Conversion Of Abducted Schoolgirls Has No Basis In Islam — MURIC

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has described the alleged conversion of the abducted school girls by Boko Haram insurgents as an act that has no basis in Islam. In a statement issued by the Executive Director of the organisation, Professor Is-haq Akintola, MURIC stated that such conversion does not hold water in Islam because a non-Muslim can only be converted on his or her own free will. “We have no iota of doubt that the girls ‘converted’ under duress. Such ‘conversion’ is null and void under the Shari’ah. “We reject the purported conversion of the kidnapped girls. It is cowardly, shameful, ridiculous and preposterous. It is sacrilege.” Akintola quoted the Holy Quran, 2:256 which says: “There is no compulsion in religion…,” adding, “Such ‘conversion’ is null and void under the Shari’ah. The Glorious Qur’an is very explicit in this regard.” “The so called conversion is therefore baseless, unfounded and of no validity whatsoever. It exists only in the hallucinated imageries of Shekau’s demented mind,” he added. The group also cautioned the Federal Government against entering into any deal with Boko Haram in exchange for the girls, urging the military to go back to the drawing board for firm and clear-cut strategies to bring down the insurgents. “A man who orders the invasion and kidnap of innocent young girls is honour-blind. Shame on Boko Haram! Shekau has no modicum of integrity left in his anatomy. He has no intention of honouring this deal. He is trying to buy time. He is digging in,” he stated. MURIC also called on all churches and mosques to pray for the downfall of Boko Haram. “This renegade group is out to defame and distort the true teachings of Islam. Members of Boko Haram are rebellious subjects and enemies of peace. “We charge the Nigerian Army to go back to the drawing board and evolve more potent strategies for crushing this renegade group. To crush Boko Haram is a task that must be done,” he added.