The Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i, has asked Governors in Southwest Nigeria and other ignorant critics to seek independent and unbiased enlightenment on the concept of Shari’ah before jumping to the media to criticise it.
Sheikh Shafi’i said this would help eliminate their preconceived notions about the Shari’ah, which he described as a set of divine principles guiding the affairs of Muslims.
The prominent scholar was responding to the needless controversies generated by the uniformed reactions of some governors to the activities of Shari’ah Panels in some Southwest states.
The governments of Ogun, Oyo, and Ekiti States have particularly moved against the Shari’ah Panel.
Speaking to Muslim News on Thursday, February 6, Sheikh Shafi’i said some people deliberately use the concept of shari’ah in a way that creates confusion and disaffection in the country.
“When we say Shari’ah, it simply means the rules of Allah for the Muslims. In Suratul Jaathiyyah verse 18, Allah says We have placed you (Prophet Muhammad) on a Shari’ah, that is a principle, you should follow it. In Suratul Maidah verse 48 – 50, Allah says He gave every Prophet a Shari’ah, that’s a code of laws.
“Shari’ah, therefore, represents the way of life for Muslims. It includes the rules of using the toilet, eating, wedding/marriage, trading and even governance and administration,” he said.
Shari’ah panel different from Shari’ah Court
The Grand Mufti noted that Shari’ah Panel comes to play in the area of resolving disputes among Muslims, saying, it is clearly different from the Shari’ah Court.
“In Shari’ah, we have personal laws that there’s no need for anyone to interfere in those laws for the Muslim. It’s only within him. For example, training your children is personal to you.
“There is also the social interaction aspect of the Shari’ah. When an issue or a misunderstanding arises in the course of social interaction, it may get to a stage where people will have to resolve the issue for them.
“For instance, when couples have disagreements, the Shari’ah expects that the disagreements be resolved amongst themselves. When they are unable to do so, the family intervenes, and then the scholars. Sometimes, there may be a need for government intervention. That’s where the issue of Shari’ah Court or Shari’ah Panel comes in.
“There is a difference between Shari’ah Court and Shari’ah Panel. Shari’ah Panel is an Alternative Dispute Resolution model that is usually constituted to resolve disputes among Muslims, like in the case of land disputes, property disputes, and others. They have limitations.
“Also in Shari’ah, we have the Udud and Jinaayat (offences and punishments). This is usually directly under the purview of the government so that it doesn’t result in crises in the society. For instance, somebody who steals or has illicit sexual affairs. These kinds of offences are meant for the Shari’ah Court and it will be under the Ministry of Justice.”
Sheikh Shafi’i explained further that Shari’ah Panels have long been in existence in Southwest Nigeria, stating that traditional rulers in the pre-colonial era in Iwo, Ede, Iseyin, Lagos and Ilorin applied the Shari’ah to adjudicate among their subjects.
Why unnecessary controversies
The Islamic scholar wondered why issues relating to Islam draw unnecessary controversies in the South unlike in the North, despite the fact that Nigeria operates the same constitution.
“In the North, Shari’ah Courts exists and we are operating the same constitution. But when it comes to the Southwest, the challenge we have is the ignorant non-Muslims and Muslims alike, who see Shari’ah as the law of chopping off the hands alone. But that’s not what Islam is all about,” he stated.
“The verses of the Qur’an that speak to the principles of life are more than 2,000, whereas where we have punishment are not up to 20.
“This is just like the case of Hijab. In the North, you are allowed to either use the Hijab or not. But when it comes to the South, people will start to make unnecessary troubles. We have just one law guiding us.”
Suggests enlightenment programme
Sheikh Shafi’i advised the government in Southwest to invite Muslim scholars and stakeholders to a conference for proper enlightenment on the issue of Shari’ah, Shari’ah Panel and Shari’ah Court.
He also charged Muslim lawyers to do more in sensitising people on these matters so that there would be a lasting peace.
The Grand Mufti decried the Islamophobic tendencies that are usually on display in the Southwest when matters affecting the Muslims come up.
“Rather than seek proper enlightenment, some people, especially the Christians, will just start to create crises. That was how they did during the introduction of Sukuk bond, Islamic Banking, and others. And when the benefits come, they will be the foremost beneficiaries,” Shafi’i said.
Speaking further, he noted that it’s even more pathetic to see some so-called Muslim scholars creating more confusion around the issue of Shari’ah.
“They are just misleading the public. These people should fear Allah. They need to be well informed before making commentaries on important issues like this. They should ask the Muslim lawyers to enlighten them. They need to put aside their pride and hatred for a group and learn.”
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I like shari’ah in nigeria pls let put in law