A number one Islamic cleric and Nationwide Chairman of the Council of Ulama, Ibrahim Jalingo, has stirred intense controversy after publicly endorsing the demise penalty for people who resign Islam, claiming it’s supported by the Qur’an.
In a Fb publish on Thursday, Jalingo defended a Hadith that prescribes demise for apostates, dismissing critics who problem its validity as affected by “compound ignorance.”
Responding to what he known as fabricated arguments geared toward discrediting Hadith literature, Jalingo quoted the contentious narration: “Whoever adjustments his faith, kill him” and insisted it aligns with Islamic teachings.
He accused these questioning the Hadith of missing correct non secular understanding.
“The Qur’an is a revelation from Allah, and so is the Hadith,” Jalingo wrote.
“Usually, the Qur’an addresses issues briefly, whereas the Hadith involves elaborate. This Hadith doesn’t contradict the Qur’an—it reinforces it.”
Citing verses from the Qur’an—Surah At-Tawbah (9:5), Surah Al-Baqarah (2:193), and Surah An-Nisa’ (4:89 and 4:91)—Jalingo argued that Islamic scripture requires extreme penalties for apostasy and polytheism, together with demise in sure contexts.
He additionally claimed that the oft-quoted verse selling non secular freedom, “There is no such thing as a compulsion in faith” (Qur’an 2:256), had been abrogated by later revelations.
In a very inflammatory comment, Jalingo launched a private assault on his critics, likening them to “prostitutes and effeminate males,” whereas praising his supporters for upholding “true” Islamic ideas.
His feedback have since gone viral, drawing each applause from hardline followers and widespread condemnation from different Muslim students, civil society actors, and human rights advocates.