Prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo, has stirred significant controversy by calling for the execution of individuals who leave Islam for another religion. As the National Chairman of the Council of Ulama' Jibwis Nigeria, Jalingo used his social media platform to express his rigid interpretation of Islamic teachings, reigniting long-standing debates around apostasy and religious freedom within the Muslim community and the wider society.

On Thursday, Jalingo took to Facebook to share his views, asserting that "whoever changes his religion should be killed," a statement he based on a Hadith attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The comment came in response to criticism from a user named Masussuka, who challenged the authenticity of the Hadith and argued that it contradicts Qur'anic principles. Jalingo's statement, rooted in traditionalist interpretations, sparked widespread discussion across various online and offline platforms.

Jalingo defended his position by referencing specific verses in the Qur'an, including Surah At-Tawbah (9:5) and Surah An-Nisa (4:89), which he claims support the punishment of apostates and polytheists. He insisted that these verses align with the Hadith in question and accused those who argue otherwise of lacking proper religious knowledge. Jalingo further suggested that misunderstanding or denying this alignment reflects ignorance and a disregard for Islamic scholarship.

He also addressed the frequently cited verse "There is no compulsion in religion" (Qur'an 2:256), arguing that it has been abrogated by later verses that, in his interpretation, allow for harsher measures against apostates. To justify this, he invoked the Islamic principle of "naskh," or abrogation, which permits the replacement of earlier revelations with more definitive ones as circumstances evolved during the Prophet's lifetime.

In a heated rebuke, Jalingo dismissed his critic, Masussuka, using inflammatory language and personal insults. He labeled the opposing viewpoint as "deeply ignorant" and "morally depraved," choosing to undermine the critic's character rather than engage in a more constructive theological debate. This approach further fueled tensions and added to the backlash from a wide range of religious voices.

Many scholars and religious leaders have condemned Jalingo's statements, asserting that such views fuel intolerance and religious extremism. They argue that Islam, like many world religions, should be interpreted in a manner that promotes peace, coexistence, and the dignity of human choice. Critics warn that rigid interpretations like Jalingo's can lead to violence and societal division, especially in pluralistic nations like Nigeria.

In response to the growing criticism, voices from both within and outside the Islamic community have called for a more compassionate and contextual understanding of Islamic teachings. They stress the need to uphold religious freedom, as enshrined in national and international laws, and emphasize the importance of dialogue and tolerance in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.

Source: https://saharareporters.com/2025/04/10/prominent-nigerian-islamic-cleric-ibrahim-jalo-jalingo-calls-execution-those-who-leave