The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims to respect the religious rights of others, stressing that nobody should be forced to embrace Islam against their will.
The monarch, who is also the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), made the statement on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the council’s General Assembly held at the National Mosque in Abuja.
Speaking at the gathering, the Sultan emphasised that Islam does not support forced conversion, noting that individuals should be free to choose their religion without intimidation or coercion.
He stated that Muslims deserve the freedom to practise their faith without hindrance while extending the same respect to people of other religious beliefs.
“We do not intend to force anybody to join Islam. But we have seen how many people have been joining Islam on their own free will because Almighty Allah said there is no compulsion in religion,” he said.
The Sultan further encouraged Muslims to support individuals who voluntarily embrace Islam and help them practise their faith freely.
He also called for unity among Muslims, urging them to remain conscious of their responsibilities and contribute positively to addressing the challenges facing Nigeria and the wider world.
Describing the General Assembly as an important opportunity for Muslim leaders to strengthen their relationships, the monarch noted that the gathering provided a platform for exchanging ideas and reinforcing unity within the Islamic community.
The meeting, which came about seven years after the council’s last full General Assembly, also highlighted the importance of education, peaceful coexistence and greater participation in issues affecting the Muslim community.
The Sultan’s remarks reaffirmed his call for religious tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths in Nigeria.
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