KANO — Founder and Custodian of the World Peace Movement, Shaykh Ahmad Dabbagh, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace peace-building and become ambassadors of peace in their communities.

Dabbagh made the call while speaking with newsmen in Kano during his peace mission to Nigeria.

He said young people possess the power to transform society through good character, self-discipline and service to humanity rather than violence or force.

The cleric said the message of Islam remains one of peace, unity and submission to God, stressing that individuals must first cultivate peace in their hearts, minds and actions.

According to Dabbagh, lasting peace must begin from within before it can spread to families, communities and the wider society.

In his words, “If you want peace in the community, in the world, let that peace be in you firstly. Firstly in my heart, in my mind, my hands, feet, eyes, tongue, everything is used in harmony and then actually passing the same message to the community and then from these people, if they are purified, they are enlightened people individually. Once they reach a position like they become a president, they become governor, they become secretary because they already have this good software, wherever they will go, they will benefit the people.

“Firstly establishing as I said in ourselves and communities and then actually also thinking about also others and also one’s akhirah. I know there is chaos in the world, it was like that when the Prophet Muhammad came and many prophets came, but actually they lighted their lantern of message, of the divine message actually to pass with wisdom.

“When someone asked him that what is the best method, there are so many, but what is the best method to convey the message of Islam and to do dawah, what is the best method? He said the best method is where you don’t have to use your speech and you don’t have to use your sword. You don’t have to unsheathe your sword and actually speech and then they said how will the person give the message?

“He said through character and service of people and with character. He said this is the best, tongue and sword is used actually for others, but this is the best message.

“The path to leadership is service, love and solving the problems of the people. You may not hold the title of president or governor, but you can become a ruler in the hearts of the people,” Dabbagh said.

The cleric disclosed that his peace mission in Nigeria would involve engagements with youths, Islamic scholars and community leaders on practical ways to promote peace and social harmony.