Muslim Singer Ere Asalatu Explains Why He Sang Christian Hymn in Church

Popular Islamic singer AbdulKabir Alayande, popularly known as Ere Asalatu, has explained his decision to perform a Christian hymn during a church event, saying Muslims also recognise Jesus Christ as Prophet Issa.

The singer came under criticism from some Muslims after a video of him singing the Christian hymn “Jesus Is the Only True Friend” in a church circulated on social media.

Speaking during an interview with actress Biola Adebayo on her podcast, Asalatu said he did not consider his performance a rejection of Islam because Jesus is also recognised in the Quran.

According to him, the Jesus referenced in the song is the same Jesus whom Muslims know as Prophet Issa, the son of Mary.

He argued that Islam does not teach Muslims to oppose Jesus Christ and questioned why some people were offended by his decision to sing about Him.

‘Islam is a Religion of Love and Peace’

The singer also used the interview to respond to wider criticism of his religious views and music.

Asalatu said some Islamic leaders had contacted him privately following the controversy and encouraged him to continue his work.

He also criticised what he described as religious overzealousness, arguing that some people had become too rigid in their interpretation of religious teachings.

The singer said he remained committed to Islam and would continue preaching the faith.

“Islam is a good religion and I will continue to preach Islam till my old age,” he said.

He described Islam as a religion that promotes order, modesty, unity, love and peace.

Asalatu further appealed for religious tolerance, saying people should not resort to hostility because of differences in their understanding or practice of religion.

Christian Hymn Sparks Religious Debate

The incident has also generated conversations among Nigerians about the relationship between Christianity and Islam, particularly regarding how the two religions understand the identity of Jesus Christ.

While Muslims recognise Jesus, or Isa, as an important prophet and the Messiah, Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Lord and Saviour.

This distinction is central to Christian theology and means that although Christians and Muslims both speak about Jesus, they do not understand His identity and mission in the same way.

For Christians, therefore, the words of a hymn such as “Jesus Is the Only True Friend” carry a distinctly Christian understanding of who Jesus is.

Asalatu, however, explained his participation from his Islamic understanding of Jesus and said he did not see the performance as a contradiction of his faith.

He also said criticism from some Muslims had helped him identify areas where he could make corrections, while maintaining that he would continue his musical and Islamic ministry.

The controversy comes amid continuing conversations in Nigeria about religious tolerance, interfaith engagement and the boundaries of religious expression, particularly as religious discussions increasingly play out on social media. 

For Christians, the episode also highlights an important distinction: acknowledging that another religion recognises Jesus is not the same as sharing the Christian confession about who Jesus is. The New Testament’s central claim about Christ goes beyond recognising Him as a prophet, presenting Him as the Son of God and Saviour.