment opportunities for pious and knowledgeable Islamic scholars to ensure they contribute positively to society.
The group emphasized that failure to implement these measures would only worsen the moral decay in society.
“When divine commandments on righting the wrong, alongside these recommendations, are upheld, mankind will experience peace and decency in this world and attain Allah’s pleasure in the hereafter.”
Al-Harakatul-Islamiyyah concluded by calling on all believers to uphold the Qur’anic injunction to enjoin good and forbid evil, as stated in Qur’an 3:104: “And from among you, there should be a party who should invite to good, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and those are the ones who shall be successful.”
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