The Sadr (National President) of Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Alhaji Dauda Abiola Raji, has reaffirmed the peaceful nature of Islam, stressing that there is no compulsion in religion and that those who promote force or coercion in the name of Islam do not represent its true teachings.
The Sadr stated this during an interview on Splash FM 106.7, Abeokuta, on Monday, August 17, 2026, as part of activities preceding the 50th Annual Ijtema of Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Nigeria, scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking on the contributions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to Nigeria, Alhaji Raji highlighted its longstanding investments in education, healthcare and media, noting that the community was among the first Islamic institutions in Nigeria to establish Western education, a hospital and a Muslim newspaper.
He further noted that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, established in 1916 in Nigeria and now present in over 227 countries, continues to extend humanitarian and welfare services to communities around the world.
According to him, Humanity First Nigeria, the community’s humanitarian organisation, carries out welfare initiatives in underserved and remote communities, including healthcare interventions, hospital projects, free surgeries and the provision of boreholes.
Speaking on the forthcoming 50th Annual Ijtema, the Sadr said the gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Association would mark the Golden Jubilee edition of the convention in Nigeria. He said the programme was designed to highlight the teachings and peaceful ideals of Islam while addressing contemporary challenges through faith-based approaches.
He disclosed that the Ijtema, themed “Faith-Based Solutions to Global Challenges,” would feature a range of activities, including free medical outreach, courtesy visits, a peace trek and symposium, with the overall aim of contributing to lasting solutions to challenges facing Nigeria and the world.
As part of the humanitarian activities preceding the convention, Alhaji Raji announced that a free medical outreach would hold on Wednesday and Thursday, August 19 and 20, at the General Hospital, Iberekodo, Abeokuta. The outreach, he said, would include free medical consultations, tests, drug dispensation and other healthcare services.
Also speaking during the interview, the Naib-Sadr (Vice National President), Dr. Taofeek Sanni, affirmed that Islam is fundamentally a religion of peace, noting that identifying with a religion does not automatically mean that every adherent fully understands its pristine teachings. He said wrong practices by some Muslims often stem from a lack of proper understanding of the core teachings of Islam.
Dr. Sanni also addressed misconceptions surrounding Jihad, explaining that it primarily entails striving in the cause of faith and the betterment of society. He cited the work of professionals such as doctors and teachers as examples of efforts that contribute to the wellbeing and development of humanity.
He further explained that the wars fought by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were defensive in nature, noting that they followed prolonged persecution and attacks against the early Muslim community.
The interview formed part of the media engagements preceding the 50th Annual Majlis Ansarullah Ijtema – OLÚMỌ 2026, which is being held in Abeokuta under the theme, “Faith-Based Solutions to Global Challenges.”
