According to activist and political commentator Aisha Yesufu, Christians have a recognised status in Islamic teachings and should not simply be described as “infidels” without considering the broader Islamic understanding of Christianity.
Yesufu made the clarification during an interview on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while responding to comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Jingir concerning Christians and how they are described within Islam.
Speaking during the interview, Yesufu said, “Even in Islam, Christians are not called infidels; they are called people of the book.”
She explained that Christians are referred to in Islamic teachings as People of the Book, a designation that recognises the connection between Christianity, Judaism and Islam through their respective scriptural traditions.
According to Yesufu, reducing the Islamic description of Christians to the term “infidels” could create misconceptions about how Islam views followers of Christianity. She argued that religious discussions should take into account the context and teachings of the faith being discussed rather than relying on simplified interpretations.
The activist also called for greater responsibility from religious leaders when making public statements about other faiths. She noted that such comments can have a significant influence on their followers, particularly in a country such as Nigeria, where Christians and Muslims constitute the two largest religious communities.
Yesufu cautioned against allowing religious differences to become a source of unnecessary tension among Nigerians. She argued that people should make efforts to understand the teachings of different religions before making claims about what those religions believe.
Her comments also highlighted the importance of responsible communication in a religiously diverse society. According to Yesufu, statements made by influential religious figures can shape public perceptions and potentially affect relationships between members of different faith communities.
She therefore encouraged Nigerians to approach religious disagreements with greater understanding and respect, particularly when discussing sensitive theological issues.
Yesufu’s intervention comes amid continuing public debates over religion, leadership and interfaith relations in Nigeria. Her remarks focused on the need for accurate interpretation of religious teachings and peaceful coexistence between different communities.
She concluded by maintaining that Christians are recognised as People of the Book in Islam and emphasised the importance of mutual respect, religious understanding and responsible public discourse.
