An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Habeebullah Adam El-Ilory says the view that “anybody who uses a satellite dish and hangs it on the roof of his house and dies will not enter paradise because he/she committed haram” can no longer be tenable.

He said it is a position held by some conservative scholars, but he is worried by the validity of such views and the mindset behind it.

Sheikh El-Ilory is a prominent Islamic scholar and the Director of Markaz Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies in Agege, Lagos State.

He made his criticism while delivering a sermon and courageously challenged such long-held religious beliefs that people who use satellite dishes risk going to hell.

Sheikh El-Ilory also challenged the traditional view on female participation in public life, which they considered as haram (forbidden).

He said these traditional views on satellite dishes and women’s roles in society no longer reflect the realities of modern Islamic societies.

Sheikh El-Ilory therefore, called for a more progressive and informed interpretation of Islamic teachings.

He stated categorically that those who think using satellite dishes could prevent Muslims from entering paradise lacked proper understanding.

Sheikh Ilory said, “When I said it earlier in 2010 that women can be involved in politics, people criticised me.

“Not long after my statements in 2010, Saudi Arabia allowed women to vote and participate in politics.

“Presently they’re training women in the military in Saudi Arabia and they now wear trousers.

“One Alfa who criticised this evolvement was quoting a part of the scripture I believe he has no understanding of,” he said.