The President of Nasrul-lahi-l-Fatih Society, NASFAT, Engr Kamil Bolarinwa has said that in spite of the global attempt to blame the religion for violence and terrorism in some part of the world, is not a threat to Muslims and Islam, just as the Chief Missioner of the society, Shiekh Abdullah Akinbode urged the media to be just in the reportage of news about Islam.

Engr Bolarinwa stated this during a world press conference held in Lagos recently to mark the 21st anniversary celebration of the society.

According to Bolarinwa, “Islam as a religion is not under any threat whatsoever in spite of an orchestrated global attempt to blame it for all the ills of society. And why should it be when it is an incontrovertible fact that it is a religion of peace? Its Holy Book, The Glorious Qur’an preaches peace and brotherhood among mankind.”

“It has noble precepts, and prescriptions for every aspect of human behaviour. It also preaches obedience and submission, not only to Allah but also to those in authority, upon whom it has placed great responsibility for justice, integrity, sacrifice, equity and good governance. That is my religion, that is our religion.

“Clearly then, a religion that places such high premium on good, orderly behaviour will and does abhor violence in all forms. While it does not preach turning of the other cheek, it is not an-eye-for-an-eye religion. Islam enjoins Muslims to leave judgment to Almighty Allah. Therefore, a man can fight for himself, his family, for whatever injury he may suffer; but no one should take the law into his own hands and ignore seeking legal redress, without running afoul of the law. That is the reality even of our secular life. You do not say you are fighting for the law or protecting it, or do you? In the same way, no man, no Muslim can say they are fighting for Allah; doing so does diminish the awesomeness and omnipotence of Allah.”

“This is common knowledge. Religion doesn’t promote terrorism, neither do race or ethnicity. It is people who perpetrate acts of terrorism. Positive socio-politico-economic conditions are safeguards and bulwarks against terrorism. My view is that social disconnect, lack of education, extreme poverty and hunger, and unemployment incubate and fertilize violence, insecurity among others.”

The Chief Missioner, Sheikh Akinbode while responding to questions from news urged the media to always be just and fair in the reportage of news about Islam. “You can only help to erase these misconception about Islam if you give fair, just and balance report about Islam.