A public road is a shared space for everyone, regardless of their religious affiliation. In a multi-religious country like Nigeria, public infrastructure is meant for all citizens. However, it has been observed that some worshippers obstruct roads, causing hardship to road users. This practice has been seen in both Muslim and Christian communities. The issue is not which group does it more, but that the practice is wrong and should be stopped.
The cleric, Abdul-Ganiyy Raji, National Da'wah Officer of NASFAT Worldwide, recently saw a video of a lady expressing anger over Muslims obstructing a road. He advised her and others who have experienced similar obstruction not to blame Islam for poor logistical planning by mosque leaders. Islam, he said, does not instruct Muslims to unnecessarily obstruct public roads or cause hardship to others. Worship should not deny other citizens access to public infrastructure.
Raji noted that people have important appointments, businesses, emergencies, and livelihoods to pursue, and should not be kept in traffic because others are worshipping. Some affected individuals may not share the same faith as the worshippers. He also mentioned that it is wrong to conclude that Muslims are the only ones who obstruct roads on Fridays, as some people have experienced delays due to church programs.
Leaders of worship centers are urged to plan adequately for large congregations. If a church or mosque has insufficient space, arrangements should be made for additional space without blocking major public roads. Worship centers with limited space should consider expansion, while those planning new mosques or churches should provide adequate parking and worship space.
Raji emphasized that mosques and churches are places of worship, while roads are public infrastructure. Major public roads should not be turned into temporary worship centers, inflicting hardship on other citizens. Some non-Muslims mistakenly assume that road obstruction during Muslim worship is a fundamental feature of Islam, which is not the case.
The issue should be addressed with wisdom, through polite engagement with leaders of affected religious centers and intervention by relevant authorities. The same principle applies to preaching in public vehicles, where public buses are shared spaces used by people of different religions and beliefs. Preachers should have appropriate places to preach without imposing their activities on unwilling members of the public.
The principle of respect for religious freedom should also include respect for the freedom of others not to participate in religious activities. Worshippers should be able to worship freely in their designated spaces without imposing their worship on others in shared public spaces. The message is simple: worship freely, but respect the rights of others, as no religion has a monopoly on public roads.
Key points
- Worshippers should not obstruct major roads, as it causes unnecessary hardship to road users.
- The practice of road obstruction is not a teaching of any religion.
- Leaders of worship centers should plan adequately for large congregations to avoid road obstruction.
