Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the public to evaluate religions based on their teachings and scriptures, rather than the actions of their followers. In a Facebook post, Gumi emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the doctrine of a religion and the conduct of its adherents. This statement comes amid a fresh debate sparked by a viral video involving a member of Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS).
The viral video features Umar Ibrahim Gandi, a 22-year-old first-aid volunteer of the Izala movement, who was accused of making threats against Christians in Enugu and Jos. The clip drew widespread condemnation from various groups, including JIBWIS National Chairman, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau. Lau denounced the video, stating it was contrary to the group's teachings, and called on security agencies to investigate and prosecute those involved.
In response to the controversy, Sheikh Gumi defended the 47-year history of JIBWIS as a peaceful movement. He argued that the group has contributed significantly to maintaining religious stability in the country and noted that no act of institutional violence has been directly attributed to JIBWIS as an organization. Gumi also recalled that the movement itself has been a target of violence, including the killing of Malam Aliyu Barnawa inside a mosque during its early years.
Gumi emphasized that individual misconduct should not be conflated with the institution. He stressed that if a 22-year-old first-aid volunteer is implicated in an act of wrongdoing, the appropriate course of action is to thoroughly investigate the matter. Gumi advocated for justice to be guided by evidence, not sentiment, and called for the individual to be brought before a competent court of law if evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
The incident has sparked a renewed debate about the relationship between the actions of individuals and the teachings of their religious institutions. Gumi's statement has been seen as a call for nuance in evaluating religious groups, emphasizing the importance of considering their doctrinal teachings and scriptures. This approach, Gumi argues, will provide a more accurate understanding of a religion's true nature.
JIBWIS, also known as Izala, is a Salafist movement that aims to promote Islamic reform and purification. The group was founded in 1978 by Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric. Over the years, JIBWIS has been involved in various controversies, but its leadership has consistently maintained that the group's teachings promote peace and tolerance.
The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing individual freedoms with institutional accountability. As the debate continues, Sheikh Gumi's statement serves as a reminder of the importance of evaluating religious groups based on their teachings and scriptures, rather than the actions of their followers. This approach may help to promote greater understanding and tolerance between different religious groups.
Key points
- Sheikh Gumi urges public to judge religions by their teachings and scriptures, not by the actions of followers.
- JIBWIS has a 47-year history as a peaceful movement, contributing to religious stability.
- Individual misconduct should not be conflated with the institution, and justice should be guided by evidence.
