In solving mathematical problems, racing to the answer without showing your process is like trying to teleport to the finish line without running the race. You may appear to have reached the destination, but you’ve missed out on the beautiful journey of understanding and problem-solving along the way.
When in 1989, five Black and Latino teenagers falsely accused and convicted of raping a white woman in New York City’s Central Park spent years in prison before their convictions were overturned based on DNA evidence, it was clear, that the Central Park Five were wrongfully convicted on the fuel of racial bias and media sensationalism.
To some people, holding a divergent opinion or an alternative view is strange enough. Articulating it and attempting to rationalise it, is sufficient to draw their ire, so much they lose their humanity, throw caution to the wind and attempt the unthinkable.
Against the backdrop of yet another senseless act of mob violence, we find ourselves compelled to confront the harrowing reality that has become all too common within our society. Few days ago, the life of Usman Buda, a butcher, was abruptly extinguished by a gathering of enraged individuals in Sokoto who claimed to act in the name of religious righteousness.
Such incidents of mob justice have, regrettably, become a recurring nightmare, staining the fabric of our collective conscience.
Only last year, on May 12, I was stunned to my core on hearing that Deborah Yakubu fell victim to a similar fate, subjected to the wrath of an unthinking mob who accused her of blasphemy. These grim occurrences paint a haunting portrait of a society doddering on the precipice of moral decay, where the sanctity of life is trampled underfoot, and blind fanaticism masquerades as piety.
It is deeply disheartening to witness the reluctance or perceived lack of political will from the authorities to address this pressing issue with the severity it deserves. In their inertia, they inadvertently perpetuate a culture of impunity that normalises the taking of human life without due process.
Our societal values have decayed to such a degree that extrajudicial killings are now celebrated, rather than condemned. In this climate, anyone could become a victim, arbitrarily accused and denied the chance to present their side of the story or defend their innocence. This unchecked power wielded by the mob poses a grave danger to the very fabric of our justice system.
It is within this disheartening landscape that we find solace in the timeless wisdom of the Quran, which explicitly condemns such acts of vigilantism. It reminds us that, in the eyes of Allah, the unlawful taking of a life is a grievous sin, irrespective of the perceived offense committed.
We must strive to embody the true teachings of our faith, which advocate for justice, compassion, and the preservation of life.
Throughout history, enlightened minds have warned against the perils of mob justice, recognising its inherent dangers. The words of wise men of yore echo through the corridors of time, urging us to resist the allure of blind fury and uphold the principles of fairness and due process. Today, these admonitions ring louder than ever, imploring us to reclaim our humanity and restore sanity to our midst.
To break free from this vicious cycle, we implore the government to demonstrate unwavering resolve by promptly enacting legislation that addresses the heinous crime of blasphemy while ensuring the perpetrators of these acts are held accountable.
We must establish legal frameworks that acknowledge the gravity of lynching, imposing stringent penalties upon those who would dare to trample upon the precious gift of life.
“A kingdom can endure with unbelief but not with injustice” –Usman Dan Fodio.
In the face of such unimaginable tragedy, let us unite in our condemnation of these senseless acts and commit ourselves to building a society guided by the principles of justice, compassion, and respect for one another.
Only then can we hope to extinguish the flames of blind fanaticism and embrace the true essence of our noble faith. For it is in the pursuit of these ideals that we will find the salvation of our society and the redemption of our souls.