The Lekki Mosque Banner: An Invitation to the Truth of Islam or a Threat to Societal Peace?

Over the last couple of months, Nigerian Muslims have faced increasing criticism on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), over alleged intolerance, violent tendencies, and controversial and unacceptable beliefs. Issues such as underage marriage, the strict enforcement of Shariah law, public quarrelling of top tier Nigerian Scholars, and other societal practices have been widely debated, often painting a negative image of Islam and its followers.

While instances of physical Islamophobia in Nigeria remain relatively rare — given that Muslims are the majority in many parts of Nigeria — the spread of online prejudice continues to grow and spread like a wildfire. Much of this, we believe, stems from misunderstandings about Islam’s true teachings, sometimes even among Muslims themselves.

Towards the end of December 2024, a picture of a banner from a Central Mosque in Lagos, Nigeria has been going viral for its message “Jesus is not God! He is a Prophet and Messenger of God!” This, as one would expect has caused turmoil and sparked controversy online – giving rise to a lot of hue among netizens.

On one side are the offended Christians who raise the question that “How would Muslims react if Christians should paste the same kind of banner in front of their church” while others answer that “Islam is nothing but a religion of terrorism and violence which wouldn’t even entertain such blasphemy.” On the other are Muslims who, defending their faith say that “the banner contains nothing but clear truth and there’s nothing wrong with it.” Some even went on to say that “… being apologetic about this as a Muslim is not only cowardice, but in fact, hypocrisy.”

Please note that these comments are not exact words taken from the comment section. They’re rather the summary of various public opinions

According to a user who claimed to be a member of the said mosque, the banner was removed on Wednesday, 18^th of December. However, based on the statement of the Imam of the Mosque the following weekend, the banner was to be modified and hung up once again. “We are peace loving and tolerant people. But not cowards.” He says.

It is thus clear (from the statement of the Imam) that this banner was made to serve as a form of education for Muslims and Da’wah (Islamic preaching) for followers of other religions. Especially because, as the Imam rightly puts it “you can’t be a true Muslim if you don’t propagate this deen [religion].”

However, according to the teachings of Islam, what is the ideal way of preaching one’s beliefs to adherents of other faiths?

We read in the Holy Qur’an:

“Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in a way that is best. Surely, thy Lord knows best who has strayed from His way; and He knows those who are rightly guided.” (16:126)

Historical accounts show that when the Holy Prophet (sa) of Islam intended to invite the Caesar (ruler of the renowned Kingdom of Rome) and Negus (King of Abyssinia) to Islam, both being Christians, he presented them the verse of the Holy Quran which reads:

“Say, ‘O People of the Book! Come to a word equal between us and you — that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partner with Him, and that some of us take not others for Lords beside Allah.’ But if they turn away, then say, ‘Bear witness that we have submitted to God.” (3:65)

It should be noted here that the word ‘People of the Book’ in Islamic terminology refers to the Jews and the Christians.

This single action of the Holy Prophet serves as a model for all Muslims throughout all ages, demonstrating that inviting others to consider Islam requires the usage of wisdom as well as consideration of their held belief.

No one will consider your religion as being true if instead of convincing them with logical arguments, you rather chose to attack their beliefs. The only result that comes out of this is that they get offended and go into defensive mode, and end up attacking your beliefs as well.

One of the comments regarding the post was: “There’s nothing wrong with the banner; and it is nothing but the truth.” On this, we do agree. Without a shred of doubt, it is indeed a fundamental Islamic tenet to believe that Prophet Jesus (as) – like other Prophets of God, biblical or otherwise – was a true Prophet sent by God for the reformation of his people.

However, Islam teaches a balance between clarity and courtesy. While we maintain utmost certainty in our beliefs – never compromising them to flatter anyone, nor seeking anyone’s validation or shy away from stating the truth – it is equally important for us to be respectful and regard other people’s sentiments when discussing or preaching our religion.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) himself was the perfect model of this. Despite facing extreme opposition when he began preaching Islam, he never concealed or softened his beliefs to appease others. Even when the Quraysh offered him wealth and power in exchange for abandoning his message, he stood firm, upholding his teachings – even though they directly challenged the norms of Arab society at that time.

This is the beautiful teaching of Islam: while we must avoid being rude or provocative, we must also be unwavering in our faith.

Therefore, we Ahmadi Muslims believe with full certainty in the Prophethood of not just the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), but in all the Prophets before him as well, including Prophet Jesus (as), who was the Messiah sent especially for the reformation and redemption of the people of Israel.

We also firmly believe, with clear evidences from the Bible, the Holy Qur’an, and historical records, that Jesus (as), having lived an exemplary life as a servant and Prophet of the One God, neither died an accursed death on the cross, nor ascended physically to heaven – for both would contradict his own mission and promise, neither of which we can dare attribute to a great prophet of Jesus’s (as) status.

We read in the Bible where Jesus (as) himself says:

“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24)

He further states:

“There are other sheep which belong to me that are not in this sheep pen. I must bring them too; they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock with one shepherd” (John 10:16) 

Therefore, as a result of his prayers (Matthew 26:36-45) the night before the crucifixion and in fulfilment of his divine and prophetic mission, he survived the crucifixion, met his disciples afterwards, recovered from his injuries through the ointment prepared by Nicodemus and Joseph Arimathea (John 19: 38-40), and then migrated in search of the Lost Tribes of Israel who had, since the exile of Nebuchadnezzar, settled in the lands of Persia, Tibet, Afghanistan and Kashmir. Ultimately, he passed away as a fulfilled and accomplished Prophet at the ripe age of 120 years in Kashmir, India.

Although this may sound shocking to many, it is not merely a claim of the author of this treatise. In fact, it is a matter supported by historical fact, and has been extensively expounded upon by the Promised Messiah of this age, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) in his book Jesus in India.

Now, having a difference of belief is one thing, but using it to provoke and insult others is another. Islam teaches us to gently and logically explain our beliefs and views to people who hold different beliefs in a way that will neither be provocative nor attacking. Afterall, of what benefit is such ‘truth’ if, instead of opening people’s hearts, it is rather perceived as an attack on their personal sentiments, causing nothing but turmoil and tearing apart the peaceful and delicate fabric of the society?

The Holy Qur’an warns us against such ‘truths’ that are capable of provoking hostility. It states:

“And revile not those whom they call upon beside Allah, lest they, out of spite, revile Allah in their ignorance.” (6:109)

We see that this is precisely what has happened in this case. A society which lived in harmony and religious tolerance suddenly fell apart as a result of a post which was made without the consideration of other religions and this exactly is what the Holy Qur’an warned against.

The Holy Prophet (sa) lived in Madina peacefully with Jews under his rule. He never said any word against any of their Prophets or beliefs. In fact, he rebuked one of his companions who did such a thing. He says: ‘Do not give me superiority over Moses’ (Sahih Bukhari, Kitaab-ul-Khusoomaat. Hadith 2411)

It should be noted that he said this despite the fact that according to Islamic beliefs, Prophet Muhammad (sa) is regarded as the ‘Greatest of all Prophets’ (Khatam-un-Nabiyyeen) and ‘Mercy for all Mankind’ (Rahmatan lil ‘Aalameen). But when it comes to dealing with the believers of other faiths, he prevented his followers from saying it in front of them as he knew doing that might be provocative and hurtful for them.

I will wrap this up with what Allah instructed the Holy Prophet (sa) to tell his Makkan opponents, which to this day serves as the basis of religious tolerance in Islam. He says: “Tell them… ‘for you your religion and for me my religion.’” (109:7)

About the author: Al-Fawaz Ajimoti is a fifth-year student at Jamia Ahmadiyya International, Ghana – the Ahmadiyya International College of Theology and Scholastic Sciences. He hails from Oyo State, Nigeria.

---