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The Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos recently replaced a banner that read “Jesus Christ is Not God” with a new one stating “Allah is the Lord of Jesus.” This decision came after public backlash and requests from government officials during the festive season.
Background of the Controversy
The banner, which had been displayed on the mosque’s fence for approximately two months, sparked significant debate on social media. Many perceived the message as provocative and an attack on the Christian faith.
However, the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Ridwanullah Jamiu, clarified that the banner was never intended to offend.
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Chief Imam’s Explanation
In a statement addressing the issue, Jamiu emphasized that the banner aimed to educate Muslims and promote understanding of Islamic teachings.
“When you come to Lekki Central Mosque, at least you should learn something. You pass by the banners outside, you look here and there, you learn something because Islam treasures knowledge,” he explained to his congregation.
Government Intervention
Following the viral spread of the banner’s photo, Jamiu disclosed that he received calls from various government bodies, including the local government and area command. Officials urged the removal of the banner to maintain peace during the festive period.
Decision to Replace the Banner
Jamiu assured that the mosque’s intention was never to provoke but to propagate Islamic beliefs peacefully.
- “We are peace-loving people, we don’t provoke anyone. We only propagate our name,” he said.
- He clarified that the banner quoted a Quranic verse and was placed to educate members of the congregation, not to incite controversy.
Despite the backlash, the mosque opted to replace the banner with a less controversial message to ensure tranquility and adhere to government requests.
New Banner Message
The original banner has now been replaced with a new one that reads, “Allah is the Lord of Jesus.” This message reflects Islamic beliefs, as Muslims revere Jesus (referred to as Isah in the Quran) as a messenger of God but not as God himself.
Chief Imam’s Remarks
Jamiu reiterated that Muslims deeply respect Jesus and that belief in him is integral to Islam.
- “If you don’t believe in Jesus, you are not a Muslim. The Quran says Jesus Christ is not God, he’s a messenger of God,” he stated.
- He added that the replacement banner aligns with the mosque’s goal of peaceful propagation and education.
Promoting Peace and Respect
In response to the controversy, Jamiu emphasized the mosque’s commitment to peace and coexistence:
- “We are not cowards. The decision to remove the banner was to ensure peace, not out of fear.”
The Chief Imam also highlighted the importance of respecting freedom of religion and speech, noting that the banners reflect the mosque’s beliefs within its territory.
Public and Community Reactions
The removal and replacement of the banner have sparked mixed reactions:
- Some praised the mosque’s decision to prioritize peace and harmony.
- Others viewed the initial banner as insensitive, especially in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria.
The Lekki Central Mosque’s decision to replace the controversial banner reflects its commitment to fostering peace and understanding among diverse religious communities. While it has sparked important discussions about freedom of expression and religious tolerance, the move underscores the importance of maintaining harmony in a multicultural society.
TJ News Nigeria understands that as the new banner takes its place, the hope is that it will serve as a reminder of the shared values and mutual respect that bind communities together.
Source: Legit News Nigeria
MOHAMMED WAS NOT A PROPHET.
JESUS IS MOHAMMED’S LORD AND SAVIOUR.