Popular Islamic singer AbdulKabir Alayande, popularly known as Ere Asalatu, has explained why he sang a Christian hymn during a church performance, saying that the Jesus mentioned in the song is Prophet Issa, whom Muslims also recognise.
Asalatu explained his decision during an interview with actress Biola Adebayo on her podcast, published on Friday. His comment came after some Muslims criticized him for a video in which he sang the hymn “Jesus is the Only True Friend” in a church.
Explaining why he sang the song, Asalatu said that the Jesus the hymn refers to was the same Jesus recognized as Prophet Issa in the Quran.
He said, “This Jesus we are talking about is Prophet Issa in the Quran, the son of Mariam. Is he no longer your friend? He is your friend, he is my friend. Prophet Muhammad did not deny Jesus Christ. Is Jesus no longer your friend? Was he not sent to you?”
Asalatu also said that Islam did not teach Muslims to oppose Jesus.
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“Islam didn’t tell us to go against Jesus. I don’t know where they found theirs,” he said.
The singer said he had initially decided not to speak publicly about the issue, but later agreed to answer questions about it.
“Although I said I wouldn’t give any interviews on this topic, but as things stand…anyone who refuses to answer a question when asked is a stupid person,” he said.
Asalatu said some Islamic leaders had contacted him privately and encouraged him to continue his work despite the criticism.
“I want to thank the real Islamic leaders who called me and encouraged me to continue doing my job, that the people who drag me on social media don’t know what they are doing,” he said.
Describing the leaders, he said: “These are people who are true Islamic leaders who know the Quran perfectly and are also intelligent.”
He also thanked those who supported and criticized him, saying that the criticism helped him identify areas where he needed to make corrections.
“Although their hatred has done nothing to us, it also had an impact. We were able to select the words of hate to make corrections because no one is perfect,” he said.
The singer said he remained committed to Islam and would continue to preach the religion.
“Islam is a good religion and I will continue to preach Islam until my old age,” he said.
Asalatu described Islam as a religion that teaches modesty and guides Muslims on how to live.
“Islam is orderly. Islam preaches modesty in dressing. Religion explains how to live life,” he said.
He also criticized what he described as excess zeal among some Muslims.
“Some people are overzealous. That’s what they are,” he said.
Asalatu questioned why some people would try to force others to follow certain religious practices, especially when they were not responsible for their financial success.
“You didn’t force me to succeed in life. You didn’t force me to come eat from your source of income. You didn’t force me to make money, but you want to force me to get to heaven. Does that make sense? No, it doesn’t,” he said.
He also questioned the idea of forcing someone to achieve a particular conception of heaven.
“Which sky? Yours or which? Your own sky or which?” asked.
Asalatu also spoke about a threat he said he received over the controversy.
“You can’t go to heaven if you’re not dead. Do you want to kill me?” said.
The singer said one of his critics had allegedly said he deserved to be beheaded.
“One of those who dragged me said they were going to behead me. I’m even trying to get that person’s number to tell him to come to my house and cut off my head in the presence of my children,” he said.
Asalatu called for religious tolerance and said people should be allowed to practice their faith in their own way.
“Everyone must serve their God in their own way. Call on your God however you can. Everything we do has a reward,” he said.
He also disputed criticism of the photograph and video recording, saying the two were related.
“One of them said that whoever takes the photo will go to hell. Meanwhile, the video is an enhanced version of the image and you are there making videos and everyone posts you on social media, but you are not against them,” he said.
Asalatu also disputed claims that music had no place in Islam, saying some songs could contain knowledge.
“Some people said there is no music in Islam. We read in one of Muhammad’s hadiths that he says there is knowledge in songs. If I wanted to condemn him, I wouldn’t say there is knowledge in songs,” he said.
He also referred to Quranic teachings on musicians and said the issue required further interpretation.
“The same God who cursed the musician in the Quran. God said the curse be on all musicians. It is written in the Quran, but if you read further, he said, except those who sing with fear of God,” he said.
Defending his songs, Asalatu asked if his music had insulted anyone or denied the existence of God.
“Did I abuse your mother with my song? My song said there is no God?” asked.
He said Muslims should also be wary of messages that could cause people to lose interest in the religion.
“I know a Muslim who lost interest in Islam. He lost interest in the whole religion,” he said.
According to Asalatu, the man had been told that calling God “Eledumare” instead of “Allah” made someone a disbeliever.
He rejected the claim and said, “Help me. The difference is just the language.”
Asalatu maintained that Islam promotes unity, love and peace and urged Muslims not to allow social media arguments to affect their understanding of the religion.
“Islam is not a problematic religion. Islam is not a religion that kills. Islam is a religion of unity. Islam is a religion of love and peace,” he said.
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