Prominent Islamic cleric calls for execution of apostates, unbelievers, cites Quranic references

April 10, 2025

Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo, a prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric and National Chairman of the Council of Ulama’Jibwis Nigeria, has sparked controversy by calling for the execution of individuals who leave Islam for another religion.

In a recent Facebook post, Jalingo reignited the debate on apostasy and religious conversion, declaring that “whoever changes his religion should be killed,” citing a Hadith attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The statement was made in response to criticism from a user identified as Masussuka, who questioned the authenticity of the Hadith, claiming it contradicts the Qur’an.

The Hadith in question, “Whoever changes his religion, then kill him,” has been a point of contention among Islamic scholars for centuries, with varying interpretations regarding its relevance and application in modern times.

In his post, Jalingo asserted that the Hadith does not contradict the teachings of the Qur’an.

He emphasized that the Qur’an, in verses such as Surah At-Tawbah (9:5) and Surah An-Nisa (4:89), explicitly permits the killing of polytheists and apostates.

According to Jalingo, these verses justify the execution of individuals who abandon Islam and convert to another religion.

Jalingo dismissed Masussuka as a “deeply ignorant and morally depraved individual,” using derogatory language to further discredit his opponent’s position.

He argued that only an ignorant person would claim that the Hadith contradicts the Qur’an, stating, “In fact, the Qur’an itself not only permits the killing of those who commit apostasy but even allows the killing of all polytheists.”

Jalingo’s statement has drawn criticism from religious leaders and scholars, who argue that such views promote intolerance and violence.

Many have expressed concern about the implications of this rhetoric, particularly in a multi-religious society where freedom of belief is enshrined in both national and international law

Others have called for greater emphasis on religious tolerance, peace, and coexistence in the face of rising global tensions between different faiths.

Jalingo referenced the principle of “naskh,” or abrogation, within Qur’anic revelation to support his stance.

He argued that the verse “There is no compulsion in religion” (La ikraha fi al-deen) has been abrogated by the aforementioned verses, which he believes more clearly dictate the treatment of apostates.