Eminent Islamic scholars and media professionals have pledged to use media responsibly in propagating Islam at a training programme organised by HATBUK Media Production for Imams and Alfas on Sunday.
The event, held in Oyo, drew leading figures including Sheikh Haashim Abdulwahab Atere, Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing); Sheikh Abdulrahman Soliu Akinade Gbagere, Dr Ibraheem Adelani, a renowned Arabic and Islamic Studies scholar; Dr. Abdulwasiu Jumah; Honourable Abdulmajeed Abodunrin; respected Imams; community leaders; and veteran broadcasters.
In a communiqué issued at the close of the programme, participants resolved that every scholar should establish at least one dedicated WhatsApp group or similar digital platforms to teach Islam, its values, morals, and the Arabic language.
While recognizing the vast opportunities in digital learning, they stressed that traditional madāris remain indispensable and must be further strengthened.
The communiqué also cautioned against overdependence on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in religious content production. “While AI offers immense benefits, it cannot replace human intelligence, scholarly insight, and discretion needed to ensure authenticity,” the statement emphasized.
Participants condemned the misuse of media for violence, hate speech, and slander, urging scholars to uphold Islamic ethics by using digital platforms to promote peace, unity, and constructive engagement.
Representing Sheikh Atere at the occasion, Alhaj Yusuf Abdulhakeem highlighted the need for responsible media use for the collective benefit of humanity—Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
The gathering further identified poverty and economic hardship as drivers of online rivalry and cyberbullying among scholars, calling for empowerment strategies to mitigate the challenge. It also recommended that future training sessions be extended to university campuses to broaden their impact.
Convener of the programme, Bukola Hameed, CEO of HATBUK Media Production and publisher of News Live Nigeria, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to equipping Muslim scholars with modern communication skills. He described the training as “a step towards raising a generation of media-conscious scholars who will use technology responsibly for the benefit of Islam and humanity.”
A panel session featuring Coach Afolabi Adeola, Dr. Abdulwasiu Jumah, and Imam Abdulfatai Adeleke underscored that media is a double-edged sword—capable of good and harm. They noted that, when used responsibly, digital platforms can enhance knowledge-sharing, support legitimate livelihoods, and strengthen the propagation of Islam.
Pics:
Discover more from News Live Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.