The National Missioner and Chief Imam of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheik Abdulrahman Ahmad, recently discussed the reasons behind the opposition to Sharia in Nigeria. He attributed this resistance to “ignorance and prejudice” among individuals who are against Sharia practice. Sheik Abdulrahman emphasized that Sharia has been a longstanding practice in certain regions of Nigeria, particularly in the North, without significant controversy.
The cleric highlighted that opposition to Sharia is often fueled by a lack of understanding about its principles. He stressed the importance of considering facts rather than sentiments when discussing the implementation of Sharia. Sheik Abdulrahman also noted that Sharia panels have been functioning in Lagos for nearly two decades without issues.
He underscored that the Nigerian Constitution allows for Sharia courts to handle matters related to Muslim Personal Law, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child custody. Despite clashes between Christian and Muslim leaders over the establishment of Sharia arbitration panels in the South-Western states, proponents remain steadfast in their decision to set up these panels to address issues within the Muslim community.