* Only people who are not informed go against Shari’ah panel
Muslims in the southwest have been urged to reject any governorship candidate who refuses to commit to the establishment of Shari’ah courts in their states.
This was the position of the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Sheikh Dr Ridwan Jamiu, over the needless controversies surrounding the establishment of Shari’ah panels in some southwestern states.
Dr Jamiu, while delivering the Jum’ah Khutbah (sermon) on Friday, 7th February at the Lekki Central Mosque, Lekki, Lagos, said candidates need to be held accountable for their stance, especially on Shari’ah courts.
Calling on Muslims to carefully assess their political choices, the Chief Imam said, “Elections are coming, and any governorship candidate seeking your vote must be committed to establishing Shari’ah courts.
The Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque also argued that Nigeria isn’t a secular state, stressing that the constitution recognises Nigeria as a multi-religious society which gives every citizen rights to practice their religion in private and public.
According to him, establishing Shari’ah courts in the southwest is a constitutional right, describing it as long overdue.
“We have Shari’ah being practised in the north. Has it caused a problem for non-Muslims living there? Why is it difficult for Muslims in the southwest to have it? It is only for Muslims and doesn’t apply to Non-Muslims. If you see any non-Muslim condemning Shari’ah, you have to educate him because he lacks knowledge. He is ignorant of the law. Just like the issue of hijab, it doesn’t apply to them.
“It is time we assert our constitutional rights. Shari’ah courts in southwest states are long overdue,” he added.
The respected Muslim scholar further gave instances of where the constitution recognises Shari’ah, citing Sections 38 and 40, which guarantee freedom of religion and association.
According to him, the Nigerian constitution recognizes Shari’ah! The word Shari’ah is mentioned about 73 times in the constitution. It recognizes the rights of Muslims, who constitute the majority in Nigeria. Section 38 recognizes freedom of religion individually and as a community. The freedom to promote and propagate one’s religion.
Sheikh Jamiu also said the application of Shari’ah is compulsory on all Muslims, citing Qur’an 45: 18 where Allah says, “Now We have set you ˹O Prophet˺ on the ˹clear˺ Way of faith (which is Shari’ah), so follow it, and do not follow the desires of those who do not know ˹the truth˺.
“The aspect of Shari’ah includes the way we worship, giving zakat is also Shari’ah, fasting in the month of Ramadan and going for hajj are parts of Shari’ah. It’s compulsory for us to apply Allah’s laws.”
Clarifying the purpose of Shari’ah panels, the Lekki Central Mosque Imam described them as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms allowed to be established in any state.
“Section 177 allows any state to establish Shari’ah courts to handle matters such as marriage, divorce, custody of children, property law, inheritance, and wills,” he explained.
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