An Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ibrahim Sanusi, has emphasised the critical role of parents and families in addressing and preventing terrorism, urging society to prioritise proper upbringing and moral guidance for children.
Sanusi made the call while delivering a lecture at a Ramadan programme organised by the Ajala Rasaq and Muyibat (ARM) Foundation in Mushin, Lagos.
The lecture, held on the 19th day of Ramadan at the residence of Hon. Rasaq Ajala on Imoru Street, Idi-Oro, Mushin, drew Islamic clerics, political figures, community leaders and residents from within and outside the area.
The event commenced with an opening prayer led by Alfa Shamsudeen, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Ahmad Tijani.
Speaking on the topic of terrorism and global peace from an Islamic perspective, Sheikh Sanusi described terrorism as a manifestation of various forms of evil behaviour.
“Terrorism, according to Islamic scholars, is a combination of all kinds of evil acts. A terrorist is an unfortunate individual who is determined to continually perpetrate evil,” he said.
Providing a theological context, the cleric noted that acts of terror existed even before the creation of human beings, citing early Islamic narratives about the jinn.
“Before humans were created, the jinn had existed. They terrorised one another before they were wiped out of existence. What led to their extinction was terrorism,” he explained.
Sanusi stressed that the fight against terrorism should not be left to governments alone, noting that families, communities and religious institutions must play active roles in nurturing responsible individuals.
“Parents have a crucial role to play. Children must be given proper upbringing and trained in acts of charity and compassion. We must also guard against depression and social conditions that could push individuals toward violent extremism,” he added.
The Ramadan lecture formed part of the ARM Foundation’s community engagement activities aimed at promoting moral values, peaceful coexistence and dialogue during the holy month.
Participants were later served Iftar at the end of the lecture, while children present at the gathering received snacks as part of the programme’s activities.
