Islamic Scholars Split Over Qur’an Convention, Tinubu Accused of Politicization

The upcoming Qur’an Convention, scheduled for February 22, 2025, has sparked controversy among Islamic scholars in Nigeria, with some clerics alleging political motives behind the event, Daily Trust reports.
The Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), the organizers, maintain that the gathering is purely religious. However, critics warn that political interests and financial incentives may be influencing the program.
A divide has emerged within the Izala movement. National Chairman Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau insists that the Muslim community can fund the event. However, in a sermon, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, the National Chairman of JIBWIS’ Council of Ulama, countered that the convention lacks religious legitimacy and questioned its purpose.
“We suspect they want to perform rituals with the Qur’an, and whoever does so is not among us. We are only for Muslim-Muslim,” Sheikh Jingir declared, fueling speculation about hidden motives behind the convention.
Some clerics suggest the event is a political move ahead of the 2027 elections. The controversy intensified after skit maker Dr. Bello Galadanci (Dan Bello) accused the organizers of using the Qur’an as a campaign tool for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based cleric, echoed these concerns, stating, “This is an innovation (bid’ah) and cannot be seen as Islamic because the Qur’an does not need a festival or convention. We read the Qur’an every day. Why turn it into a political project?”
Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, a Kano-based cleric, questioned the organizers’ intentions, saying, “Politicians have long used Islamic clerics for their own gain. We cannot say the event is haram, but if it is being used to strengthen political relationships, then it is a disrespectful joke to the Qur’an.”
Some clerics claim they were deliberately excluded from the event due to their opposition. Sheikh Muhammad Auwal Sharif Zaria, a Tijjaniyya cleric, alleged that some scholars were promised financial incentives to support the convention.
“I was told to reach out to a certain individual if I wanted my name on the list of invited clerics,” he revealed in a lecture. “They said incentives would be provided. If they are paying N50,000 to attendees, then tell me this is not politically motivated.”
The JIBWIS leadership denied these allegations. Sheikh Kabiru Haruna Gombe, a senior Izala cleric, responded, “Those who claim the government directed us not to invite them are lying. In fact, some of them are actively involved in the preparation.”
While Izala clerics remain divided, Tijjaniyya and Qadiriyya leaders support the convention. Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, son of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, described it as a positive initiative.
“I am happy to tell you that we welcome the Qur’an Convention in Abuja. We will pray for the country there. Anything related to the Qur’an is welcome by us,” he said.
Sheikh Karibullah Nasir Kabara, the Qadiriyya leader in Africa, urged his followers to attend, saying it could strengthen Islamic unity in Nigeria.
Despite the controversy, the JIBWIS leadership insists the convention will proceed. Sheikh Bala Lau dismissed claims of political sponsorship, stating that the funds came from voluntary contributions.
“If every mosque contributes just N10,000, we can fund this convention easily. There are many well-wishers who support Qur’anic causes,” he stated.