By Sodiq Lawal, Ife
* Urges students not to lose hope over academic, life challenges
Former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ustadh Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, has declared that banditry and all forms of terrorism are completely alien to the teachings of Islam, stressing that no true Muslim should be associated with acts of violence, criminality, or the shedding of innocent blood.
He made the assertion on Friday while delivering a public lecture at the 2026 Jihad Week organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Branch, Ile-Ife.
Muslim News gathered that the Jihad Week programme was designed to strengthen the faith of Muslim students and equip them with the knowledge required to navigate contemporary challenges while remaining steadfast in Islamic values.
Speaking on the theme, “The Straight Path: Islam as the Only Complete Road to God,” Ustadh Hassan, said Islam is fundamentally built on peace, justice, compassion, and respect for human life, warning against any attempt to associate it with violence or extremism.
“Banditry and terrorism have no business with anyone who identifies as a Muslim,” he declared.
Ustadh Hassan, who is also the Chairman of Fajr Center, Lagos, lamented what he described as persistent attempts by some individuals and groups to wrongly associate Islam with violent extremism, stressing that such narratives contradict the foundational teachings of the religion.
According to him, Islam provides comprehensive guidance for all aspects of human existence and promotes peaceful coexistence, moral excellence, and responsible citizenship.
Ustadh Hassan explained that Islam is structured around five interconnected dimensions: Aqeedah (creed), Ibaadah (worship), Adab (moral etiquette), Mu’aamalaat (social, economic and political dealings), and Uquubah (punishments and justice), noting that these collectively regulate a Muslim’s relationship with Allah, fellow humans, and society.
On Aqeedah, he emphasised the importance of belief in all prophets sent by Allah, specifically mentioning Prophets Jesus and Moses.
“A true Muslim must believe in Jesus and Moses because they are Prophets of Allah. Anyone who does not believe in the two is not a Muslim,” he said.
He further explained that worship in Islam is not limited to ritual acts alone, but includes devotion expressed through the heart, physical actions, and wealth, as well as financial and physical commitments in obedience to Allah.
Hassan urged students not to lose hope in the face of academic or life challenges, warning that despair is a serious spiritual error.
“Academic failure should not make you despair in the mercy of Allah,” he said.
On moral conduct, he stressed sincerity, respect for others, and adherence to ethical standards in everyday life.
“A Muslim must respect the boundaries of others, be sincere, and learn to mind their business,” he stated.
He also highlighted Islamic teachings on social etiquette and privacy, stressing that permission must be sought before entering another person’s residence, and that elders must be respected regardless of religious affiliation.
Speaking on national issues, the Chairman Fajr Center expressed concern over Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges, stating that no sincere Muslim can remain indifferent to the state of the nation.
“No true Muslim is not saddened by the situation of Nigeria,” he lamented.
He urged Muslims and citizens generally to contribute positively to national development by upholding honesty, justice, compassion, and peaceful coexistence.
MSSN OAU Amir praises lecture on Islam as balanced, eye-opening
Speaking with Muslim News, the Amir of MSSN OAU, Amao Fareed, commended the guest lecturer, describing his presentation as enlightening, timely, and impactful.
He said the lecture helped participants understand Islam as a complete and balanced way of life while correcting widespread misconceptions linking the religion with violence and extremism.
Amao further noted that the programme strengthened students’ moral awareness, faith commitment, and sense of responsible citizenship.
“The lecture was very insightful and timely. Barrister Dhikrullah Hassan was able to explain the holistic nature of Islam in a way that is easy to understand.
His emphasis on peace, morality, and the rejection of terrorism and banditry resonates strongly with the realities of our society today,” he said.
Corroborating the speaker, a student participant, Jimoh Wasiu, described the lecture as educative and inspiring, saying it broadened his understanding of Islam.
According to him, the session reinforced the religion’s teachings on peace, justice, and respect for humanity.
“I was particularly touched by the lecturer’s explanation that Islam does not support terrorism or banditry in any form. This is an important message, especially at a time when some people wrongly associate criminal activities with the religion,” he said.
He added that the lecture encouraged students to remain hopeful despite life’s challenges and to uphold good character in their dealings with others.
Jimoh expressed appreciation to MSSN OAU leadership for organising the programme, noting that the knowledge gained would have a lasting impact on participants and help them become better ambassadors of Islam within and outside the university community.
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