Ambassador Nurain Mumuni, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged the governors of the southwestern states to engage in dialogue with the leadership of the Muslim community to prevent conflicts over the implementation of Shari’ah (Islamic Law) in the region.
The security expert made this statement on Monday through his Media Aide, Rasheed Abubakar.
He also emphasized the importance of promoting media literacy about Shari’ah among Muslims, particularly within their own communities.
Southwest Muslims have been advocating for the establishment of Shari’ah Arbitration Panels to handle civil matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and contractual disputes among willing Muslims.
In response to opposition from some governors regarding these panels, Mumuni advised them to engage in discussions with Muslim leaders in the southwest.
He stressed that Yoruba Muslims have long integrated Islamic practices into their cultural framework.
Mumuni highlighted the need for state governors, particularly those from Ekiti, Oyo, and Ogun, to communicate with the Muslim community to foster peace and prevent hostility that could lead to unrest.
“What the Muslims are demanding is clear. They want a panel that will handle their personal affairs such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, among others. They are demanding for civil law, which is guaranteed by the constitution. The Shari’ah panels aren’t meant for and cannot adjudicate in criminal offences such as sentencing or amputations. Therefore, there is need for the government to dialogue with the leadership of the Muslims especially MUSWEN and allow any willing Muslim to follow the dictate of his or her religion.”
The security expert called on the leadership of the Muslims to sensitise their members and use the minbar (pulpits) on Friday, noting that, “Some Muslims surprisingly kicked against the introduction of Shari’ah Panel out of sheer ignorance, misinformation and lack of understanding. Some don’t even know that the Shari’ah panel has been in existence in some states for years. There is a need for massive media literacy among Muslims while their leaders engage the government to avoid conflicts.
He added that introduction of Islam to the Yoruba people can be traced back to the 10th century, and its establishment developed over subsequent centuries, leading to a significant Muslim population in this region.
He advised that it is crucial to foster an environment of dialogue and mutual respect among different religious groups to mitigate conflicts surrounding Shari’ah practices.
He added that this will help to ensure that these traditions are embraced as a personal choice rather than an imposition.
“The Yoruba Muslims of South West Nigeria have long integrated Islamic practices into their cultural framework, reflecting a rich tapestry of traditions that honour both their religious and ethnic heritage. The introduction of Islam to the Yoruba people can be traced back to the 10th century, and its establishment developed over subsequent centuries, leading to a significant Muslim population in this region.
“One of the most prominent aspects of Shari’ah practiced by Yoruba Muslims is its application to marriage and burial rites. The Islamic marriage contract, known as Nikaah holds significant cultural and religious importance. The Nikaah ceremony involves various elements that affirm commitment between partners, often integrated with traditional Yoruba customs. This practice highlights how Yoruba Muslims harmonize Islamic tenets with their indigenous traditions, ensuring that their cultural identity is maintained alongside their religious obligations.
“While the practice of Shari’ah is prevalent among Yoruba Muslims, it is important to underscore that it has not been devoid of contention. The application of Shari’ah can sometimes be perceived as controversial, particularly in a multi-religious society like Nigeria, where the imposition of specific practices can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
“However, it is imperative to view Shari’ah as a guiding framework rather than a rigid set of rules that should be imposed upon the broader society. Many Yoruba Muslims advocate for a nuanced understanding of Shari’a as it pertains to personal choice and community consensus. This perspective emphasizes that practices such as Nikah and burial rites, while rooted in Islamic law, should not lead to rancor between different religious groups.
“In conclusion, the Yoruba Muslims of South West Nigeria represent a unique blend of religious devotion and cultural identity. Their longstanding practice of Shari’a in marriage and burial rites showcases how they navigate the intersection of faith and culture.
“It is crucial to foster an environment of dialogue and mutual respect among different religious groups to mitigate conflicts surrounding Shari’a practices, ensuring that these traditions are embraced as a personal choice rather than an imposition. By honouring both Islamic teachings and the rich Yoruba culture, a harmonious coexistence can be achieved, enriching the multi-religious tapestry of Nigeria,” he added.
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