The Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque clarified the intent behind a controversial banner stating "Jesus Christ is Not God," which sparked social media backlash. He explained it aimed to educate Muslims, not provoke others, and was removed to maintain peace. A new banner now reads, “Allah is the lord of Jesus.”
The Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Lagos, Ridwanullah Jamiu, has clarified the intentions behind a controversial banner displayed on the mosque's fence, which read, “Jesus Christ is Not God.” The banner, intended to educate Muslims about Islamic teachings, sparked backlash on social media, with critics labeling it an attack on Christianity.
In a public address, Imam Jamiu explained that the banner was part of an effort to share knowledge as Islam emphasizes education. He stressed that it was not meant to provoke or demean other faiths, noting the banners displayed verses from the Quran and Hadith. Following concerns raised by government and local officials, the mosque decided to remove the banner to maintain peace during the festive season. The Imam emphasized, however, that this act was not borne out of fear but a gesture of goodwill and compliance with authorities.
Jamiu highlighted the shared reverence for Jesus in Islam, stating that belief in Jesus, referred to as Isah in the Quran, is integral to the Muslim faith. "The Quran says Jesus is not God but a messenger of God. Displaying this on our property is within our rights to educate our community," he remarked.
The removed banner has since been replaced with one that reads, “Allah is the lord of Jesus,” reinforcing the mosque's commitment to sharing Islamic teachings while fostering peace and mutual understanding.
