The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria’s Kaduna State Chapter has condemned remarks by Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah that linked the implementation of Shari’ah law in northern Nigeria to rising violence. In a statement, the Council called the comments “unfair and insensitive,” arguing that they misrepresent the essence and historical significance of Shari’ah in the region.
According to the Council, Shari’ah is a reflection of faith, tradition, and moral discipline deeply rooted in the lives of millions of Muslims, not a political weapon. It maintained that insecurity in northern Nigeria stems from socio‑political challenges—such as corruption, poor governance, and societal inequality—rather than from religion. Numerous studies, the Council noted, show that violence more often arises from these factors than from religious beliefs.
The Council also emphasized that Shari’ah predates colonial rule in Nigeria and forms an integral part of Muslim identity. Muslims in northern Nigeria have practiced Shari’ah for centuries, and it remains a way of life, not an imposition. It warned against statements that could inflame religious tensions and urged mutual respect between Christian and Muslim leaders.
Council Secretary Engr. AbdurRahman Hassan challenged Reverend Kukah to consider how Canon Law might function in Christian‑majority states, asking whether his objection to Shari’ah stems from principle or prejudice. The statement concluded with a call for restraint and interfaith understanding, stressing that religious leaders must promote peace, not division. It reaffirmed that the true test of any legal system is its ability to protect rights, promote justice, and foster peace, and that, when properly applied, Shari’ah upholds justice and harmony. The Council urged Nigerians to focus on good governance and national unity instead of demonizing any faith tradition, highlighting the need for nuanced understanding and respect for different religious and legal systems in Nigeria.
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