Sunday, 2 February 2025

JNI cautions bigots in South West against distortion on Sharia panels

By Our Reporter 

The Jama’tu Nasril Islam (JNI), has condemned attacks by some bigots in the South West on the demand by Muslims in the region to have Sharia panels that will arbitrate in personal and civil matters affecting them, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.


A statement signed by the JNI Secretary General, Professor Khalid Aliyu said the Muslim umbrella body in Nigeria is disappointed with the undue resistance, inflammatory rhetoric, and outright distortion of facts by certain groups opposing the setting up of the panels.


“The undue resistance, inflammatory rhetoric, and outright distortion of facts by certain groups opposing these panels are deeply concerning and least expected from a people that claim to be tolerant,” the JNI stated.


“The Right to Shari’a Adjudication is Constitutional. We wish to categorically state that the right of Muslims to seek adjudication of personal and civil matters under Islamic law is not a privilege, but a constitutional right.


“The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees the religious freedoms of all citizens, including Muslims. Specifically, Sections 38 and 275-279 provides for the establishment and operation of Shari’a courts for civil matters where applicable.


“These panels do not infringe on the rights of non-Muslims but merely offer a voluntary alternative dispute resolution mechanism for Muslims who choose to settle personal matters—such as marriage, inheritance, and family disputes—according to Islamic law.


“For the discerning mind, Islam has very interesting and enriching inheritance codes that have remained inalienable to Muslims’ life. It is, therefore, mischievous and deceptive to suggest that these panels aim to “impose” Shari’a on non-Muslims.”


The JNI added that the panels are strictly for Muslims, adjudicating only cases where both parties consent to,  which is a practice that exists in various pluralistic societies worldwide.


It said that those fanning the embers of discord should be reminded that Shari’a adjudication is not new to the South-west.


“Historically, Yoruba Muslims have settled civil disputes through customary Islamic mechanisms, predating colonial rule.


“Even under British rule, Native Courts recognised Shari’a-based adjudication in predominantly Muslim communities.


“Same upholds across the world, even in non-Muslim-majority nations, Muslims have been granted the right to practice their religion, including access to Shari’a-based arbitration in civil matters.


“Examples abound; the United Kingdom allows Muslims to resolve civil disputes through Shari’a councils, which operate under British law. India, a secular democracy, has long allowed Muslim Personal Law to govern issues of marriage, divorce, and inheritance for Muslims. South Africa recognizes Islamic marriage contracts and allows Muslim family dispute resolution under Muslim Marriages Act provisions, just to mention a few.


“It is, therefore, unacceptable that in a country like Nigeria, where Muslims make up a significant portion of the population, some individuals seek to deny them the same rights that non-Muslim nations have extended to their Muslim minorities.”


The JNI, therefore, warned those leading the campaign of misinformation and distortion of empirical facts cum instilling of fear in the populace against Shari’a panels to desist from their divisive agenda.


“The claim that the panels are an attempt to “Islamize” the South-west is a false narrative driven by mischief-makers. Islam does not thrive on coercion, and no Muslim is compelling non-Muslims to appear before these panels. Instead, what we demand is respect for our rights, just as Muslims have always coexisted peacefully with other religious groups in the region.


“Government should uphold justice and protect religious rights. The selective opposition to Shari’a courts in some parts of Nigeria is a dangerous precedent that could further alienate the Muslim community and breed unnecessary acrimony, which government at all levels should avoid.


“The guaranteed protection of Muslims’ rights to religious adjudication as enshrined in the Constitution should be allowed within the ambit of law and order.


“We therefore urge State governments in the South-west to respect the freedom of religion by allowing willing Muslims to have access to Shari’a panels for civil matters. We equally call on the Federal Government to ensure that constitutional rights are uniformly applied across Nigeria, without bias or discrimination. We also encourage Security agencies to monitor and curb any incitement to violence against Muslims seeking their legal rights.”


The statement said that the JNI under His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto remains committed to fostering harmony, justice, and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic backgrounds.


“However, peace can only be sustained when every group’s rights are respected. We, therefore, urge all Muslims to remain steadfast and law-abiding while advocating for their legitimate rights through appropriate channels.


“In conclusion, we boldly assert that the demand for Shari’a adjudication in civil matters is not a call for conflict, but a demand for constitutional justice.


“JNI reiterates its commitment to working with stakeholders—including state governments, religious leaders, and traditional institutions—to ensure that the rights of Nigerian Muslims are upheld and respected.”

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