Nigerian Muslims criticise U.S president for Jerusalem declaration
Muslims around the world are not happy about Trump’s decision to name Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
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The United States of America President declared Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on December 6, 2017, causing an uproar around the world.
Here in Nigeria, a lot of Muslim groups and organizations are speaking out against Trump’s decision.
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Vanguard reports that thousands of Muslims gathered at the Dawah Centre of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Ijesha in Lagos recently with placards.
They had different inscriptions like “free Palestine, end Gaza siege, end Al-Aqsa blockade.”
Dr Lukman AbdurRaheem, the TMC Amir, issued a statement saying: “Let it also be known that the sufferings of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are not meted out to Muslims alone. Christians are also being persecuted in Palestine…
“Trump’s singular act drew wide condemnations from world leaders. Religious leaders too, particularly Christian leaders, have also condemned the act. The truth is, no matter how religious we might be, we cannot be more Catholic than the Pope."
“It should interest you to know that Pope Francis has also joined the world in criticizing Trump’s illegal move. Just yesterday, the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt cancelled his proposed scheduled meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence, in protest against Washington’s move to declare Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
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“We call on Nigerian Christians to follow the directions of these men of God to condemn Israel and the US. It is equally important for the churches to educate their members on the situation in Jerusalem, so they won’t be misinformed by politicians. Let us all stand for justice and unanimously demand Trump and Netanyahu to return to the ideal status quo, a two-state solution where both Israel and Palestine will live, side by side, in peace.”
He was supported by other Muslim groups like The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN Lagos zone, The Companion and National Council of Muslim Youths, NACOMYO and The Muslim Awareness International (MAI), who said, “ It’s theft of Jerusalem.”
Other Muslims react
Nigerian Muslims are not the only ones protesting the declaration. The Arab League, backed by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and other U.S allies are also against it.
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They resolved that “the US had “withdrawn itself as a sponsor and broker” of any possible Israeli-Palestinian peace process through its decision.
Trump’s move might “deepen tension, ignite anger and capable of plunging the region into more violence and chaos.”
Japanese Muslims in Tokyo are also against US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
They gathered outside the US Embassy on Friday, December 15, 2017, with their placards as they shouted slogans.
NHK World reports that the protest was organised by a Pakistani resident named Raees Siddiqui. He was joined by over 40 people.
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