Reno Omokri Under Fire After Mosque Meditation: ‘Have You Abandoned Christian Doctrine?’
By Passman Akpos
A social media post by former presidential aide and author Reno Omokri, revealing that he meditated at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, has ignited widespread reactions, with Nigerians sharply divided over interfaith worship, historical claims, and Christian doctrine.
In the post, Omokri stated that he was meditating at the famous Hassan II Mosque and argued that many Christians are unaware that three Popes have entered mosques for prayer or meditation.
He cited Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus in 2001, noting that the Pope removed his shoes before entering the mosque. Omokri also referenced Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, saying both observed moments of meditation inside Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, with Pope Francis standing alongside the city’s Grand Mufti.
“The Earth belongs to God, and there is absolutely no place in this realm where you will pray and God will not hear you,” Omokri wrote.However, the post immediately drew criticism from many social media users, particularly over his statement that John the Baptist “has been honoured and buried inside the Umayyad Mosque for 1,300 years.”
Several commentators argued that John the Baptist died centuries before Islam emerged and therefore could not have originally been buried in a mosque. They explained that Christian tradition holds that his shrine existed before the mosque was built, and that the Umayyad Mosque was later constructed on the site after the Muslim conquest of Damascus.
Others defended Omokri’s broader message of religious tolerance, insisting that God is not confined to a particular building and that genuine worship transcends religious structures. Some described interfaith respect as a pathway to peaceful coexistence.
The discussion also exposed deep theological divisions. Some Christians cited Matthew 6:6, arguing that Jesus encouraged private prayer rather than public displays of devotion. Others questioned whether Christians should pray or meditate inside mosques, while some insisted that prayer must always be offered in the name of Jesus Christ.
A number of contributors criticized comparisons with the Popes, arguing that the actions of Catholic leaders should not automatically serve as examples for all Christians. Others went further, questioning the theological basis of Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Despite the heated exchanges, others called for mutual respect between adherents of different religions, stressing that peaceful dialogue remains preferable to hostility and intolerance.
The controversy has once again highlighted how discussions surrounding religion, history and interfaith relations continue to generate passionate debate across Nigeria’s social media space.
Fact-check: Historical sources indicate that Pope John Paul II visited the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus in 2001, becoming the first Pope to enter a mosque. The mosque contains a shrine traditionally believed by many Muslims and Christians to house the head of John the Baptist. This does not mean John the Baptist was originally buried in a mosque; rather, the shrine predates the construction of the Umayyad Mosque, which was built centuries after his death. Pope Francis also observed a moment of silent prayer inside Istanbul’s Blue Mosque during his 2014 visit. Pope Benedict XVI likewise paused in silent meditation there during his 2006 visit.
