The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, has expressed concern over widespread misconceptions about Jihad in Islam.
Speaking at the first International Conference organized by Fountain University and the Nasfat Missionary Institute (NMI), Oloyede clarified that Jihad is fundamentally about peacebuilding and includes diverse efforts such as preaching, teaching, and acts of love, provided they are conducted within Islamic guidelines and aimed at seeking divine pleasure.
“Jihad is not about violence or coercion; it encompasses noble efforts aimed at uplifting society, including youth empowerment, rather than dependence or begging,” he noted.
The conference, held at the Fountain University campus, focused on the theme ‘Navigating the Dynamics of Religion, Politics, Ethnicity, and Youth for Peace and Development.’ Oloyede emphasised the inseparable link between peace and societal development, advocating for strategies rooted in Islamic principles to promote harmony.
Represented by Prof. Ibrahim Uthman, Head of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan, Oloyede highlighted the role of Jihad as a mechanism for youth empowerment and a cornerstone for fostering peace and progress in society.
“Islamic scriptural evidence shows that the best form of Jihād is indeed the one related to peacebuilding. The Prophet Muḥammad (SAW) said the best Jihād is saying the truth before a tyrant.
“Therefore, contrary to the notion that Jihād essentially means an “holy war” to expand the Islamic community, it primarily means “peaceful striving and struggle” in the cause of God, hence, Muslims, especially the youth are obligated to strive for their economic well-being.”
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ramota Karim highlighted that the international conference is to shape the intellectual and spiritual development of the society.
“This is to inspire collaborative research that addresses pressing global challenges and chart actionable strategies for peace and sustainable development grounded in Islamic ethics and universal values.”
