A Kaduna-based social activist and whistleblower, Mahdi Shehu, has condemned Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Jingir’s description of Christians as “infidels”, saying the remark was contrary to Islamic teachings and capable of worsening religious tensions.
Shehu expressed his criticism in a Tuesday post on X, where he described Jingir’s remarks as “unguarded, inciting and reckless statements.”
According to the activist, referring to Christians as infidels was inconsistent with the Quran’s recognition of Christians as Ahl al-Kitab, meaning “People of the Book.”
“His venomous statement is contrary to the dignified name of AHLIL-KITAB given to Christians in the Quran by Allah himself as can be found in various verses of the Quran, such as in Sura Al-Ma’ida 5:19, 5:59 and 5:68 and many other places,” Shehu said.
Shehu warned that Jingir’s comments could further undermine efforts to foster peaceful relations between Christians and Muslims, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where he said interfaith peace remained fragile.
“Jingir’s unschooled statement has triggered another circle of reversing efforts of building peaceful co-existence between people of different faith, particularly in Northern Nigeria where peace is fragile,” he said.
The activist also appealed to Christians who were offended by the cleric’s remarks not to interpret his position as representative of the wider Muslim community.
“Christians should take note that Jingir’s irresponsible and senile statement of referring to Christians as Infidels is unislamic, cruel and insensitive and does not represent the views of millions of peace loving Muslims,” he said.
Shehu further alleged that Jingir made the controversial remarks in an attempt to attract public attention and gain political patronage.
“His … like statement is nothing but an invitation to be noticed and solicitation for continued political patronage so as to continue living in fake and undeserving temporary comfort,” Shehu alleged.
He also criticised the cleric over his age and position as a religious leader, saying Jingir should have demonstrated greater responsibility in his public utterances.
“Jingir should be ashamed of himself for willingly and deliberately discarding his age into the dustbin of ignorance.”
While acknowledging that Christians had reasons to be offended by the comments, Shehu urged them to distinguish Jingir’s views from those of Muslims who do not share his position.
“Christians have the right to feel pained and react harshly. But their anger should be directed to Jingir and his cohorts and not to millions of Muslims who don’t share Jingir’s mental derailment,” he added.
