Renowned Islamic scholar, Sanusi Lafiagi, has delved into the heated debate sparked by a banner displayed at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos.
The banner, which reads, “Jesus Christ is not God. He is a Servant and Messenger of God,” drew mixed reactions, igniting a contentious discussion on religious sensitivity, freedom of expression, and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria’s multi-faith society.
In a detailed commentary titled “Propagation or Provocation: Contents and Contexts,” Lafiagi highlighted the divide the banner has caused across religious and social lines. He provided clarity on the context and timing of the banner while addressing concerns from both Muslim and Christian communities.
The banner gained widespread attention after a social media post criticized its message as provocative, especially during the Christmas season. Many Christians labeled the statement offensive, claiming it undermines the spirit of interfaith harmony and tolerance. Some Muslim commentators also expressed disappointment, arguing that the timing and wording lacked sensitivity.
Conversely, others defended the mosque’s decision, pointing out that the statement is a direct quotation from the Qur’ān (5:75) and not an act of provocation. This led to debates shifting from interfaith dialogue to intra-religious discussions among Muslims about the appropriateness of such displays.
Sanusi Lafiagi addressed the controversy with six key points:
1. Timing and Context:
He clarified that the banner was not recently displayed but had been in place for over two months. Its timing during the Christmas season was coincidental and not deliberate.
2. Religious Freedom:
Lafiagi emphasized that the message is rooted in Islamic scripture, stating, “In a country where freedom of religion is guaranteed, when does it become a crime to state exactly what your religion says, and which does NOT in any way insult others?”
3. Coexistence of Beliefs:
He questioned the imbalance in societal reactions, arguing that Christians freely display banners declaring “Jesus is Lord,” yet criticize Muslims for quoting their scripture. He stated, “Why should the Muslim suppress his right for your right when both can actually coexist?”
4. Shared Reverence for Jesus:
Lafiagi highlighted that Jesus (referred to as Prophet Isa in Islam) is revered in both Christianity and Islam. He noted that Muslims hold Mary (Maryam) in high regard, with an entire chapter of the Qur’ān dedicated to her.
5. Provocation vs. Propagation:
Responding to hypothetical concerns about Christians displaying a banner stating “Muhammad is not a Prophet of God,” Lafiagi explained that such an act would be provocative because it lacks biblical backing. He argued, “The Bible rightly prophesied his coming as the COMFORTER.”
6. Root Cause of the Controversy:
He placed blame on the individual who shared the banner online and those who amplified it, stating, “The real troublemakers are the individual who took that picture and his co-travellers who amplified and blew it beyond reasonable proportions.
Lafiagi urged both Christians and Muslims to embrace mutual respect and understanding. He concluded with a plea for peaceful coexistence: “Let’s live and let others live.”
The Lekki Central Mosque has yet to release an official statement, but the Chief Imam’s recent sermon emphasized the importance of tolerance and clarified the intentions behind the banner. As the debate continues, Lafiagi’s reflections offer a balanced perspective, urging Nigerians to focus on dialogue rather than division.
