By Zainab Olufunmi
The Vice Chancellor, Bayero University Kano (BUK), Professor Sagir Abbas, has described Islam as a religion of peace, justice and compassion, nut decried situations where it has often been misreported in the media.
Prof Sagir Adamu-Abbas, stated this iat the second International conference organised by Center for Islamic Civilization and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID), BUK, Kano.
According to him, “misinformation about Islam, are perpetrated by those who seek a narrow and distorted narrative, saying that discussing and contributing to the body of knowledge would yield positive results.
He described the theme: “Islam and violence: facts and fallacies” as apt and timely, saying, it has provided a platform for scholars to engage in ideas, share research findings and engage in conversations that would contribute to a more informed understanding about of the subject matter.
“It is a collective responsibility of scholars and relevant stakeholders to conduct research and shed more light on the reality of Islam to separate facts from fallacies”,he said.
Similarly, CICID Director, Bayero university Kano, Dr. Muhammad Umar, said the conference tends to unravel distorted perceptions surrounding Islam in relation to violence, dispelling misconceptions and promoting understanding rooted in scholarly discourse.
According to him, the conference brought together experts and thoughtful leaders from around the world, for insightful presentations and collaborative efforts towards a shared goal of promoting peace, understanding and unity.
In his keynote address, Kano state Governor, Abba Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, emphasised that, Islam is a religion that embraces peaceful coexistence among mankind.
He stressed that Holy Quran must be interpreted according to the teaching of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as distortions arise from misleading interpretations.
“It is wrong and incorrect to tag a small group of radicals as an act of the whole Muslim community.”
Some participants, Salim Umar and Shehu Sulaiman, expressed optimism that the conference would change the narrative about Islam.
That traditional and religious leaders as well as participants from within and outside the country were at the event.
