Why I Read The Koran – Soyinka

Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has shared the reason behind his engagement with the Quran during his time as a university student and his ongoing study of various religions…CONTINUE READING

Soyinka revealed this during the launch of “A Letter to a President,” an open letter written by Mubarak Bala, which took place at Quida Books in Ikeja GRA, Lagos on August 5, 2023.

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The event was organized by Ms. Lola Shoneyin, an award-winning writer, poet, and CEO of Quida Books.

Bala, a humanist, has been imprisoned for three years in Abuja and is currently serving a 24-year sentence for renouncing Islam in favor of atheism. Bala’s open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeks not only redress but also intervention.

Soyinka explained, “I was also in prison, but that’s not where I studied the Quran. I’ve always been a curious person. I studied the Quran while I was a student in Leeds, England. I went to one of the two mosques that existed there at the time, in Hall, Leeds.”

He continued, “I wasn’t only studying Islam. I was curious about religion in general. I was trying to discover my own essence as a being. I wanted to understand those aspects of myself that weren’t purely rational. Intuition, for example, what does it entail? What’s the meaning of possession?”

Soyinka shared his experiences of observing different religious practices, from Aladura churches to Roman Catholic services, and his interest in the Muslim call to prayer. He noted his inquisitive nature and his desire to explore these facets of human belief.

He revealed, “So when I had the opportunity in the United Kingdom, I also went to the mosque. I studied the Quran and the history of Islam. I continue to do so. You’ll find evidence of this in my library.”

Soyinka then delved into historical insights about Islam, discussing topics like apostasy and the abuse of Prophet Muhammad. He criticized the manipulation of religious teachings for political purposes and urged for a more rational and humanized approach to faith.

Drawing parallels between religions, he highlighted the emergence of a new kind of faith centered around hypocrisy and divisive tendencies, which he referred to as “Gba were mo esin.”

Soyinka contrasted this with his observations in a Muslim country like Abu Dhabi, where they emphasize tolerance and unity among diverse religious communities. He questioned the imposition of hijabs on young children and emphasized the importance of sincerity in religious practices.

In closing, Soyinka’s remarks reflected his critical examination of religion, the pursuit of knowledge, and his commitment to fostering a more harmonious and rational approach to faith.