Civil Unrest in Nigeria: What Should I Do As a Muslim?

Our dear country Nigeria is in in a precarious state of unrest — given the violence, destruction and killings happening in some parts of the country as the consequence of the hijack of the EndSARS protests by hoodlums, and the crackdown on protesters.

We are all devastated by the casualties of the unrest and yet unfolding crises. Sadly, the crises are now taking ethno-religious dimensions.

What should you do as a Muslim?

1. Embrace peace and spread it

“O You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace (Islam). Do not follow in the footsteps of satan. He is an outright enemy to you.” (Quran: 2: 208)

2. Shun violence

And fear the fitnah (affliction and unrest) that will not smite those who do wrong among you alone. Know that Allah is severe in punishment. (Quran 8: 25)

3. Repel hostility with patience

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs; and be patient. Surely, Allah is with the patients. (Quran 8: 46)

4. Don’t engage in ethnic prejudice

O mankind! Indeed We have created you from a male (Adam) and a female (Eve) and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another (not that you may despise). Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. (Quran 39:13)

5. Report unlawful activities

And they [believers] are those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give zakah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. To Allah belongs the outcome of [all] matters. (Quran 22: 41)

6. Be a true Muslim

You are the best of peoples ever raised up [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah. (Quran 3: 110)

7. Obey law and order

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result. (Quran 4: 59)

8. Seek forgiveness and pray for the nation

And said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers. And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers. (Quran 71: 10–12)

9. Don’t share fake or inciting news

“O you who believe! Fear Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds).” [Qur’an, 9:119]

“…And He [Allah] misleads not except the defiantly disobedient. Those who break Allah’s Covenant after it is ratified, and who sever that which Allah Has ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth. It is those who are the losers.” (Quran 2: 26–27)