Islam is a religion of love, peace, understanding, tolerance- Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that Islam is a religion that teaches love, understanding, and tolerance, lamenting the misrepresentation of Islam by a few adherents to promote extremism in the religion.

Abiodun, who expressed this in a keynote address at the Annual Special Ramadan Iftar and Lecture held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, over the weekend, said the religion teaches peace, moderation, and justice and does not encourage compulsion or extremism.

He emphasized that Ramadan is a sacred period that calls for sober reflection and a time for Muslims to renew their faith and apply their hearts to the core values of Islam, which are peace, compassion, and unity.

While calling on Muslim brothers and sisters to use the fasting period to deepen their faith and renew their moral values, reaffirming their commitment to peace, unity, and progress, the governor noted that it is time for them to become ambassadors of Islam by spreading love, patience, and understanding.

The governor assured that his administration is committed to promoting religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence among adherents of different faiths.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, in his remarks, admonished Muslims to follow the dictates of the Holy Quran and the Prophet as commanded by Allah.

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, while charging Muslims to put the lessons of Ramadan into practice, also urged them to be their brothers’ keepers by assisting one another.

Guest Lecturer, Alhaji Sikirulai Kunle Hassan, who spoke on the topic, “Islam and the Rejection of Extremism,” said extremism comes in different forms, attributing the main cause to poverty and injustice.