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What is good for Ukraine is good for Palestine – Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

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Double Standards: Ukraine’s Bombing of Crimean Bridge Praised, Hamas’ Offensive Against Israel Called Terrorism

The bombing of the Kerch Bridge by Ukrainian forces was widely praised by Western media as a brave and daring act. The bridge is a major supply route for Russian forces in Ukraine, and its destruction was seen as a significant blow to the Russian war effort.

However, when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a rocket offensive against Israel in response to Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, the Western media was quick to condemn Hamas as terrorists. The Israeli airstrikes had killed dozens of Palestinians, including many children, and Hamas’ rocket offensive was seen as a retaliatory measure for decades of oppression and brutality.

The stark contrast in the way that the Western media has portrayed Ukraine’s bombing of the Crimean Bridge and Hamas’ rocket offensive against Israel exposes the double standards that are often applied when it comes to conflicts involving Israel and Palestine.

In the case of Ukraine, the Western media has been quick to portray the country as a victim of Russian aggression. Ukrainian forces have been depicted as brave and heroic defenders of their homeland, while Russian forces have been demonized as war criminals.

However, when it comes to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, the Western media has often adopted a hypocritical approach. While Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip are condemned, Hamas is often portrayed as a terrorist organization that is responsible for the deaths of innocent Israeli civilians.

This double standard is evident in the way that the Western media has covered the bombing of the Crimean Bridge and Hamas’ rocket offensive against Israel. The bombing of the Crimean Bridge was seen as a necessary and justified measure in the fight against Russian aggression. Hamas’ rocket offensive, on the other hand, was seen as an unprovoked act of terrorism.

The double standards that are often applied when it comes to conflicts involving Israel and Palestine are harmful because they perpetuate the narrative that Israelis are victims and Palestinians are aggressors. This narrative ignores the complex history of the conflict and the fact that Palestine has been at the receiving end of Israel’s occupation.

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

Jordan Peterson: The Murderous Psychologist By Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

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Jordan Peterson, a Canadian clinical psychologist, author, and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, recently tweeted a message of support for Israel in the ongoing conflict with Palestine. In his tweet, Peterson wrote, “Give ’em hell @netanyahu Enough is enough.”

Peterson also retweeted a tweet by Victorian Socialists calling for support for Palestine, with the caption “You Murderous Anti-Semitic Rats.”

Peterson’s tweets have been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing him of being insensitive and inflammatory. Some have also pointed out that Peterson’s comments are particularly troubling given his background as a psychologist, as they could be seen as inciting violence.

Peterson ignores the complex history of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. His tweets demonize Palestinians and promote genocide. His call for violence against Palestine is dangerous and could lead to further bloodshed.

Peterson’s tweets are also wrong because they ignore the fact that Israel is the aggressor in the conflict. Israel has been occupying Palestinian land since 1967, and it continues to build settlements in the West Bank, which are illegal under international law. Israel has also imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip, which has created a humanitarian crisis.

Palestinians have a much stronger claim to the land than Israel. Palestinians have lived in Palestine for centuries, and they have a right to self-determination. Israel, on the other hand, is a settler-colonial state that was established in 1948 through the expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes.

Minority rights law, indigenous rights law, and law supporting self-determination all support the Palestinian cause.

Minority rights law protects the rights of minorities to maintain their culture, language, and religion. Palestinians are a minority in Israel, and they have the right to their own culture, language, and religion. However, Israel has often violated the rights of Palestinians, including their right to freedom of religion and their right to education in their own language.

Indigenous rights law protects the rights of indigenous peoples to their land and resources. Palestinians are the indigenous people of Palestine, and they have a right to their land and resources. However, Israel has illegally occupied Palestinian land and built settlements on it. Israel has also confiscated Palestinian resources, such as water.

Law supporting self-determination recognizes the right of all peoples to self-determination. This means that peoples have the right to choose their own government and determine their own political status. Palestinians have the right to self-determination, but Israel has denied them this right by occupying their land and preventing them from establishing their own independent state.

Peterson’s tweets are wrong and dangerous because they ignore the facts and promote violence. He should apologize for his comments and retract his call for violence against Israel.

Relevant sections of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities (United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/135):

  • Article 1.1: Persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities have the right to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms without any discrimination.
  • Article 3.2: States shall take appropriate measures so that persons belonging to minorities may exercise fully and effectively all their human rights and fundamental freedoms without any discrimination and in full equality before the law.
  • Article 4: Persons belonging to minorities have the right to participate effectively in public life, including in the decision-making process.
  • Article 5: Persons belonging to minorities have the right to participate effectively in cultural, religious, social, economic and public life.
  • Article 6: Persons belonging to minorities have the right to establish and maintain freely their own institutions, organizations or associations.
  • Article 7: Persons belonging to minorities have the right to learn their mother tongue, to practice their religion and to observe their own customs and traditions.

Relevant sections of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:

  • Article 3: Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination. In the exercise of their right to self-determination, they shall freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
  • Article 4: Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinctive spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned or occupied lands, territories, waters and coastal seas and other resources.
  • Article 5: Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and develop their political, economic and social systems or institutions, to maintain and develop their own indigenous laws, customs, traditions and practices, and to preserve their cultural heritage, traditions, languages and religions.

What kind of a man is Peterson if not a Murderous psychologist

 

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

Knowislam Project

Jordan Peterson, a Canadian clinical psychologist, author, and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, recently tweeted a message of support for Israel in the ongoing conflict with Palestine. In his tweet, Peterson wrote, “Give ’em hell @netanyahu Enough is enough.”

Peterson also retweeted a tweet by Victorian Socialists calling for support for Palestine, with the caption “You Murderous Anti-Semitic Rats.”

Peterson’s tweets have been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing him of being insensitive and inflammatory. Some have also pointed out that Peterson’s comments are particularly troubling given his background as a psychologist, as they could be seen as inciting violence.

Peterson ignores the complex history of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. His tweets demonize Palestinians and promote genocide. His call for violence against Palestine is dangerous and could lead to further bloodshed.

Peterson’s tweets are also wrong because they ignore the fact that Israel is the aggressor in the conflict. Israel has been occupying Palestinian land since 1967, and it continues to build settlements in the West Bank, which are illegal under international law. Israel has also imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip, which has created a humanitarian crisis.

Palestinians have a much stronger claim to the land than Israel. Palestinians have lived in Palestine for centuries, and they have a right to self-determination. Israel, on the other hand, is a settler-colonial state that was established in 1948 through the expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes.

Minority rights law, indigenous rights law, and law supporting self-determination all support the Palestinian cause.

Minority rights law protects the rights of minorities to maintain their culture, language, and religion. Palestinians are a minority in the region and they have the right to their own culture, language, and religion. However, Israel has often violated the rights of Palestinians, including their right to freedom of religion.

Indigenous rights law protects the rights of indigenous peoples to their land and resources. Palestinians are the indigenous people of Palestine, and they have a right to their land and resources. However, Israel has illegally occupied Palestinian land and built settlements on it. Israel has also confiscated Palestinian resources, such as water.

Law supporting self-determination recognizes the right of all peoples to self-determination. This means that peoples have the right to choose their own government and determine their own political status. Palestinians have the right to self-determination, but Israel has denied them this right by occupying their land and preventing them from establishing their own independent state.

Peterson’s tweets are wrong and dangerous because they ignore the facts and promote violence. He should apologize for his comments and retract his call for violence against Israel.

Relevant sections of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities (United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/135):

Article 1.1: Persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities have the right to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms without any discrimination.

Article 3.2: States shall take appropriate measures so that persons belonging to minorities may exercise fully and effectively all their human rights and fundamental freedoms without any discrimination and in full equality before the law.

Article 4: Persons belonging to minorities have the right to participate effectively in public life, including in the decision-making process.
Article 5: Persons belonging to minorities have the right to participate effectively in cultural, religious, social, economic and public life.

Article 6: Persons belonging to minorities have the right to establish and maintain freely their own institutions, organizations or associations.

Article 7: Persons belonging to minorities have the right to learn their mother tongue, to practice their religion and to observe their own customs and traditions.
Relevant sections of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:

Article 3: Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination. In the exercise of their right to self-determination, they shall freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

Article 4: Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinctive spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned or occupied lands, territories, waters and coastal seas and other resources.

Article 5: Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and develop their political, economic and social systems or institutions, to maintain and develop their own indigenous laws, customs, traditions and practices, and to preserve their cultural heritage, traditions, languages and religions.
What kind of a man is Peterson if not a Murderous psychologist

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

Knowislam Project

FUNAAB oppressing Muslim Students

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PRESS RELEASE
Sunday, 10th September, 2023.

RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION, INFRINGEMENT OF MUSLIM RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF RELIGION: THE DISHEARTENING STATE OF A GOVERNMENT-OWNED INSTITUTION; FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE ABEOKUTA (FUNAAB)

In recent years, the issue of victimization of Niqob adorning sisters by some staffers of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta has been recurring.

Niqob is the highest level of modesty for a female in Islam and is also the right of any Muslim lady that chooses to adorn it in this country. The users of Niqob, like every other person, can be identified when the need arises and the sisters using it on the FUNAAB campus have always availed themselves for identification.

It comes as a surprise that the Management, alongside some staffers, of the institution have shown stern hatred towards the users of the Niqob and went to the extent of tagging the dress and indecent dressing in a billboard. This move created a great uproar and backlash to the leadership of the institution, forcing them to bring down the disgraceful banner.

In the past, the management, in various encounters, has claimed that issue is the sisters need to be identified and the sisters as always availed themselves for identification when necessary. The school even made this claim on a matter at the Federal High Court and told the court the school has made provision for registration for students that wants to use the Niqob.

Upon request on the mode of identification by the MSSN, the university management, in a surprising turn of event, feigned ignorance and wrote us that they did not know where they made such submission. A matter that was clearly documented in the judgement of the Federal High Court (Maryam vs FUNAAB).

The victimization reached its height during the first semester examination when 2 sisters from NTD who were writing their examination having been checked in by the invigilators, had their answer sheets snatched and sent out of the hall. Also, another sister from the department of PRM was denied access write an examination despite availing herself for proper identification. The latter victim was further distressed when she was was petitioned to the DSS by the university management and some staffers of the university, subjecting her to undue physical and psychological duress to the extent she had to be admitted to the Federal Medical Centre’s psychiatric department on account of PTSD, spending 9days in the facility and was later discharged while still under medical care. To cap the unfortunate events of perpetual persecution, the three sisters’ were withheld and are rather charged to the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC) when every other students results were released.

The CSO of the school, started towing the lane of pettiness when the MSSN was denied the approval for the requested hall for our formal opening event saying that they will only approve the hall only if the MSSN signs an undertaken that Niqob wearing sisters will not attend our events else the organizers of the event would be charged to SDC. A laughable proposal that was sternly rejected by the MSSN. Making them resort to use the masjid for the said event.

So, on the 9th of September, 2023, during the Formal Opening Event of Jihad Week, an incident occurred at the school gate of The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. A Niqaab-wearing lady, accompanying her brother, a panelist at the event, was denied entry on the grounds of her attire, which adhered to Islamic standards of modesty. Her brother, in support of her right to enter the premises, insisted she undergo proper identification in line with global security standards.

In response to this situation, Muslim Students from MSSN FUNAAB united to ensure that no one, especially our fellow Muslim sister, is denied entry into the University due to their adherence to Islamic dress code. We stood by her peacefully, chanted our Adhkaar, and resolved the matter without resorting to violence. The Jihad Week was officially opened in a grand style, and any updates or changes to the program will be communicated through our MSSN FUNAAB broadcast channels.

We want to emphasize that any narrative differing from the above account should not be accepted unless proven otherwise. We remain committed to upholding our faith’s principles of decency, inclusivity, while maintaining a safe and secure community.

We hereby assure our members that we will continue to protect our members against any injustice and urge us to continue to stand together in unity and promote the values that define our religion in face of the ongoing intimidation.

Signed:
• Fahdlulah Shittu
(Ameer, MSSN FUNAAB)

• Zaynul Abideen
(Naibul Ameer Administration, MSSN FUNAAB)

• Hammed Alabi Adeyemo
(PRO 1, MSSN FUNAAB)

MSSN…The Hope of the Ummah

The Path of Transformation: A Comparative Analysis of Isese and Pre-Islamic Arabia By Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

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The Path of Transformation: A Comparative Analysis of Isese and Pre-Islamic Arabia By Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

Isese, the indigenous Yoruba religious practice, is often perceived as ancient and inceptive. However, when we delve into history, we find parallels between Isese and the pre-Islamic Arabian society before the advent of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). In this article, we will explore these parallels, focusing on the worship of idols and the transformative power of Islam in Arabia.

Idol Worship in Isese and Pre-Islamic Arabia:

In pre-Islamic Arabia, the practice of idol worship was deeply ingrained. Isese practitioners also venerate numerous deities and spirits, seeking their blessings and guidance. Similarly, in Arabia, idols were considered intermediaries between humans and the divine. This polytheistic belief system was firmly rooted in both cultures.

Qur’anic Verses and the Call to Abandon Idol Worship:

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, contains explicit verses condemning the worship of idols and urging the pagan Arabs to abandon these practices. Surah Al-Ankabut (29:17) states: “You worship besides Allah only idols and you only invent falsehood.” This divine message was a call to the pagan Arabs to return to the monotheistic belief in the one true God, Allah, which resonates with the essence of Isese, the worship of God without idols.

The Transformation through Islam:

The arrival of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) brought about a monumental transformation in Arabia. His mission was to guide the pagan Arabs away from idol worship and return them to the worship of the one true God, Allah. The Quran proclaimed the message of monotheism and the rejection of idols, culminating in the cleansing of the Kaaba from its numerous idols.

Parallel to this transformation, Isese practitioners today face a similar challenge. The Isese practice has evolved over time, with syncretism and the incorporation of various elements. The question arises: who will lead Isese adherents back to the essence of their faith, worshipping God without idols, saints, and deities, just as the Prophet did in Arabia?

The historical parallels between Isese and pre-Islamic Arabia shed light on the transformative power of Islam. While Islam guided the pagan Arabs from the darkness of idol worship to the light of monotheism, the current Isese adherents remain stuck to the way of pagan Arabs.

It is a call to rediscover the true essence of Isese, worshipping God without intermediaries, just as the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) guided the Arabs back to the inception: the worship of One God, which preceded the worship of idols.

When will Isese become true Isese?

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

A Discourse On The Antiquity Of Isese and Its Historical Context By Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

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Isese, which can loosely mean “that which is done from the beginning,” does not conform to the traditional practices we know today.

Muslims will argue that all Prophets were Muslims because they worshiped God alone, implying that Islam is technically the most ancient religion.

If Isese involves the veneration, even if not the worshipping, of Orishas like Obatala, Orunmila, and their likes, then it can’t be the most ancient because these Orishas supposedly came to Earth. If their veneration is an integral part of Isese, then Isese is not Isese in and of itself. We would ask, the Orishas that are venerated, who did they venerate, and at the time of veneration, whoever they venerated, what do we call that practice?

This thought led me to understand the late Professor Sophie Oluwole’s attempt to project traditional spiritual practices as monotheistic by drawing a distinction between Eledumare and Orishas.

It is not only in Africa; the veneration of saints cuts across borders, and this is where Islam enlightens us.

Saints are saints, but all acts of worship, seeking divine help, and faith should be directed solely to God. Not Ifa, Orunmila, Jesus, Joseph Smith, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is a mediator between God and man.

This is Islam: worship God alone, and only Him should you worship and seek help from. That is the real Isese. The earliest people worshiped God before anyone started worshiping saints.

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

The Paradox of Laïcité: Unveiling France Abayah Ban’s Clash with Religious Freedom By Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

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In a world that prides itself on progress and enlightenment, it is disheartening to witness the erosion of fundamental freedoms in the name of secularism. France’s recent ban on the wearing of the Abaya in state schools is a glaring example of this contradiction. Advocates of laïcité argue that it safeguards freedom of religion and belief, but how can this be true when it restricts an individual’s choice to express their faith through their attire? The ban reveals a deeper flaw in the concept of laïcité and its purported defense of individual rights.

Laïcité, often touted as a protector of religious freedom, seems to lose its ground when it comes to the exercise of religion. If one’s faith is not infringed upon, then surely the right to wear religious attire should be upheld. Religion is not confined to prayer or rituals; it encompasses identity, culture, and appearance. By banning the Abaya, which has cultural significance beyond religious boundaries, the French government undermines the very essence of religious freedom it claims to defend.

Moreover, the contention that an Abaya is inherently Islamic oversimplifies its significance. The essence of an Abaya is not tied solely to religion, but to tradition, modesty, and personal choice. If a dress becomes a symbol of faith merely because it’s associated with a religion, then where do we draw the line? What about Christian robes or other religiously-inspired clothing? The inconsistency in applying this logic reveals the inherent bias against certain religious expressions.

When we turn to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, a cornerstone of modern human rights, it becomes evident that laïcité’s promise of protecting religious freedom is dubious. Article 10 states that “no one may be disturbed on account of his opinions, even religious ones, provided their manifestation does not disturb the public order established by law.” The key phrase here is “public order established by law,” which opens the door to arbitrary interpretations and restrictions, as we’ve seen with the Abaya ban.

To understand the roots of laïcité, we must delve into the history of French secularism and the revolution. Laïcité emerged from a desire to separate church and state, born out of the struggle against the undue influence of the Catholic Church. However, the current implementation of laïcité shows parallels with anti-clericalism, where the aim was not just to separate, but to suppress religious expression altogether. This resonates with the veiled (no pun intended) intention behind the Abaya ban.

Philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau, revered for their contributions to enlightenment, advocated for religious tolerance and freedom of thought. Voltaire famously said, “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” This sentiment echoes the need to defend an individual’s right to religious expression, even if it means defending the choice to wear an Abaya.

In conclusion, a secular state should not wield its authority to dictate clothing choices, especially when such actions infringe upon personal liberties and religious freedoms. The ban on the Abaya in France’s state schools exposes the glaring paradox of laïcité, which claims to protect religious freedom while simultaneously suppressing it. To truly uphold the principles of freedom and equality, a state must allow its citizens to express their religious identities without fear of retribution or discrimination. Only then can we call a society truly secular, where personal beliefs are respected, and diversity is celebrated.

 

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

Christianity’s Impact on Yoruba Culture: A Critical Reflection by Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

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To some extent, it’s comprehensible if traditionalists sympathize with Tani Ọlọhun and neglect ethics, given the attacks they’ve faced, like the term “elebo,” not exclusive to them. Yet, the Christians supporting him—does this truly reflect religious tolerance?

Recollections bring to mind Reinhard Bonnke, who visited my village, confronting witches and wizards. Christians chant, “ogún Oso gbogbo, ate pa, Ogun aje gbogbo, ate pa!” as they march, proclaiming victory over these entities.

Pathetically, masquerades are Wasiu, Sule, Mufu, Karimu, not Peter, Samson, or Paul.

Unlike Islam, Christianity aimed to supplant culture without common ground. It banned polygamy, which was a norm in traditional African societies, unlike Islam’s limit of four spouses.

Christianity renamed Fagbemi to Jesugbemi, Ogunseyi to Oluwaseyi, labeling Èṣù as Lucifer, the devil.

How many Yoruba Muslim kings practice tradition versus Christian kings?

Surprisingly, Christians now join traditionalists to accuse Muslims of intolerance. Is this a smokescreen to conceal their own intolerance, or a reflection of the dual nature seen in Christian Missionaries, as in the teachings of Paul: “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” (Romans 3:7)

I’m not advocating mixing religions. Embrace Christianity, Islam, or traditional practices wholly. Yet, portraying Christians as more tolerant than Islam is unfounded. And of course, that definition of tolerance is subjective.

If you doubt me, consider:

Who plundered African deities? Reside they in Saudi or Europe?

Food for thought.

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

Facts About Tani Ọlọhun’s arrest – Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

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1. No Muslim attacked Tani Ọlọhun, he got attention after burning the Qur’an.

2. Tani Ọlọhun was not arrested because he was calling towards Traditional Religion. Rather, it was on account of defamation.

3. The correctness of the manner of his arrest and keeping him behind bars for over 72 hours and counting according to the constitution is debatable.

4. Any human rights activist can make number 3 his or her priority. That is what should be challenged. Challenging whether what Tani Ọlọhun did is legally correct or not amounts to enabling disruption of public peace in the name of activism.

5. Muslims are not the aggressors in this context. The constitution allows freedom of speech but not of defamation. It is within a citizen’s right not to be defamed and to seek legal action as it is equally the right of the accused to be fairly tried.

My opinion:

Let both parties be fair. For those supporting Tani Ọlọhun, think about what he is accused of. For example, if everyone is granted the right to burn any religious book as they wish or defame anyone, what will happen to the society?

For those that arrested Tani Ọlọhun and the officers in charge of the case, from a religious perspective, I will say Allah loves those who are just and as per the constitution, an accused must be tried according to the law. Hence, in the process of Tani Ọlọhun’s arrest and trial, make sure you are fair and just.

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

Islam | Culture | Proregression By Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

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It is important that we correct the misconception that practicing Islam equates embracing the Arab culture. The Prophet of Islam (Peace Be Upon Him) was an awakening. He didn’t blend Islam into Arab culture, rather, Islam is a culture of its own which is from whence came the term “Islamic Culture”. Thus, Islamic culture becomes the moral foundation of a conscious Muslim, hence becoming a Muslim’s Malum en se.

If the Saudi government decides to approve homosexuality today, it doesn’t automatically become the Islamic culture. This explains why a Muslim or group of Muslims somewhere may appear to want to be more Islamic than the Arabs. Using the Arabs as a standard to judge what a Muslim should accept or reject contradicts the bedrock of Islam.

The society should be progressive, however, if the progression contradicts the essence of the human being as in homosexuality, it makes more sense to retrogress to a state that’s consistent with our essence.

The Arabs had a culture before Islam, yet, they bought Islam which was relatively new as at that time. Some Arabs had claimed they will follow the way of their fathers but Allah says even their Fathers were in error.

Europe had a culture that predated Christianity. There was a time the Church ruled Europe even though it could be argued it was Roman culture blended with Christianity. As much as the Church does not hold ground as it used to, Europeans are not calling towards an awakening that asks its people to go back to a time where they were savage.

In the name of Zulu culture, some groups in South Africa parade women with bare breasts dancing and raising their hands in the name of African Spirituality.

While different African cultures have practices and traditions peculiar to them, do we merge with good aspect of these cultures with the seemingly primitive ones a là burying queens with Kings, abobaku-ism, oro procession that’s a dread to women and the likes?

Before the culture is even accepted, how has it progressed and if we call towards retrogression, like the time before Mary Slessor abolished the killing of twins?

Let’s T H I N K

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman

Professor Pius Abioje: Retraction, Not Apology

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A Professor of Christian Studies at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State, has issued an apology for his remarks against Islam on Facebook. What prompts this apology?

Before delving further, it is essential to clarify a misconception. Upon reviewing Professor Abioje’s Facebook comments and posts from the past year, I observed that he is not solely aligned with Christianity; rather, his roots in African Traditional Religion (ATR) run deeper. Consequently, his statements do not necessarily reflect his Christian affiliation or the subject he teaches.

Evidently, his resentment towards Islam is not recent, as per the evidence at my disposal. The recent controversy ensued when he critiqued someone’s choice of name, Ajagbemokeferi (One who yells, cautions an unbeliever), and in doing so, he made generalized derogatory remarks about Islam. Concerning the name Ajagbemokeferi, its interpretation as one who CAUTIONS an unbeliever holds merit. However, if interpreted in other contexts, such as yelling or shouting, these titles ought to be debated thoroughly within the local Muslim community.

While Abioje may have conveyed his submission constructively and objectively, his bias against Islam led him to define the religion as “Esin ipanle, Elesin Janduku, Elesin Jagidijagan, Elesin Paayanpaayan,” which loosely translates to a faith of unrest, trouble, violence, murder, and the like.

Had Abioje been working at Delta State University and residing there his entire life, one could attribute his ignorance to a lack of interaction with Muslims. However, for an elderly individual and a Professor no less, situated in a university and city predominantly Muslim, is his characterization of Islam and Muslims justifiable?

By virtue of Abioje’s assertion, he indirectly impugned his Muslim students, colleagues, neighbors, and the broader Muslim community in Ilorin, insinuating a predisposition towards violence and murder based on his limited interactions. This begs the question: is his assertion honest, given his age and experiences?

Apologies should transcend mere appeasement and should be rooted in sincerity. Why the necessity for an apology must be delineated. If Abioje indeed apologized, does this imply a change in his perspective on Islam from his previously voiced opinions? Or does he seek to “restore peace,” employing a cycle of attacking Islam and subsequently pacifying Muslims with apologies to perpetuate benefits he derives from the Muslim community?

Whether a name or title like “Ajagbemokeferi” should be subject to scrutiny by an advocate of a peace-promoting faith is a matter that should be deliberated among religious and linguistic scholars because the interpretation of caution instead of yelling seems okay to me. Abioje’s discourse serves as a diversionary tactic, masking his underlying resentment towards Islam. As a result, he disrespects his colleagues and the Muslim community in Ilorin at large.

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman – KnowIslam Project

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