The National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdulRahman Ahmad, has attributed the controversies surrounding the establishment of Independent Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in some Southwest states to Islamophobia.
While describing the development as unfortunate, he noted that the Muslim community is getting familiar with Islamophobic uproar of the non-Muslims over matters that concern only the Muslims, saying it is fueled by either ignorance, pure bigotry or both.
In an interview with Muslim News on Thursday, February 6, the respected Muslim scholar insisted that the step taking by the Muslims seeking adjudication on personal and civil matters under Islamic law has constitutional backing, thereby calling on the leadership of the Muslims in the Southwest to continue with the move undistracted.
According to him, “Islamophobia is the reason behind the uproar over the establishment Independent Shariah Arbitration Panel in the Southwest states. Unfortunately, we are getting familiar with it now. Similar needless controversies played out during the ajami script on the Nigerian currency, until the court had to settle it.
“Look at the case of Hijab, which concerns only the Muslims. It generated unnecessary complaints. Nobody is telling non-Muslims to adorn the Hijab. It’s the case of Muslims chosing to dress in a particular way and it’s their fundamental rights. Yet, innocent young Muslims are harassed and victimized for wearing hijab.
“Remember again, the introduction of Islamic Banking, which is totally voluntary. It’s optional for whoever chooses to operate it, yet it generated so much needless noise. What about the Sukuk? They kicked against it but today, the scheme has contributed to the infrastructural development of this country.
“Hence, we are unfortunately getting familiar with this Islamophobic uproar and like I always say, it’s either ignorance or pure bigotry,” he said.
Addressing Shari’ah panel in the Southwest
Sheikh Ahmad stated that the Shari’ah panels and Shari’ah courts have constitutional guarantee for States who want to adopt it.
He said, “When we talk about Shari’ah being practised in the North today, it’s limited in its scope and application. It’s called Islamic personal law.”
“As for the Shari’ah panel,” the National Missioner stated, “It’s voluntary, and it only seeks to adjudicate matters for Muslims who are willing to refer cases to it.”
“The question now is, who is complaining? Even Muslims who are not favourably inclined to it will not be forced to take their cases to Shari’ah panel.”
Speaking further, Sheikh Ahmad said the Shari’ah panel operates in London, the UK and other parts of the world.
“It looks into marriages, divorce, inheritance, and varying issues that do not concern non-Muslims. Why are they complaining? Why are they bitter? Muslims want something. They want to live their lives in a particular way, when does it become a problem to you? As it doesn’t infringe on your own fundamental rights? It doesn’t stop you or the court from operating. It is about people making choices as to ‘how, who, where’ they want their matters adjudicated”, he said.
Imam Ahmad called on the leadership of the Muslim community in those states to continue with their plans unabated, adding, “They should not be distracted. Nobody can prevent Muslims from choosing where they go for arbitration. In doing so, they are not breaking any law.”
He also called on the State governments in Oyo, Ekiti and Ogun to abide by the constitution which they swore allegiance to, by allowing the Muslims to carry out their constitutional rights.
“It’s a constitutional matter and they should respect the constitutional rights of the Muslims. They should not give in to blackmail. They should not allow bigotry to dictate things for them,” he added.
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