A prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo, the National Chairman of the Council of Ulama’Jibwis Nigeria, has ignited a firestorm of controversy by publicly calling for the execution of individuals who leave Islam for another religion or believe in more than one God.
In a provocative Facebook post on Thursday, Jalingo reignited a long-standing and sensitive debate surrounding apostasy in Islam. His declaration that “whoever changes his religion should be killed,” directly quoting a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), has sent shockwaves through religious and human rights communities.
The cleric’s statement came as a direct response to criticism from a Facebook user, Masussuka, who challenged the authenticity of the cited Hadith, suggesting it contradicted the core tenets of the Quran. However, Jalingo vehemently refuted this claim, asserting that the Hadith is entirely consistent with Islamic scripture.
He went further, citing specific Quranic verses, including Surah At-Tawbah (9:5) and Surah An-Nisa (4:89), which he argued explicitly permit, and even mandate, the killing of polytheists and those who abandon Islam. According to Jalingo’s interpretation, these verses provide the religious justification for the execution of apostates.
“Only an ignorant person like Masussuka would claim that the Hadith ‘Whoever changes his religion, kill him’ contradicts the Qur’an,” Jalingo stated emphatically in his post. “In fact, the Qur’an itself not only permits the killing of those who commit apostasy but even allows the killing of all polytheists.”
To further bolster his argument, Sheikh Jalingo invoked the Islamic legal principle of “naskh,” or abrogation. He contended that the widely cited Quranic verse stating, “There is no compulsion in religion” (La ikraha fi al-deen), has been superseded by the verses he referenced concerning the treatment of apostates and polytheists.
In a dismissive and derogatory attack on his critic, Jalingo labeled Masussuka as “deeply ignorant and morally depraved,” further attempting to undermine the user’s challenge to his interpretation.
Jalingo’s explosive pronouncements have been met with widespread condemnation and alarm. Religious leaders and numerous Islamic scholars have voiced strong opposition, arguing that such interpretations promote intolerance, incite violence, and misrepresent the broader teachings of Islam, which emphasize peace and compassion.
Concerns are mounting over the potential implications of such rhetoric, particularly within Nigeria’s diverse multi-religious society, where the constitution guarantees freedom of belief. Critics argue that Jalingo’s statements could inflame tensions, endanger individuals who choose to change their faith, and undermine efforts towards religious harmony and coexistence.
Many have called for a clear and unequivocal rejection of Jalingo’s views by prominent Islamic bodies in Nigeria and a renewed emphasis on the values of religious tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful engagement in the face of rising global religious tensions. The debate sparked by Jalingo’s comments is likely to intensify, raising critical questions about the interpretation of religious texts and their application in the contemporary world.
“Kill Them All”: Prominent Nigerian Cleric Sparks Outrage Calling for Execution of Muslims Who Convert, Citing Quranic Verses
