Press Release: SLAIN ISLAMIC SCHOLAR: MURIC APPEALS FOR CALM 21st July 2007

Shaykh Umaru Dan-Maishiyya, a renowned Islamic scholar and fiery orator, was assassinated in Sokoto on Wednesday 18th July 2007. He was reportedly shot in the head by three unidentified gunmen inside a mosque. 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) deplores this killing as cold-blooded, callous and cowardly. Yet most condemnable is the attempt by the victim’s Sunni followers to attack a Shiite compound in Sokoto. Nobody should jump to the conclusion that Shaykh Umaru was killed by the Shiites.

The assassination of Shaykh Umaru should be used as a vehicle to unite the Shiites and Sunnis in Northern Nigeria. The exalted office of the Sultan of Sokoto can be effectively mobilized to bring the warring parties to the negotiation table before it is too late. MURIC therefore appeals to Sultan Abubakar III to set the machinery in motion not only for a quick resolution of the crisis but also for genuine mediation between the Sunnis and the Shiah in the whole North.

We charge the Acting Inspector General of Police to find the killers of Shaykh Umaru Dan-Maishiyya. This will definitely douse rising adrenalin. The appetite of Nigerians for unsolved murders has sickened. Dan-Maishiyya’s killing is one death too many. In particular, the Ag. IG must tell Nigerian Muslims why Islamic scholars are being assassinated. It happened in Kano not too long ago and in very similar circumstances. Who is after Islamic scholars? It had better not happen again.

Meanwhile MURIC calls on Muslims nationwide to learn from the unfolding events. Violence begets violence just as respect begets respect. Nobody can sow a million seeds without reaping a potato. Islam is essentially a religion of peace and true Muslims must co-exist peacefully with their neighbours regardless of faith, race, sex or class. History has shown indubitably that violence in any form has a tendency to backfire.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in his hadith, “Beware of violence. You must be peaceful”. It is on record that the Prophet remained peace-loving until he died. He tolerated oppression on the part of the idolators of Makkah until he was forced to flee the city and resisted the temptation to take up arms until his enemies attempted to annihilate him in his sanctuary.

We therefore call on Muslims throughout Nigeria and beyond to develop a thick skin for provocations, to tolerate their fellowmen and to engage only in ventures capable of adding value to life.

Dr. Is-haq Akintola                                                           Alhaji Amodu Alabi
DIRECTOR                                                                ASST. SECRETARY