Islamic singer, AbdulKabir Alayande, popularly known as Ere Asalatu, has explained why he sang a Christian hymn during a church performance, saying Jesus Christ is recognised as Prophet Issa in Islam.
He spoke in an interview with actress Biola Adebayo on her podcast published on Friday, following criticism from some Muslims over his performance.
The singer had sparked reactions on social media after clips of him singing the Christian hymn, “Jesus is the only true friend,” at a church surfaced online.
Explaining his decision, Asalatu said the Jesus referred to in the song was the same Jesus recognised as Prophet Issa in the Quran.
He said, “This Jesus we are talking about is Prophet Issa in the Quran, the child of Mariam. Is he no longer your friend? He is your friend, he is my friend. Prophet Muhammed didn’t deny Jesus Christ. Is Jesus no longer your friend? Was he not sent to you?”
Asalatu also argued that Islam did not teach Muslims to oppose Jesus.
“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 controversy but eventually agreed to answer questions on the matter.
“Although I said I won’t grant any interview on this issue, but as it is… anyone who refuses to answer a question when asked is a stupid person,” he said.
Asalatu disclosed that some Islamic leaders had contacted him privately and encouraged him to continue his work despite the criticism.
“I want to appreciate the true Islamic leaders who had called me and encouraged me to continue doing my work that the people dragging 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 in and out and are also intelligent.”
He also thanked his supporters and critics, saying the criticism had helped him identify areas where he could improve.
“Although your hatred has done nothing to us, but you also made impact. We were able to pick out of the hateful words to make corrections because no one is perfect,” he said.
The singer, however, reaffirmed his commitment to Islam, saying he would continue preaching the religion.
“Islam is a good religion and I will continue to preach Islam till my old age,” he said.
Asalatu described Islam as an orderly religion that teaches modesty and guides its adherents on how to live their lives.
“Islam is orderly. Islam preaches modesty in dressing. The religion explains how to live life,” he said.
He, however, criticised what he described as overzealousness among some Muslims, saying some people had become too rigid in their interpretation of religious teachings.
“Some people are over zealous. That’s who they are,” he said.
Asalatu questioned why some people would attempt to force others into religious practices, particularly when they were not responsible for their financial success.
“You didn’t force me to make it 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 make heaven. Does that even make sense? No, it doesn’t,” he said.
The singer also questioned the idea of forcing someone to attain a particular conception of heaven.
“Which heaven? Your own or which one? Your own heaven or which one?” he asked.
He further joked about the threat of being killed over religious differences, saying, “You can’t go to heaven if you are not dead. Do you want to kill me?”
Asalatu said one of the people criticising him had allegedly claimed that he deserved to be beheaded.
“One of those dragging me said I am supposed to be beheaded. I am even trying to get the person’s number so I can tell him to come to my house to cut off my head in the presence of my children,” he said.
The singer also called for religious tolerance, saying, “Everybody should serve their God in their own way. Call your God however you can. Everything we do has a reward.”
He questioned some of the criticism surrounding photography and video recording, arguing that the two were closely related.
“One of them said whoever takes picture will go to hell. Meanwhile, video is an upgraded version of picture and you are there making video and everyone is posting you on social media, yet, you are not against them,” he said.
Asalatu also challenged some claims about music and Islam, saying there were references to knowledge and lessons in songs.
“Some people said there is no music in Islam. We read in one of Muhammad’s Hadiths where he said there is knowledge in songs. If he wanted to condemn it, he won’t say there is knowledge in songs,” he said.
He also referred to Quranic teachings on musicians, arguing that the issue required a broader interpretation.
“The same God who cursed the musician in the Quran. God said curse be unto all musicians. It is written in the Quran but if you read further, he said, except those who sing with the fear of God,” he said.
Defending the content of his songs, Asalatu asked whether his music had promoted disbelief or insulted anyone.
“Did I abuse your mother with my song? Did my song say there is no God?” he asked.
He also said Muslims should be careful about messages capable of driving people away from religion.
“I know a Muslim who lost interest in Islam. He lost interest in all the religion,” he said.
According to Asalatu, the man had allegedly been told that calling God “Eledumare” instead of “Allah” made someone an unbeliever.
He rejected the position, saying, “Help me. The difference is just the language.”
Asalatu maintained that Islam was a religion of unity, love and peace and urged Muslims not to allow social media debates to distort their understanding of the religion.
“Islam is not a troublesome religion. Islam is not a religion that kills. Islam is a religion of unity. Islam is a religion of love and peace,” he said.