The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar (III) has asked Muslims to be united to address the challenges facing Islam.
He also asked Muslims to embrace debates and dialogue in contributing to the development of the country.
Sultan gave the advice in an address on Saturday at a two-day Conference on Nigerian Muslims and Democracy at the National Mosque in Abuja .
He said: “I would like to thank the organisers for seeing the need to bring Muslims together at these trying times when, more than ever before, the Muslim Ummah needs to reflect and consult and develop a united front, to face the challenges ahead.
“This demonstrates the saying of Allah, the most high, that we are indeed one community. “Verily this your Ummah, is indeed one community.”
Sultan also asked Muslims to adopt debate and dialogue in contributing to the nation’s development.
He added: “Muslims like all citizens, have a civic responsibility to air their views and participates in national debates and contribute to the development of the country. “Discussions and debates generate ideas and promote understanding and consensus building. Such avenues also provide the opportunity for consultations.
“Consultation is a key feature of the life of the Muslim community and Allah has encouraged us to consult one another in running the affairs of the community.
Sultan said: “Those who obey their lord and establish prayer; who conduct their affairs by consultation, and spend out of what we bestowed upon them”
“Our religion, political culture and history should inspire us to participate in these kinds of civic engagements. We have specific instructions to cooperate in Al-bir Wa -ttaqwa, acts of righteousness and piety; to cooperate with all stakeholders in matters, which affect the well-being and security of our country. This calls for the unity of the Ummah. It also calls for dialogue across religious and cultures. Dialogue itself calls for understanding, patience and perseverance.”
He urged Muslims to put public interest above all issues.
Sultan said: “Islamic political culture and the Sharia itself are focused on Maslaha or ‘public interest’, that which is most beneficent to people. Islamic history is replete with efforts of Muslim scholars engaging in discussions and debates over ways to make societies better.
“The history of the Sokoto Caliphate, in particular, illustrates the central role of consultation in deciding the affairs of the community and the debate both among scholars and people on the best way to shape the affairs of the community.
“While I urge you to continue this process of consultations and debate and make your own contributions to the national debate, I wish to entreat you to be guided by wisdom, sound argument and Islamic decorum, as explained in the Quran.
“I should also implore you to remain conscious of your duty to Allah the most high, your duty to fellow citizens and to ensure sincerity of purpose in your endeavour to make Nigeria a better country. You should consider a mechanism of institutionalizing these efforts to ensure sustainability of the good works you have started.