A Kaduna-based social activist and whistleblower, Mahdi Shehu, has condemned Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Jingir over his recent description of Christians as “infidels,” describing the comment as irresponsible and contrary to Islamic teachings.
Shehu expressed his concerns in a post on X on Tuesday, accusing Jingir of making what he called “unguarded, inciting and reckless statements.”
According to Shehu, describing Christians as infidels conflicts with the Quran’s reference to Christians as Ahl al-Kitab, meaning “People of the Book.”
He cited several verses of the Quran, including Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:19, 5:59 and 5:68, arguing that the remarks could further weaken efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Shehu said, “Jingir’s statement has triggered another setback to efforts aimed at building peaceful coexistence between people of different faiths, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where peace remains fragile.”
He also appealed to Christians who were offended by Jingir’s remarks not to generalise the cleric’s position to the wider Muslim community.
The activist described the comments as “cruel and insensitive,” stressing that they did not represent the views of millions of Muslims who support peaceful coexistence.
Shehu further alleged that Jingir may have made the controversial remarks to attract public attention and gain political patronage.
While acknowledging that Christians had the right to be offended by the comments, Shehu urged them to direct their criticism at Jingir rather than at Muslims who do not share his views.
He maintained that peaceful Muslims should not be blamed for statements made by an individual cleric and called for greater restraint and understanding between Nigeria’s religious communities.
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