Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said the religion of Islam is facing great challenges occasioned by lack of clear understanding of its tenets by a seeming vocal minority in its fold.

According to him, religious leaders and traditional rulers must double their efforts to bring the real Islam into mainstream consciousness in order to clear misgivings about the activities of some of its youths.

Speaking during the national prayer session organised by the Tijjaniyya Brotherhood at the Emir's Palace in Kano at the weekend, Tambuwal said despite the security and other negative challenges confronting the nation, the hope of a bright future has not been lost.

He said various problems are today confronting Muslim youths in Nigeria but counseled them not to deviate from the teachings of their religion at all times.

The Speaker said Islam, like other religions, encourages peaceful co-existence among all peoples, stressing that as such, any effort to undermine the peaceful atmosphere should be resisted by all and sundry.

While commending the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, for organising the annual national prayer session, Tambuwal urged religious leaders to intensify prayers for the nation and its leaders.

He assured that as elected representatives, lawmakers, especially those in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, would always put the interest of the people first in all their endeavours.