The Muslim community on Lagos Island has voiced strong disapproval following the spread of a viral video depicting a masquerade engaging in Solat, the Muslim prayer ritual. In the video, the masquerade is seen performing the prayer alone, a portrayal that has stirred significant controversy and concern within the community.
Leaders from the Muslim community have expressed that the video is deeply disrespectful to Islamic practices and beliefs. In their statements, they emphasized the importance of treating religious practices with reverence and urged the public to refrain from actions that could incite discord. The community has also called on local authorities to investigate the video and hold those responsible accountable.
Appealing for calm, the leaders urged residents to respond peacefully while reaffirming their commitment to maintaining harmony on Lagos Island.
The recent incident at Idumota Bus Stop on Lagos Island has sparked unrest among the local Muslim community and residents. Last Thursday, a viral video emerged showing a masquerade performing the Islamic prayer, Solat, at the busy bus stop. The video has quickly become a point of controversy, with community members viewing it as a blatant disregard for Islamic customs.
The unsettling portrayal has heightened tensions, with many in the community calling it disrespectful and demanding accountability. Community leaders have urged local authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and have appealed to residents to stay calm while stressing the importance of respecting religious practices to preserve harmony on Lagos Island.
Ustaz Qamardeen Ajala, a respected Muslim leader, confirmed that the controversial masquerade incident has been officially reported to the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan. In his statement, Ustaz Ajala explained that the community took swift action, alerting authorities to ensure the matter is thoroughly investigated. He emphasized that the report underscores the community’s commitment to seeking justice while discouraging any actions that could disrupt public order. Ustaz Ajala reassured residents that the community is working closely with law enforcement to address the situation and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Ustaz Qamardeen Ajala expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a deliberate and provocative display aimed at mocking Islam and its followers. He noted that the masquerade’s actions quickly drew a large crowd, intensifying feelings of outrage among onlookers. Ustaz Ajala condemned the act as an attack on the Muslim community, asserting that such behavior undermines respect for religious values and is unacceptable. He stressed the importance of mutual respect in a diverse society and reiterated the community’s call for authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
Despite the outrage, Ustaz Qamardeen Ajala has urged Muslims and all residents to remain calm and avoid taking matters into their own hands. Acknowledging the offense felt by the community, he emphasized the importance of lawful responses and maintaining peace. Ajala reminded everyone that the situation is now in the hands of authorities, who are actively investigating. His appeal underlined the need for restraint and patience, calling on the community to uphold values of peace and unity as they await justice.
Ustaz Qamardeen Ajala has called on the Lagos State Government and the Commissioner of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and to bring those responsible to justice. Stressing the need for accountability, he urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent similar displays of disrespect in the future. Ajala highlighted that a decisive response would not only restore calm but also reinforce respect for religious practices within the diverse Lagos Island community.
Ustaz Qamardeen Ajala emphasized that, while Islam teaches tolerance and explicitly states that there is no compulsion in religion, it is unacceptable for anyone to misrepresent the faith in a disrespectful or comedic way. He condemned the incident as a clear attempt to mock Islamic practices, stressing that such portrayals not only disrespect the religion but also disrupt the peaceful coexistence valued by the community. Ajala’s words underscored a call for understanding and respect among all, urging people to avoid actions that mischaracterize or trivialize religious beliefs.
