The Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Katsina State chapter, has organized a training workshop for Imams and Islamic scholars to enhance their knowledge and skills in promoting peace, sustaining dialogue, and strengthening social harmony among communities, including those who have reached peace agreements with former bandits.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that the event, held at the Al-Wasil Centre for Imam Training near Companion FM along Batsari Road, Katsina, took place over the weekend and was attended by security officials and prominent religious leaders.
In his opening remarks, the Katsina State Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh (Dr.) Yakubu Musa Hassan Katsina (Sautus-Sunnah), explained that the training followed a resolution by the organization’s executive council to engage rural communities through direct outreach and education. He noted that the initiative aims to promote Islamic values, respect for human dignity, and peaceful coexistence. “This effort will enlighten hearts, strengthen faith, and deepen understanding of Islam and its true principles of righteousness and good conduct,” he said.
Sheikh Yakubu emphasized that Muslims have a divine duty to teach patience, perseverance, and acceptance of destiny, especially after peace has been restored among communities and former insurgents. He added, “Islam commands us to uphold discipline and forbid wrongdoing. Therefore, it is essential that we use the light of the Qur’an and the Sunnah to guide people towards the truth.”
According to him, the main purpose of the training is to equip Imams and scholars with the knowledge and techniques for conflict prevention and peacebuilding from an Islamic perspective, particularly in areas where reconciliation has been achieved. He noted that the program would also help strengthen public understanding of trust, forgiveness, and unity to ensure lasting peace and socio-economic progress.
Sheikh Yakubu further urged Imams and scholars to remain steadfast in educating their communities about Islamic obligations and the dangers of sinful acts that provoke divine anger, while fostering stronger social relations. “Imams and scholars should serve as ambassadors of Islam, calling people to the path of Allah with wisdom and compassion. This is not just a seminar, but a mission to build peace guided by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),” he stressed.
He added that following the training, emphasis would be placed on developing Friday sermons and public preaching in conflict-affected communities, as well as using local media to promote messages of trust, reconciliation, and forgiveness for sustainable peace.
The event, chaired by the JIBWIS State Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Sani Abubakar Idris Daura, featured paper presentations and discussions on practical strategies for implementing the peace education initiative. It was attended by representatives of the Katsina State Commissioner of Police and the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).