{"id":21439,"date":"2025-01-31T18:12:18","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T17:12:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/?p=21439"},"modified":"2025-01-31T18:12:21","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T17:12:21","slug":"are-yoruba-muslims-forbidden-to-lead-prayers-in-northern-nigeria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/are-yoruba-muslims-forbidden-to-lead-prayers-in-northern-nigeria\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Yoruba Muslims forbidden to lead prayers in Northern Nigeria?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Claim: <\/strong>An X user claimed<\/a> Yoruba Muslims are forbidden to lead prayers in Northern Nigeria. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Verdict: False. Quran injunctions state that a person who should lead a group of Muslims in prayer has to be the best and most knowledgeable among them. Furthermore, Islamic scholars have also countered the X claim, explaining that the criteria for leading prayers are not dependent on a person\u2019s ethnicity or tribe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Full Text<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Religion and ethnicity have always played an integral role<\/a> in the socio-political realities in Nigeria, however contemptible. The interaction of the two concepts in Nigeria\u2019s geopolitical space has undeniably influenced and stirred the course of the country\u2019s territorial sovereignty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the existence of multi-ethnicity and religious diversity has somewhat created a social rift<\/a> and discord in Nigeria, with each claiming his tribe or religion is superior or more morally upright than others. Worse still is the belief that some citizens should receive certain privileges, including political leadership, official portfolios, national allocation, etc., due to their social backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In light of the foregoing, an X user, Omo Oodua (@yomiable<\/a>), claimed that Yoruba Muslims are not permitted to lead Islamic prayers in Northern Nigeria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He wrote, \u201cYoruba Muslims are forbidden to lead prayers in Northern Nigeria.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He further mentioned<\/a> that this happened because of Usman Dan Fodio\u2019s teachings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, the X post stirred controversy amongst other users, earning a fair amount of engagement, including 716 comments, 903 retweets, 1,500 likes, and 90 bookmarks. This data was as of Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DUBAWA observed the comment section and discovered that some other X users strongly agreed with the claim, suggesting that it was the reality in Nigeria. Meanwhile, other users discountenanced the claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt (is) shameful that some Yoruba Muslims are doing everything possible to remain the second fiddle even in their own land\u2026my own is they should not turn our region to North East,\u201d Asiwaju of Owoland (@egtapere<\/a>) reacted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut they would come here and want to have their way,\u201d Akintayo (@Morre<\/a>) agreed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think this is true,\u201d Ismail Asiemu (@ismailaniemu<\/a>) differed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the sensitivity of the post and the controversy it has generated, DUBAWA decided to verify its authenticity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verification<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DUBAWA researched the Quran\u2019s position concerning who leads prayers. The Islamic resource Iium.edu.my<\/a> references it in chapter 11, verse one, that a person (male) who must lead prayer should be the best and most knowledgeable amongst the group about to pray. It further mentions that the most virtuous would lead the prayers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe man who should lead a group of people in prayer is the best and most knowledgeable one among them,\u201d the Quran mentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IslamQA<\/a> also mentions that a person is qualified to lead the rest of a group in prayers if he is more knowledgeable in the rulings on prayer and has mastered the Quran\u2019s dictates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe one who most deserves to lead the prayer is the one who has the most knowledge of the ruling on prayer and has memorised the most Quran,\u201d the outlet stated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Islamic scholars say <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

DUBAWA contacted a few Islamic scholars who reside in Northern Nigeria and inquired from them if Muslims of Yoruba descent are indeed forbidden to lead prayers in Northern Nigeria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We contacted Aminu Numan, an Islamic scholar who resides in Adamawa State, concerning the claim. He explained that among Muslims, as long as a person knows the Quran and is well-grounded in it, he is qualified to lead prayers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWherever we find ourselves, a person that is vast and knowledgeable in the recitation of the glorious Quran is the one the prophet Sallallahu Alaihu Wa Sallam permits us to follow while performing our prayers,\u201d Aminu stated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He further divulged that he had visited many states in Nigeria, especially in the North, and had never seen the reality of the X post. He described the statement as \u201cun-Islamic,\u201d which \u201cwould not come from a scholar that knows Islam.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another Islamic scholar, Haruna Yawale, an Adamawa State resident, about the claim. Haruna, who assessed the post as \u201cnot a mere claim,\u201d divulged he has lived in many places in Northern Nigeria where many Yoruba Muslims have led prayers on many occasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is not a genuine claim. I (have) resided in many places in Northern Nigeria, where I (have) mingled, where I (have) interacted with so many Yoruba Muslims who lead us in prayers on so many occasions. Some are even the Imams of some mosques.\u201d Haruna told DUBAWA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor instance, here in Moddibo Adamawa Teaching Hospital, Yola, our Chairman (Muslim committee) is a Yoruba man. He is among the Imam of the Masjid. He does lead prayers,\u201d Haruna further buttressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awwal Salusu, a lecturer at Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, dismissed the claim as untrue. He explained that the criteria for being an Imam who carries out the assignment of leading prayers are to be a devout Muslim and recite the Fatiha and some verses of the Quran. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis claim is not true actually, and it is totally misleading. The only condition of being an Imam here in Northern Nigeria is to become a good, sound Muslim who can read Fatiha and some verses of the Glorious Quran. (You must) have a basic knowledge about prayers according to Islamic jurisprudence law no matter what tribe, state, or colour you may belong to,\u201d Awwal expounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DUBAWA then asked the university lecturer if he had witnessed or heard a situation where Muslims had cause to determine who would lead a prayer session. He responded that the Mosque committee may do so in some cases, although it is common knowledge that either the chief imam or deputies are assigned that role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you meant all the congregation, the answer is no. But if you meant the Mosque committee, the answer may be yes, in some cases.\u201d He responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause normally, the issue of who will lead prayers is well known to everyone in the mosque\u2014 the chief imam, the deputy (1), and the deputy (2). In the absence of all, there are some alternatives to who will lead the prayers. This is in normal circumstances,\u201d Awwal explained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ibrahim Damare, the Head of Department (HOD), Islamic Studies, Adamawa State Polytechnic, told DUBAWA that the claim was unfounded. He explained that, generally, there is no disparity among worshippers in Islam and that certain conditions must be met to become an imam. He stated that these conditions apply to all Muslims worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cActually, what I want to tell you is that it is a mere allegation. In Islam\u2014not only talking about the Northern part of the country, I am talking about Islam in general\u2014 when a person becomes a Muslim, there is no dichotomy between you and any other person in the Mosque. To become an Imam in a Mosque, there are conditions as Islam has described. These conditions cut across all races. There is no barrier at all,\u201d Ibrahim explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We inquired about the Quran’s provisions concerning an individual\u2019s legibility to lead prayers. In response, Auwal quoted the Quran and stated that the same parents create all human beings. He also mentioned that anyone who must lead prayers must be a Muslim, knowledgeable about the Quran, and upright.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHear me as one people; we have created you from a single man and woman, and we made you nations and tribes so that you should know each other.\u201d Ibrahim referenced the Quran<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat is why I told you that there are conditions prescribed. One of the conditions is that one has to be a Muslim. (Secondly), you should be the most learned of the Quran. (Thirdly) you must be upright,\u201d the Islamic scholar further stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

References to the Quran and consultations with Islamic scholars denote that a person is only qualified to lead a group in prayers if he is the most knowledgeable and learned in the teachings of the Quran. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Claim: An X user claimed Yoruba Muslims are forbidden to lead prayers in Northern Nigeria.  Verdict: False. Quran injunctions state that a person who should lead a group of Muslims in prayer has to be the best and most knowledgeable among them. Furthermore, Islamic scholars have also countered the X claim, explaining that the criteria for leading prayers are not dependent on a person\u2019s ethnicity or tribe. Full Text Religion and ethnicity have always played an integral role in the socio-political realities in Nigeria, however contemptible. The interaction of the two concepts in Nigeria\u2019s geopolitical space has undeniably influenced and stirred the course of the country\u2019s territorial sovereignty. However, the existence of multi-ethnicity and religious diversity has somewhat created a social rift and discord in Nigeria, with each claiming his tribe or religion is superior or more morally upright than others. Worse still is the belief that some citizens should receive certain privileges, including political leadership, official portfolios, national allocation, etc., due to their social backgrounds. In light of the foregoing, an X user, Omo Oodua (@yomiable), claimed that Yoruba Muslims are not permitted to lead Islamic prayers in Northern Nigeria.  He wrote, \u201cYoruba Muslims are forbidden to lead prayers in Northern Nigeria.\u201d He further mentioned that this happened because of Usman Dan Fodio\u2019s teachings.  Indeed, the X post stirred controversy amongst other users, earning a fair amount of engagement, including 716 comments, 903 retweets, 1,500 likes, and 90 bookmarks. This data was as of Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. DUBAWA observed the comment section and discovered that some other X users strongly agreed with the claim, suggesting that it was the reality in Nigeria. Meanwhile, other users discountenanced the claim. \u201cIt (is) shameful that some Yoruba Muslims are doing everything possible to remain the second fiddle even in their own land\u2026my own is they should not turn our region to North East,\u201d Asiwaju of Owoland (@egtapere) reacted. \u201cBut they would come here and want to have their way,\u201d Akintayo (@Morre) agreed. \u201cI don\u2019t think this is true,\u201d Ismail Asiemu (@ismailaniemu) differed.  Due to the sensitivity of the post and the controversy it has generated, DUBAWA decided to verify its authenticity.  Verification DUBAWA researched the Quran\u2019s position concerning who leads prayers. The Islamic resource Iium.edu.my references it in chapter 11, verse one, that a person (male) who must lead prayer should be the best and most knowledgeable amongst the group about to pray. It further mentions that the most virtuous would lead the prayers. \u201cThe man who should lead a group of people in prayer is the best and most knowledgeable one among them,\u201d the Quran mentions. IslamQA also mentions that a person is qualified to lead the rest of a group in prayers if he is more knowledgeable in the rulings on prayer and has mastered the Quran\u2019s dictates. \u201cThe one who most deserves to lead the prayer is the one who has the most knowledge of the ruling on prayer and has memorised the most Quran,\u201d the outlet stated.  What Islamic scholars say  DUBAWA contacted a few Islamic scholars who reside in Northern Nigeria and inquired from them if Muslims of Yoruba descent are indeed forbidden to lead prayers in Northern Nigeria.  We contacted Aminu Numan, an Islamic scholar who resides in Adamawa State, concerning the claim. He explained that among Muslims, as long as a person knows the Quran and is well-grounded in it, he is qualified to lead prayers. \u201cWherever we find ourselves, a person that is vast and knowledgeable in the recitation of the glorious Quran is the one the prophet Sallallahu Alaihu Wa Sallam permits us to follow while performing our prayers,\u201d Aminu stated.  He further divulged that he had visited many states in Nigeria, especially in the North, and had never seen the reality of the X post. He described the statement as \u201cun-Islamic,\u201d which \u201cwould not come from a scholar that knows Islam.\u201d  Another Islamic scholar, Haruna Yawale, an Adamawa State resident, about the claim. Haruna, who assessed the post as \u201cnot a mere claim,\u201d divulged he has lived in many places in Northern Nigeria where many Yoruba Muslims have led prayers on many occasions. \u201cIt is not a genuine claim. I (have) resided in many places in Northern Nigeria, where I (have) mingled, where I (have) interacted with so many Yoruba Muslims who lead us in prayers on so many occasions. Some are even the Imams of some mosques.\u201d Haruna told DUBAWA. \u201cFor instance, here in Moddibo Adamawa Teaching Hospital, Yola, our Chairman (Muslim committee) is a Yoruba man. He is among the Imam of the Masjid. He does lead prayers,\u201d Haruna further buttressed. Awwal Salusu, a lecturer at Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, dismissed the claim as untrue. He explained that the criteria for being an Imam who carries out the assignment of leading prayers are to be a devout Muslim and recite the Fatiha and some verses of the Quran.  \u201cThis claim is not true actually, and it is totally misleading. The only condition of being an Imam here in Northern Nigeria is to become a good, sound Muslim who can read Fatiha and some verses of the Glorious Quran. (You must) have a basic knowledge about prayers according to Islamic jurisprudence law no matter what tribe, state, or colour you may belong to,\u201d Awwal expounded. DUBAWA then asked the university lecturer if he had witnessed or heard a situation where Muslims had cause to determine who would lead a prayer session. He responded that the Mosque committee may do so in some cases, although it is common knowledge that either the chief imam or deputies are assigned that role.  \u201cIf you meant all the congregation, the answer is no. But if you meant the Mosque committee, the answer may be yes, in some cases.\u201d He responded. \u201cBecause normally, the issue of who will lead prayers is well known to everyone in the mosque\u2014 the chief imam, the deputy (1), and the deputy (2). In the absence of all,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21440,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"hannibal_claim_source":"","hannibal_source_label":"","hannibal_card_color":"blue","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":false,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"default","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_bluesky_share_type":"","_mastodon_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[1571,3812,3815,123],"tags":[],"verdict":[],"ppma_author":[3699],"class_list":["post-21439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fact-check","category-headline","category-homepage","category-mainstream"],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8R6dE-5zN","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"authors":[{"term_id":3699,"user_id":0,"is_guest":1,"slug":"cole-praise","display_name":"Cole Praise","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7934b84f51e2c1f4c1e77cce93c223ac97cc2da29198aa9141fd944b0407bb2d?s=96&r=g","author_category":"","user_url":"","last_name":"","first_name":"","job_title":"","description":""}],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Yoruba.png?fit=643%2C336&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21439"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21439\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21441,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21439\/revisions\/21441"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21440"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21439"},{"taxonomy":"verdict","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/verdict?post=21439"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=21439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}