Dr Abdulwahab Shittu, Lecturer, Department of Religions, University of Ilorin, has called on religious and political leaders to promote equality and curtail political hate speech in the country.

Shittu, who made the call on Monday while speaking at `The Muslim Congress (TMC)’ 1440 AH Annual Lecture, held in Ilorin, pointed out that hate speech was a threat to national security in Nigeria .

According to him, the negative impacts of hate speech includes violation of the reputation and rights of others, crimes, threat to public safety and health, and lack of morals, among others, which needed to be addressed in the country.

Speaking on the topic, “Political Hate Speech and Its implication: The Islamic Perspective,” the scholar of Islamic Studies said that mere abuse is sufficient to be classified as an expression of hate speech.

He explained that hate speech was a separate offence in the perspective of Islamic law once it is promoted, and the abuse occurs, without considering the effect of how harmful the speech was.

Shittu, who spoke on the Islamic perspective of hate speech related, said that the Prophet Muhammed had faced hate speech during his life time and the slander against his wife, Aisha and the emergence of sects in Islam.

According to him, hate speech was also evidence in the 2015 election among politicians and that people should guard against it in the upcoming 2019 election.

“Islam does not encourage hate speech, which is considered a wrong deed in the Qur’an, as Allah commands justice, goodness and forbids shameful deeds and injustice.”

The don, however, warned that the prevalence of hate speeches in Nigeria could incite violence in the upcoming general elections.

Previous articleWhy I accepted to be Alao-Akala’s running mate after being duped, betrayed at Accord – Abideen Olaiya
Next articleKilling of aid workers: CAN commiserates with Muslims, Red Cross, families

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here