Nigerian Islamic Cleric Calls for Execution of Those Who Leave Islam and Those Who Believe in Many Gods

Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo, the National Chairman of the Council of Ulama’Jibwis Nigeria

Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo, National Chairman of the Council of Ulama’ Jibwis Nigeria, has called for the execution of individuals who leave Islam for another religion, igniting widespread controversy and condemnation. The statement was made in a post shared on his Facebook page on Thursday, in which he cited a Hadith attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Whoever changes his religion, then kill him.”

Jalingo’s post was written in response to a critic identified as Masussuka, who had challenged the Hadith’s authenticity and argued that it contradicts the Qur’an’s teachings. Jalingo dismissed this claim, stating that the Hadith is consistent with the Qur'an, particularly citing Surah At-Tawbah (9:5) and Surah An-Nisa (4:89), which he claimed support the killing of apostates and polytheists.

He wrote that “only an ignorant person like Masussuka would claim that the Hadith 'Whoever changes his religion, kill him' contradicts the Qur'an,” and further stated that “the Qur'an itself not only permits the killing of those who commit apostasy but even allows the killing of all polytheists.”

In his post, Jalingo also argued that the often-quoted verse “There is no compulsion in religion” (Qur'an 2:256) has been abrogated by other verses. He invoked the Islamic principle of naskh, or abrogation, to justify his interpretation, claiming that the more aggressive verses override the earlier calls for religious tolerance.

The cleric ended his message with a personal attack on Masussuka, describing him as a “deeply ignorant and morally depraved individual,” and used further derogatory language to dismiss the critic’s arguments.

Jalingo’s statements have drawn sharp criticism from various religious leaders and Islamic scholars who argue that such views incite violence and promote religious intolerance. Many have raised concerns about the implications of his rhetoric, particularly in Nigeria’s multi-faith society where religious freedom is protected by both national and international law.

Calls have been made for greater emphasis on tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith dialogue amid rising global tensions involving religious belief and identity.