Before now, the media has always been unfair to Islamic emblems, both at the local and international levels. This misrepresentation has portrayed Islam as a non-peaceful religion by debasing its heritage and Muslim identities. The unfair treatment from the media has turned both Muslim men and women into objects of mockery before the public.
People debase Islamic culture at will without any serious sanction from the government. It is unfortunate that when Muslims raise their voices to demand justice over the misrepresentation, the same public is quick to tag them as fundamentalists and other unfair names. Some even go to the extent of saying that Muslims are not tolerant. Not tolerant? When did demanding justice become an act of intolerance?
This unfair treatment is largely orchestrated by the media, as well as the Nigerian movie industry. Incontrovertibly, the industry needs to be called to order over the undue misrepresentation of Islamic identities. This is not the first time such an unrefined gesture has ensued from this angle. The industry needs to show maximum respect for Islamic emblems and heritage.
Furthermore, in a world where we preach inclusion, diversity, and respect for the individual, the recent poster for Nancy Isime’s upcoming film titled “Blood Brothers” dishonors the Niqab. How we can be insensitive at this level is appalling and baffles me greatly.
This latest controversy was allegedly directed by one of our Muslim brothers in the industry, Femi Adebayo, who is a bonafide son of Ilorin where the Islamic religion and emblems are deeply entrenched. It is disheartening that our brothers could engage in such actions against Islam. There is a popular adage in Yorùbá that goes: “Bi iku ile o pani, ti ode o le pani,” meaning, “If you are not killed by the enemy within, no outside force can kill you.” Femi Adebayo, being a Muslim, has joined those who debase Islam, which is deeply troubling and highlights the need for vigilance in preserving our religious values. As a Muslim, I find this portrayal deeply offensive and misleading, and it is crucial to address why such representations are harmful and demand corrective action.
We should recall that this is not the first time the music and movie industry in Nigeria has disrespected Muslims by debasing our religious symbols through film or music. For instance, in 2018, a Hip-Hop musician known as Falz featured hijab-wearing female choreographers dancing to “shaku-shaku” and a Fulani man appearing to behead an individual in a video titled “This is Nigeria.” This sparked online controversy. Despite criticism from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which requested Falz to remove the video due to the offensive depiction of women wearing hijabs—an Islamic female attire—the video remained. MURIC claimed that the video ridiculed Islam and issued a seven-day ultimatum for its removal, demanding an apology from the musician.
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Despite MURIC’s stance, some Muslims criticized the organization for not taking similar actions against Boko Haram and murderous herdsmen. MURIC initially threatened to sue Falz but later decided to involve government agencies responsible for film and video censorship. On August 8, 2018, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) issued an official statement signed by Zonal Director Igomu Onoja, banning Falz’s song “This is Nigeria.” The song was declared unfit for radio. Unfortunately, the reason for the ban was not due to disrespect towards Islamic apparel. Instead, NBC cited a part of the song with the lyrics: “This is Nigeria; look at how we are living now, everybody is a criminal,” which was deemed “vulgar” and therefore declared unfit for radio.
Deducing from this statement, the music was banned not because it disrespected Islamic apparel, but because a specific aspect of it was deemed unfit for radio. This represents one of the numerous instances of unfair treatment towards Islam and Muslims. Barely a year ago, Davido’s signee, popularly known as Logos Olori, released a music video titled “Jaye Lo.” In the video, individuals dressed in white garments resembling traditional Islamic attire were shown performing prayers similar to those of Muslims before transitioning to dancing while reciting some Quranic verses and praying. Upon seeing this, conscientious Muslim netizens condemned the video for its disrespectful portrayal. As expected, MURIC played an active role by criticizing the afrobeats musician David Adeleke, aka Davido, and his signee Olamilekan Taiwo, aka Olori, for releasing the now-deleted controversial video titled “Jaye Lo.”
Subsequently, MURIC alerted the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite Logos Olori and his boss, Davido, for questioning, describing the video as insensitive to Muslim sentiments. Numerous instances of disrespectful portrayals of Islam by the media and members of the music and film industry have targeted Muslims. Unfortunately, many celebrities in the industry continue to demean Islam to gain fame, believing that the worst consequence will be a ban on the video or music after it has already been widely downloaded.
This trend is becoming more prevalent due to the lack of stringent regulations. Undoubtedly, such actions have the potential to cause religious unrest in the country. As responsible citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we must avoid actions that could lead to religious conflict, prioritizing peace over discord. Celebrities, musicians, producers, and skit makers should steer clear of content that might incite religious tension. After all, in times of war, it is not about who is right but who is left!
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Furthermore, we have another instance of Nedu and his manner of desecrating the sanctity of Islam through playing the alter ego personality, Alhaji Musa. Nedu is a Nigerian comedian and On-Air Personality (OAP) with a radio house in Nigeria, whose real name is Chinedu Ani Emmanuel. Through his skits and his portrayal of the character Alhaji Musa, Nedu has been accused of desecrating the sanctity of Islam and insulting northern Muslims. In these skits, Alhaji Musa is depicted as a northern Muslim who is obsessed with fornication and adultery. This is considered it offensive seeing the comedian adorning his trademark Islamic attire while mimicking the Hausa accent as he flirts with busty and scantily dressed ladies in many of his videos available on social media.
According to a Nigerian media platform, in a statement released on Monday, January 25 and signed by Mr. Sulaymon Tadese Faozahny, Ta’awunu Human Rights Institute (THURIST) said the comedian’s character as Alhaji Musa is a disturbance to public peace, adding that it’s capable of inciting religious violence in the country if nothing is done about it. The group holds that his activities capable of inciting religious violence.
Likewise a member of the Lagos state chapter of the Muslim Lawyers Association (MULAN), Barrister Abdul Wasi Amoo told a Nigerian media house correspondent that the action of the comedian is capable of causing breach of peace in the society.
“Alhaji Musa’s character in the comedy offends Islam and tends to portray the Muslims in a negative way, different from what Islam represents. Thus, his action amounts to a Criminal Act contrary to Section 57 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State Cap17, 2015,” Barrister Amoo added.
According to him, “The section of the Criminal Act says; Any person who: in any manner or form publishes or displays or offers to the public the pictorial representation of any person living or dead in a manner likely to provoke any section or the community; publishes or circulates publications either in the form of newspaper, leaflets, periodicals, pamphlets or posters, if such publications are likely to provoke or bring into disaffection any section of the community. This reflects the reality in our nation, where some media platforms and industry personalities continue to debase Islam without facing legal consequences.
Following the controversy involving Davido and his signee Logos Olori, Christian netizens raised concerns about Ololade Asake in his music video titled “Bandana,” which features Fireboy and was released in 2022. Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, was depicted in some scenes inside a church. This depiction sparked criticism from Christian netizens, who demanded that Asake remove the video.
A Nigerian man, speaking on behalf of the Christian community, issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the video to be taken down. He noted his respect for all religions and praised Davido for removing the controversial clip involving Logos Olori. He stated:
“Some Muslims were attacking Davido about what he used in his new musical video, I accept the fact that you need to respect people’s religion, the way people do their things you need to respect it, fine and good. Kudos to Davido for deleting the video.” Not stopping there, he told Asake, who he claimed to be a Muslim, to take down the Bandana music video within 24 hours. According to him, the YBNL star was disrespecting God by shooting a video inside the church despite being a Muslim.
According to Punch news, in another case, Asake was knocked for his dressing in his nusic video titled: Only Me and directed by TG Omori. This video was reported to have gained over 150,000 views within five hours of release. Asake is seen dressed in priestly attire, sparking controversy among viewers. Some Christian netizens on X vexed their angers among which are:
X user, Solomon_Buchi, who voiced his concerns on his X handle on Thursday wrote, “Asake keeps disrespecting the Christian faith in his music videos. Dramatising the eucharist, robed up in priestly regalia for a music video that has no connection with Christianity is disrespectful. “In his Bandana video, he depicts black goats trooping into the church with cloven tongues of fire above weird men. Asake, I think, is a Muslim. Why doesn’t he go above and beyond to embarrass his Muslim faith in the same way?
BG_Liberty wrote “This video 2/10, who directed this? Who accepted the idea? What a disrespect to Christianity! I wish you could try this with your own religion.”
Another X user, @AniBae94, wrote: “After using more than 50 goats to shoot a worldly music video in church, Asake is at it again, dressed as a priest and holding the communion in an ungodly manner, disrespecting Christianity. I’m so vexed right now.
Without mincing words, these issues raised by both Muslim and Christian communities are serious and concerning and must be approached with sincerity. Islamic law does not support the debasement of other people’s religious symbols, just as we do not tolerate the ridicule of our own. If Ololade Asake is truly a Muslim, he should have faced legal action from the Christian community to prevent such incidents from recurring, as should other Muslims who engage in similar behavior. Incontrovertibly, Islam commands tolerance towards people of other faiths and prohibits the denigration of what they hold in high esteem.
Allah says in the Quran:
And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge. Thus We have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do. (Q:6:108)
In line with the verse above, a Muslim is not permitted to engage in actions considered profane by adherents of other faiths. Islam commands us to respect the rights of people of other religions. It is unlawful to disrespect their religious beliefs. When confronted with beliefs that contradict our own, the Quran instructs us to engage respectfully and with dignity, not with vain or vulgar language.
Going forward, one of the religious symbols Muslims hold in high esteem is the Niqab—Face Veil, which is the center of concern regarding Nancy Isime’s upcoming film. It is a type of attire that covers the face, leaving only the eyes visible, and is often worn in conjunction with a headscarf. The Niqab is an apparel of honor worn by Muslim women. Although it is not compulsory in Islam, it is a voluntary act for Muslim women. It primarily intended to safeguard the modesty, dignity and honor of men and women. By wearing Hijab, women protect themselves from any lustful gaze or act that may expose them to temptation or harassment of any kind. On the other hand, it protects men from indulgence in vices and unlawful acts. This attire falls within the category of clothing that Allah commands Muslim women to wear in the Quran. Allah says:
O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever OftForgiving, Most Merciful. (Q:33:59).
Niqab features the characteristics like, it must cover the whole body, it must not be tight or transparent, it must not delineate the parts of the body, especially those parts that are sexually attractive, and it must not be a dress that is usually worn by men.
Incontrovertibly, media has great roles to play in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and promoting peace building efforts. While the media can amplify conflict, it also has the potential to be a powerful tool for conflict resolution and management. It provides platforms for dialogue, promotes tolerance, and fosters understanding among different groups.
In Nigeria, Muslims are not receiving adequate media attention in terms of positive representation. At times, the media even downplays situations where Muslim rights are being infringed upon.
Unfortunately, the media is quick to amplify any misdeed or act of indecency committed by Muslims, which perpetuates a negative identity. In other words, the Nigerian media is failing to accurately report the true identity of Muslims, except for outlets like Muslim News Nigeria and others. However, various social media platforms have allowed Muslims to voice their concerns over issues such as Nancy Isime’s upcoming film.
Moving on, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has responded to Muslim concerns regarding Nancy Isime’s upcoming film. The board has reached out to the film’s producers and taken steps to address the raised concerns. They have emphasized that, as a classification agency, they will not overlook any film or video, including skits, that abuse, denigrate, or undermine religious, cultural, or ethnic sensibilities.
The NFVCB is committed to contributing to the positive transformation of Nigerian society by classifying video and film works, while balancing the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law and limit cultural, social, and religious harm caused by films. Despite the NFVCB’s efforts and Muslim concerns, Nancy Isime appears unperturbed. She and her crew have neither apologized nor removed the offensive anti-Niqab pictures from her Instagram page. Muslim News Nigeria has referred to this as Nancy Isime dares NFVCB, refuses to pull down offensive anti-Niqab pictures.
Unequivocally, the misrepresentation and debasement of Islamic emblems and identities in the media and film industry are harmful for several reasons:
It Triggers Negative Stereotypes: Negative stereotypes are traits and characteristics negatively attributed to a social group and its individual members. Misrepresentation and debasement of Islamic emblems and identities trigger or reinforce negative stereotypes, causing discrimination and prejudice against Muslims, particularly those adorning the Niqab. These stereotypes perpetuate fear and misunderstanding among non-Muslims, creating divisions within society. Our women witness this on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the media is not assisting in this regard; rather, they are fanning the flames of these negative stereotypes.. Allah says :
O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. one of the Muttaqun (pious – see V. 2:2). Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (Q:49:13).
The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) also says: The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
It Incites Hatred and Violence: Negative portrayals of Islam can incite hatred and violence against Muslims. When people are filled with hatred and consistently exposed to biased and negative images, it can lead to hostility and aggression toward Muslim individuals and communities. As a result, Muslims have witnessed numerous instances of harassment and violence. For example, in various NYSC Camps in Nigeria, some Christian officials have harassed Muslim sisters for wearing Hijabs. In 2017, Amasa Firdaus was denied entry to the call-to-bar ceremony by the Body of Benchers for refusing to remove her Hijab. Another case involved a female candidate at the Bafuto Institute in Lagos, who was asked to remove her head cover during the accreditation process before being allowed into the examination hall. Subsequently, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) sanctioned officials over the harassment of this Hijab-wearing candidate. Additionally, on June 16, 2019, there was unrest in Oke Imuse Iseyin, Oyo State, when soldiers hired by Pastor Busari Stephen of Christ Apostolic Church brutally attacked a Muslim man, Abdul Azeez Sulaiman, and his two wives, Nafeesah Imran and Ajarat Razaq, who are in purdah. These soldiers, led by the pastor’s son, Damilola Stephen, stormed the victims’ home with dangerous weapons shortly after they returned from Eid prayers. These and other unreported incidents are the aftermath of inciting hatred and violence against Islam. Allah says:
O you who have believed, do not let a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. Nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers.” (Quran 49:11)
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also says: The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the believer is the one from whom the people’s lives and wealth are safe. (Sunan an-Nasa’i)
Undermines Social Cohesion: The spread of misinformation about Islam undermines social cohesion and harmonious relationships. It breeds an environment of animosity and distrust, making it difficult for members of society to maintain a unified and inclusive community. This is why we call on the government to sanction every individual who debases any religious emblems, not only Islam. If a Muslim debases the religion of others, he should face the full extent of the law. On social cohesion, Allah says:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.” (Quran 3:103)
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.” (Sahih Bukhari).
Hinders Genuine Understanding: Many people conceive wrong notions about Islam due to misrepresentation through the media and other agencies. This misrepresentation impedes them from grasping a genuine understanding of Islam. People like this only know Islam based on what the media portrays. Misrepresentation hinders them from having contact with Islamic cultures and values. This is one of the harmful effects of misrepresentation. That is why we find Isime’s portrayal deeply offensive and misleading.
Violates Principles of Fairness and Respect: Negative portrayal of Islam clearly violates the principles of fairness and respect. Our religion teaches us to respect people of other religions. By doing so, we believe your religion is yours, and ours is ours. Such misrepresentation contradicts the values of inclusion, diversity, and mutual respect that are essential for a just and equitable society. Allah says:
“O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.” (Quran 49:12)
The Prophet of Allah (pbuh) said, “Do not envy one another; do not inflate prices one to another; do not hate one another; do not harbor malice against one another; and do not enter into commercial transaction when others have entered into that transaction; but be you, O servants of Allah, brothers.” (Sahih Muslim)
From the foregoing, having outlined some of the harmful effects of the negative misrepresentation of Islam in our society, it is clear that such misrepresentation triggers negative stereotypes, incites hatred and violence, undermines social cohesion, hinders genuine understanding of Islam, and violates principles of fairness and respect.
It is my conclusion to state categorically that the unperturbed reaction of Nancy Isime and her crew over the offensive anti-Niqab pictures is significant and liable to cause religious unrest. We must learn from other countries where religious conflict has caused significant issues, such as: Hindu-Muslim riots and violence, including the 2002 Gujarat riots and ongoing tensions in Kashmir. The Myanmar (Burma): Persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority by the Buddhist majority and the military. The case of Sri Lanka: Tensions between the Buddhist Sinhalese majority and the Hindu Tamil and Muslim minorities. Another case study of Central African Republic: Violence between Muslim Seleka rebels and Christian Anti-balaka militias. Lastly, The Pakistan ongoing sectarian violence.
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The government should urgently intervene to prevent Nancy Isime’s video from reaching the public. The peaceful coexistence we have been enjoying is of utmost importance. Religious war is not a joke!
As a Muslim, I vehemently condemn this unholy portrayal of the Niqab. It is an apparel of honor and modesty for our female folk, not one of notoriety as portrayed by Nancy Isime and her crew. Wearing the Niqab is a sign of protection for women from harassment. It is also an important aspect of public safety. The expression of wearing the Niqab is an act of religious faith, a sign of personal freedom, and should be respected without exception.
Lastly, in a society that values inclusion and diversity, we must ensure that all cultural and religious symbols are treated with the respect they deserve.
