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Islamonline Live Dialogue Editing Desk
Name
Ahmed
-
Profession
Question
There seems to be some doubt as to whether or not Nigeria will actually be able to execute hadd punishments, as I understand the Supreme Court has ruled that such punishments are illegal. What happens when the stoning punishment is supposed to go through? Will the central government intervene? And what happens if it does?
Answer
Because of the indepence of our judiciary, and the entrenched separation of power in our constitution, the executive is not expected to intervene in any judgement by the judicary. However, judgements being given by individual courts by different states are still subjected to appeals to the Shariah Court of Appeal and ultimately to the Supreme Court.
Name
Cynthia
-
Profession
Question
Don't you think that it is extremely unjust that Amina Lawwal is supposed to be executed for adultery, but the man who impregnated her is allowed to go free? Doesn't this suggest something about the inherently patriarchal nature of Shari'ah law?
Answer
The question asked deals with a case which is still pending in our Court of Appeal. In other words, it is subjudice. We cannot therefore prejudge what will ultimately be the decision of our court in this regard. It may be advisable to wait until the final decision is given. Justice in this context is a litle bit difficult to define. Is it justice in accordance with the Shariah law or justice in accordance with our concept of the common law, or in fact, natural justice? However, we should wait for the final judgement on this matter.
Name
Abdullah O.
- Saudi Arabia
Profession
Question
Is the fact that the Supreme Court ruled against Shari’ah law punishments evidence that Nigerian Muslims cannot get their rights? And doesn’t it reflect negatively on Nigeria that it allowed itself to be pressured by Western countries into attempting to prevent Shari’ah punishments?
Answer
It is difficult to express or give a sweeping statement based on the judgement of the Supreme Court in this particular case. Each case is decided on its own merits. The decision of the supreme court relates to that case and that case only. It does not mean that similar cases in different circumstances could not be decided otherwise.
Name
Wesam
- Egypt
Profession
Question
How religious are Nigerians? I hear that they practice a lot of bida’ and that the consumption of alcohol is relatively widespread… as such, I was surprised to hear that the application of Islamic law is an issue. Isn’t this some sort of contradiction?
Answer
First and foremost, section 10 of our constitution states that the government of the federation or of a state shall not adopt any religion as a state religion. But this does not mean that we have a secular state. Nigeria can therefore be described as a multi-religious state. There are two major religions in Nigeria, Islam and Christianity, and the followers of these two religions are vast in number. But by and large, Nigerians are generally religious. But whether they practice what they believe is another question.
Name
Ismaeel Animashaun
- United States
Profession
Engineer
Question
Your Excellency, we love you for Allah's sake. My question is why are former Presidents Shagari, Buhari and Babangida calling for Sharia now?
Answer
This question requires delving somehow into the history of our country in relation to religion. Before the independence constitution was put in place, which was during the lifetime of great political leaders like the great Ahmadu Bello, the Sadauna of Sokoto; Tawfawa Balewa, the first Prime Minister, the issue of the place of shariah law was virtually settled in the sense that the southern part of Nigerian that is predominatly Christian or animists opted for their own customary law, while the Northern region opted for the inclusion of the shariah law with courts to serve these two jurisdictions. However, the issue of the criminal aspects of shariah was compromised into the penal code of northern Nigeria, which enabled any agitation regarding the practice and entrenchement of shariah law. But in recent times, some elements of religious politics became apparent, particularly in the north and thus, any leader, whether at the present time or before, would be expected to express views of the same. And in this regard, if you cannot beat them or persuade them, it is advisable to join them. In effect, the present situation is, by and large, dictated by the current political climate regardless of whatever may be the merits or demerits of the issue.
Name
Donald Omotola Davies
- Japan
Profession
Question
Sir,
I'm not a Muslim but I appreciate your efforts on Africa, so I expect you to be fair. What's your opinions on the application of Sharia in Nigeria? Does the Nigerian constitution recognize sharia courts at all?
Answer
By and large, it can be said that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria takes cognizance of shariah law and its jurisdiction side by side with the customary law and customary court. The constitution in chapter 7 established the appointment and functions of Kadis and Grand-Kadis and made provision for shariah courts of appeal. In effect, there is recognition of the operation of shariah law and its jurisdiction, just as it made provisions for customary judges and customary courts of appeal, mostly in the southern part of Nigeria.
Name
Osama
- India
Profession
Question
Are you personally in favor of the application of Shari’ah law? You were, according to your CV, vice-chairman of the ICJ, which rules with secular laws. Are you a secularist, and do you therefore oppose the application of Islamic law in Nigeria?
Answer
Here, I think it is desirable that I should make it clear that provisons for the sharia law and courts were entrenched in our constitution just as we have other aspects of our law based on the common law, but the important point to note in this matter is the fact that the shariah law is meant as the personal law applicable to all muslims, and where a state is predominatly populated by Muslims, obviously, there is need for them to be governed by their own personal law, just as we have in the case of the south, where some of the southern states are governed by their customary law. Since Shariah law is entrenched in our constitution, I see no reason why Muslims should be deprived of their rights as entrenched in the shariah law.
Name
Matthew Ingalls
- United States
Profession
Question
I saw on the news how Muslim mobs rampaged through the streets in Nigeria during the Miss World competition - how can Nigeria expect to be treated as a modern country when this is the kind of effect generated by a few young women in a contest?!
Answer
The episode and the incident that attended the Miss World competition that was to be staged in Nigeria and which at the 11th hour was aborted was quite unfortunate, but this was triggered by the unfortunate feature article that came out in one of our frontline national newswpapers, the content of which was considered blasphemous to the image of our Prophet Muhammed(SAW). This was, in fact, the cause of the annoyance of certain groups of young ones that took to the streets in protest against this unfortunate and blasphemous write-up, and for which the newspaper apologised profusely. But it was too late, and unfortunately, many lives were lost. In Nigeria, generally the issue touching on religion could be emotive and explosive.
Name
William Wurmser
- United States
Profession
Question
Analysts have often suggested that Nigeria might be the ideal hiding place for Bin Laden, as there are areas that practice conservative Islam and actually name their children after him… Your thoughts on this, sir?
Answer
I have my doubt whether any group or section of our country would play host to Osama bin Laden because of the situation at the moment all over the world. It is not impossible, like in any other countries of the world, for people to adore anybody, whatever may be his belief, and Nigeria is not an exception in this regard. However, our own organization, the Islamic Movement for Africa, is an organization meant to propagate peace in Islam throughout Africa. We believe in unity among Muslims, we believe in co-operation with Muslims and non-Muslims alike, we believe in pro-actively reaching out to people to pratice our religion in an atmosphere of harmony. We believe in dawah and thus have as our watchword, chapter 16, verse 125; "Preaching the word of God with wisdom and beauty". We strongly believe that education would help our Muslim brothers and sisters to achieve all these goals that we have set for ourselves.
Name
Omar M.
- Egypt
Profession
Question
The Muslim world is gradually beginning to realize that Shariah law isn't just about the Islamic penal code, or huddud, and some Arab and Muslim countries have begun setting up committees to determine how to alter existing laws to conform to the spirit of Shariah. Why then does Nigeria's experience with Shariah seem to revolve only around the application of huddud law? Have there been any developments outside of the direct application of Shariah penal code?
Answer
Although, the practice and application of the Shariah penal code attract more attention worldwide than any other aspect of the Shariah civil or personal law, as far as Nigeria is concerned, both are constantly in practice and in application. The jurisdication of our Shariah courts include all matters and questions of Islamic personal law regarding marriage, succession, family relationship, guardianship of infants, gifts, guardianship etc.
Name
Kolawole
- Denmark
Profession
Question
Sir, thanks for your efforts in promoting awareness and striving in Allah's cause. My question is: in light of the current situation in Nigeria, do you think what the ordinary Muslim Nigerians need at present is the strict application of Shari'ah, or getting properly oriented with what Sharia'h really means? This is based on the fact that many Muslim Nigerians are somehow ignorant about this, that's why they form the majority of people who oppose Shariah in the first place. Thanks.
Answer
The problem the world over is that people fear what they do not understand or know, and therefore, hate to practise what they know little to nothing about. In fact, the first word as you know in the Quran is "Iqra," which means "read." Our prophet Muhammed (SAW) enjoins all muslims to seek knowledge. In its original form, Shariah law is written in arabic; the majority of Nigerians and even those who are Muslims cannot read or write arabic, let alone understand the meaning of it all. Thus, what is needed in this regard and in which I share your view is primarily to intensify educating our poeple in what islam is about and what the Quran is about, and to get the grip of what they believe. We in our islamic research centre have now packaged a programme to teach people some of these basic requirements. Starting from September, we intend to start courses in Arabic studies, Islamic studies and Quranic studies. Part of our programme is to establish a university that will, inter alia, address some of these problems. It is my honest view that educating our Muslim population is a prerequsite.
Name
Funshyboy
- Germany
Profession
Question
As you are in favor of the application of Shariah in Nigeria, isn't it enough evidence that many nations that attempted to practice Shariah ended up failing? How do you think the situation in Nigeria can form an exception?
Answer
Let me say that the practice of Shariah law has its limited scope as entrenched in our constitution, regardless of anyone being in favour of it or not. But the constitution treats Shariah law as a personal law, applicable to Muslims.
Because of the safeguards in our constitution and some other provisions apparently limiting its application as contained in chapter 4 of our constitution, we can therefore say that its practice ought not to be detrimental to our social, political, economic as well as religious progress.
Name
Shakran Ali Khan
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Sir,
I'm happy to know you are a Muslim, you have good reputation and I'm proud of you.
What have you done as the President of the Islamic Movement of Africa to help all Africa? I read you once sent 2000 lanterns to a refugee camp in Nigeria. What's your plan for Muslims in Africa?
Answer
My aim is very high in my effort to assist in the development of mind and soul of our Muslim brothers and sisters in Africa. My effort would be centered on the practice of Islam in an excellent manner, in a pro-active manner and employing the present day modern touch. Education would be a focal point.
Already, we have our research center, we have our libray with many books including the Holy Quran in many languages spoken in Africa, as well as Islamic literature. We have also constructed and completed an Imam and curator's house, and we have a multi-purpose hall for lectures, symposia, seminars, conferences, sermons, etc. At the moment, we are about to complete the building of our hospital and our school at the research center. Talking of the school, we have now started IMA (Islamic Movement of Africa) International School for nursery and primary classes. Another project is the construction of our mosque which has reached the first floor, and which will have three floors when completed. Before the end of the year, we hope to start the building of our radio and television house, as well as our restaurant, printing press and computer center.
In terms of membership, we are spreading all over Africa. At the moment, we have branches in the Republic of Benin, the Gambia, Egypt and Ghana. Our movement is for peace, harmony, tolerance, goodwill and unity among Muslims and non-Muslims alike. We will continue to pursue our goal which is dawah and education.
