The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Muslims to reject forced religious conversion and promote peaceful coexistence, stressing that Islam is founded on peace and respect for human dignity.
The Sultan described himself as “a soldier of Islam and a soldier of peace”, saying much of his responsibility as a traditional and religious leader involves resolving conflicts and restoring peace in communities across Nigeria.
He made the remarks on Monday during the closing ceremony of activities marking his 20th anniversary on the throne and the 13th Sheikh Usmanu Bin Fodiyo Week in Sokoto State.
Abubakar, who is also the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the founding principles, educational philosophy and governance structures of the Sokoto Caliphate to address the country’s social, economic and political challenges.
He said the Caliphate was established on principles of justice, human dignity, strong relationships, moral responsibility and devotion to God, adding that these values remained relevant despite changes in modern society.
The Sultan described the historical Caliphate as an example of how African scholars and leaders could establish a society and government based on the rule of law, accountability and economic development.
He also criticised the legacy of British colonial administration, arguing that its structures and practices had continued to influence Nigeria’s institutions and hinder efforts to overcome colonial attitudes and systems.
According to him, the intellectual contributions of the Caliphate’s founding scholars could provide lessons for African development and liberation.
He further urged Muslim scholars to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood taught by Prophet Muhammad and promote greater understanding of the Caliphate’s historical role in bringing different ethnic communities together.
Addressing religious tolerance, Abubakar maintained that Islam did not support the use of force to convert people, urging Muslims to communicate their faith through good character and conduct.
“Before I became Sultan here, I was a soldier. I am still a soldier, a soldier of Islam and a soldier of peace, because what I spend most of my time doing is bringing peace to communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State congratulated the Sultan on completing 20 years on the throne, describing his leadership as a period characterised by humility, unity, stability, religious tolerance and national cohesion.
Lawal praised the Sultan’s contributions to national discussions and conflict resolution, noting that his guidance remained important in addressing Nigeria’s security and socioeconomic challenges.
He called on Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders and youth organisations to work together in discouraging extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The governor also emphasised that lasting peace required more than security operations, stressing the importance of quality education, economic opportunities, moral guidance and active community participation.
Similarly, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, represented by his deputy, Idris Gobir, commended the Sultan’s contributions to religious tolerance, national development and peaceful coexistence.
Aliyu said the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on the intellectual and moral legacy of the Sokoto Caliphate, particularly the teachings of Sheikh Usmanu Bin Fodio, Abdullahi Fodio and Sheikh Muhammad Bello.
He highlighted their contributions to scholarship, justice, accountability, social responsibility and good governance, describing these principles as important foundations for addressing contemporary challenges in Nigeria.
