Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), on Friday, protested in Abuja to demand justice for Muslims in India.
The IMN, during the protest, also submitted a petition letter at the office of the High Commission of India, Central Business District, Abuja.
The letter, addressed to the Indian High Commissioner, was signed by Dr. Dauda Nalado on behalf of the Academic Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.
The group condemned the attacks on Muslims in Indian.
The letter reads: “On behalf of the Academic Forum of the Islamic Movement under the leadership of his eminence, Sheikh Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky (H); we write to protest against the on-going persecution of Muslims in India by the Indian authority.
“The news reaching us here in Nigeria through mainstream and social media revealed that Muslims are systematically being attacked by Indian security agents through unlawful arrest, detention, and demolishing of houses as a result of their action and reaction concerning a derogatory remark made on Islam.
“We would like to draw the attention of Indian Government that derogatory remarks on people’s beliefs and religious personality can never be considered as freedom of speech, but rather an immoral comportment and a crime capable of inciting hatred and violence across the globe.
“Islam respects human beings irrespective of their beliefs. Qur’an (6: 108) Allah (Ta’ala) says: And do not insult those whom they worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge.
“Thus We have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do. Qur’an (17:70) Allah (Ta’ala) says: Indeed, We honoured the progeny of Adam, and bore them across land and sea and provided them with good things for their sustenance, and exalted them above many of Our creatures.
“Similarly, in Qur’an (49:13) Allah (Ta’ala) also says: Human beings, We created you all from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most God-fearing of you. Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
“It is pertinent to inform the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria that disrespecting Islam and Muslims in India is also disrespecting Islam and Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe.
“We therefore demand for the end of derogatory remarks on Islam and attacks on Muslims in India.
“We also demand for the end of lynching and all forms discrimination against Muslims in India. We would continue to study this situation and demand for justice to Muslims in India.
“While condemning the derogatory remarks on Islam and attack on Muslims in India, we wish to use this opportunity to extend our condolence to Indian people and the families of those who lost their lives and also sympathize with those who lost properties or got injured.”
