- Faith or Offense? Imam explains intent behind controversial “Jesus is Not God” banner.
- Peace Above All: Why the banner was removed during the festive season.
The Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Lagos, Ridwanullah Jamiu, has clarified the intent behind a banner displayed on the mosque’s fence bearing the message: “Jesus Christ is Not God.” The banner, which drew widespread criticism on social media, was not meant to provoke but to educate Muslims, Jamiu explained.
Speaking to his congregation, the Imam emphasized that the banner’s purpose aligned with Islamic teachings, aiming to spread knowledge. “When you come to Lekki Central Mosque, you should learn something,” he said. “Islam treasures knowledge, and all the banners outside the mosque display Quranic and Hadith verses.”
Backlash and Government Appeal
The banner sparked public outrage, with many perceiving it as an attack on the Christian faith. Following the backlash, the Imam said he received calls from government and local authorities urging its removal, especially during the festive season.
“It was not placed to provoke anyone,” Jamiu stated. “There’s a difference between propagation and provocation. The banner had been up for about two months before the controversy arose. We are peace-loving people who propagate our faith without provoking others.”
Muslims’ Belief About Jesus
Addressing concerns, the Imam highlighted the shared reverence for Jesus in Islam, referring to him as Isah, a revered messenger of God in the Quran. He added, “If you don’t believe in Jesus, you are not a Muslim. The Quran explicitly states Jesus is not God but a messenger of God. Sharing this belief on our territory is an exercise of freedom of religion and speech.”
Temporary Removal, Not Retraction
Jamiu clarified that removing the banner was a gesture of peace and respect during the festive period. “We are not cowards. We removed it to let peace reign and obey our government. People may think it was calculated to enrage others, but that was never our intention. We will modify it and put it back.”
The mosque has since replaced the banner with one that reads: “Allah is the Lord of Jesus.”
