By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | KatsinaTimes
A prominent Islamic scholar in Katsina State and leading disciple of Sheikh Ibraheem Yaqoub Zakzaky, Sheikh Yakubu Yahaya Katsina, has urged the Katsina State Government to withdraw completely from the ongoing dispute between Malam Yahaya Masussuka and scholars of the Izala group. He said government intervention in doctrinal disagreements is outside its constitutional mandate and may escalate tensions.
In a video widely circulated on social media and reviewed by Taskar Labarai on Wednesday, Sheikh Yakubu Yahaya described the government’s move to organise a public debate between the two sides as a misstep that could undermine neutrality and fairness.
“As governor, you are expected to remain neutral and allow all sides to express their views without interference. Government should only intervene when there is a threat of violence,” he said. “Therefore, my call is for the government to completely withdraw from this matter. Its involvement may aggravate the situation.”
The scholar warned that government participation in religious disagreements could create perceptions of bias, recalling what happened in Kano during the controversies involving Sheikh Abduljabbar Kabara and, more recently, Malam Lawal Triumph. He said in both cases, the authorities were widely accused of favouring one side.
He advised the Katsina State Government to allow each group the freedom to propagate its religious interpretations, leaving the public to evaluate and choose what aligns with their understanding.
Despite his criticism of government involvement, Sheikh Yakubu also offered advice to Malam Masussuka, urging him to moderate the tone of his sermons. He noted that the public comprises people of varying intellectual capacities, making it important for preachers to communicate with wisdom and sensitivity.
“I advise Malam Yahaya to apply more wisdom in his statements so that people can understand the message he intends to convey,” he said.
On the issue of hadith, Sheikh Yakubu reiterated their doctrinal position that any narration that contradicts the Qur’an or promotes violence should be set aside. He stated that only authenticated hadith should be relied upon, emphasizing that both Shi’a and Sunni traditions have structures for verifying the authenticity of narrations.
“The Prophet informed us that after him, his Household (Ahlul Bait) would interpret the Qur’an. They told us to discard any hadith that does not agree with the Qur’an,” he said.
