Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic scholar, appealed on his verified Facebook page for calm and for the matter to be handled by the authorities after the fatal shooting of cleric Yahaya Masussuka in Katsina State earlier this week. He described the killing as a grave mistake that could ignite conflict among Muslims if left unchecked.
What did Sheikh Gumi say?
He warned that the incident could be exploited to create confusion and division within the Muslim community, urging people not to take the law into their own hands. Gumi emphasized that security‑related issues should be referred to the appropriate officials rather than being handled by individuals or unverified sources.
Which Qur'anic verses were cited?
Gumi supported his call for restraint by quoting two passages from the Qur'an. He referenced Qur’an 4:83, which advises believers to refer matters concerning security and fear to those in authority, and Qur’an 24:63, which cautions against actions that could lead to trials or painful consequences.
Key facts
- The victim, Yahaya Masussuka, was a cleric based in Katsina and was killed in what Gumi termed a “serious mistake.”
- Gumi warned that the killing could be used to sow discord among Muslims if not addressed properly.
- He cited Qur’an 4:83 and 24:63 to underline the importance of leaving security matters to the proper authorities.
- The scholar concluded with a prayer for peace, saying, “May Allah grant us peace and remove every form of conflict and division from the community of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Amen.”
Why is restraint important?
By urging the public to avoid vigilante actions, Gumi aims to prevent a cycle of retaliation that could destabilise the local Muslim population. His appeal reflects a broader concern for maintaining communal harmony in a region where religious tensions can quickly escalate.
What is the expected outcome?
Gumi hopes that law‑enforcement agencies will investigate the killing thoroughly and that the community will cooperate by reporting any relevant information, thereby allowing justice to be served without further bloodshed.
The scholar’s statement underscores the need for patience, lawful conduct, and reliance on official channels to address security incidents, seeking to preserve peace within Nigeria’s Muslim community.