Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Obafemi Hamzat, has urged Muslim clerics to condemn violence and correct the misconception that Islam promotes it.

Mr Hamzat made this call at the 16th Alhaji Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu Memorial Ramadan Lecture, held on Sunday in Lagos.

He emphasised that Islam promotes peace and harmony, stressing that Muslim leaders have a vital role in spreading this message.

“Islam is not a religion of violence or conflict; it is a religion of peace, tolerance, and care.

“We all know Islam promotes peace. Apart from resisting anything that hinders our service to Allah, we must actively seek peace,” he added.

Mr Hamzat urged clerics to speak out against all forms of violence and condemn such acts without hesitation.

He stressed that seeking peace is not just an individual responsibility but requires collective efforts to foster harmony in every aspect of life.

“We must seek peace with our neighbours, within our families, and everywhere we find ourselves,” he said.

The deputy governor also highlighted the moral challenges facing society and called on Muslims to unite in addressing them.

According to him, moral decline is one of the most disturbing issues affecting citizens today.

Mr Hamzat commended the Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu Foundation for its dedication to propagating Islam and providing a platform for discussions on faith.

He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for allowing Muslims to witness another Ramadan and prayed for the blessings of the holy month.

Munirudeen Ariyyadiy, in his lecture, ‘Managing Public Trust: Changing Values in Our Socio-Economic Realities and Global Trends’, urged public officers to serve with integrity.

He advised against self-enrichment and stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in governance.

Misuse of public funds, he noted, hinders societal progress and negatively impacts citizens.

He also urged elected officials to prioritise merit when making appointments.

Imam Abdululfatai AbdulMojeed, in his lecture, ‘Tax Reform: Social Responsibilities and the Importance of Zakat’, clarified the distinction between tax and zakat.

He explained that tax is a civic duty, while zakat is an Islamic obligation of charity.

Citizens must pay taxes to support national development and growth, he said.

Tax reform, he added, would contribute to the country’s continuous progress.

He emphasised that zakat is one of Islam’s pillars and should be given sincerely and justly.

“It is essential for Muslims to give zakat truthfully, as it brings rewards from Allah,” he said.

(NAN)