Islamic Council Rejects US Lawmakers' Call to End Sharia Practice in Nigeria
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has issued a strong rebuttal to calls from some United States lawmakers urging an end to the practice of Sharia law in the country. The council described the proposal as deeply misinformed and an unwarranted attempt to undermine Nigeria's sovereignty and constitutional framework.
Sharia as a Constitutionally Protected System
Sharia law operates alongside statutory and customary legal systems in Nigeria, providing a religious, moral, and legal framework for Muslim communities. It was formally adopted in 1999 as a principal body of civil and criminal law in 12 northern states, where it governs personal, family, and community matters for adherents of Islam.
In a detailed statement, SCSN Secretary General Nafiu Ahmad emphasized that Sharia represents a comprehensive way of life for Muslims and cannot be abandoned due to external pressure. "No power or authority can arrogantly make Muslims relinquish its practice in response to external pressure, misinformation, or political intimidation," the council declared, asserting the constitutional protection of religious freedom in Nigeria.
Rejection of Allegations and Broader Security Context
The council also dismissed allegations of a so-called "Christian genocide" in Nigeria, arguing that such claims dangerously misrepresent the country's complex security landscape. It highlighted that Nigeria faces multifaceted challenges including:
- Terrorism by extremist groups
- Widespread banditry and kidnapping
- Organized criminal networks
- Governance and institutional weaknesses
"The government appears either indifferent or incapable of resolving the security problem which has claimed the lives of Muslims and Christians alike," the statement noted, describing attempts to frame the violence strictly as religious persecution as "inaccurate and unhelpful" to genuine conflict resolution.
Defense of Nigeria's Plural Legal System
The SCSN concluded by affirming that Nigeria's plural legal system and multi-religious character should be respected by international actors. It warned that external interference in Sharia practice would be counterproductive, potentially exacerbating tensions rather than promoting harmony.
The council's statement represents a firm defense of Nigeria's constitutional arrangements and religious diversity, rejecting what it views as foreign misunderstanding of the country's legal and social structures.
