Kaduna-based social activist, Mahdi Shehu, has condemned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Jingir, over his description of Christians as “infidels”, describing the remark as un-Islamic, reckless and capable of worsening religious tensions in the country.
Shehu, in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, said Jingir’s comment was inconsistent with the Quran’s recognition of Christians as Ahl al-Kitab, meaning “People of the Book.”
He cited verses in Surah Al-Ma’ida, including 5:19, 5:59 and 5:68, as evidence of the Quran’s reference to Christians as People of the Book.
“His venomous statement is contrary to the dignified name of AHLIL-KITAB given to Christians in the Quran by Allah himself, as can be found in various verses of the Quran, such as in Sura Al-Ma’ida 5:19, 5:59 and 5:68 and many other places,” Shehu said.
The activist warned that comments of such nature could undermine efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where he said interfaith relations remained fragile.
“Jingir’s unschooled statement has triggered another circle of reversing efforts of building peaceful co-existence between people of different faiths, particularly in Northern Nigeria where peace is fragile,” he said.
Shehu, however, urged Christians who were offended by the cleric’s comments not to generalise his position to the entire Muslim community. DSS files terrorism charges against ‘activist’ Mahdi Shehu DSS files terrorism charges against Mahdi Shehu Activist Mahdi Shehu granted N3m bail over alleged fake video
He described Jingir’s remarks as “unislamic, cruel and insensitive”, insisting that they did not represent the views of millions of Muslims who believe in peaceful coexistence.
“Christians should take note that Jingir’s irresponsible and senile statement of referring to Christians as Infidels is unislamic, cruel and insensitive and does not represent the views of millions of peace-loving Muslims,” he said.
Shehu also alleged that Jingir’s comments were driven by a desire to remain politically relevant and attract patronage, accusing the cleric of sacrificing wisdom for what he described as ignorance.
“Jingir should be ashamed of himself for willingly and deliberately discarding his age into the dustbin of ignorance,” he said.
While acknowledging Christians’ right to feel offended, Shehu appealed to them to direct their grievances at Jingir and those who shared his views rather than at Muslims generally.
“Christians have the right to feel pained and react harshly. But their anger should be directed to Jingir and his cohorts and not to millions of Muslims who don’t share Jingir’s mental derailment,” he added.
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