The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has insisted that no authority, whether domestic or foreign, can compel Muslims to abandon the practice of Shariah, describing it as an inseparable component of Islamic faith and one that is fully protected under Nigeria’s Constitution.
The Council’s position was made public by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, in response to concerns reportedly raised by members of the United States Congress regarding religious freedom in Nigeria. According to him, any suggestion that Shariah law should be repealed or curtailed reflects a misunderstanding of both Islamic doctrine and Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
Ahmad explained that Shariah is not merely a set of penal provisions, as is often portrayed in international discourse, but a comprehensive way of life for Muslims. He said it encompasses spiritual obligations, moral conduct, family relations, financial dealings, and social responsibilities, forming a divinely ordained system through which adherents regulate both their personal and communal affairs.
He stressed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and provides room for citizens to practise their faith without interference. Within that framework, he noted, Shariah courts have long operated in several states, exercising jurisdiction strictly over Muslims who voluntarily submit to them, particularly in matters relating to personal law such as marriage, inheritance, and family disputes. He maintained that this arrangement is constitutional and consistent with Nigeria’s plural legal system.
The Council rejected assertions that the application of Shariah amounts to systemic persecution of Christians or members of other faiths. Ahmad described such claims as inaccurate and misleading, arguing that they unfairly characterise Nigeria as a country defined by religious oppression. He said the nation’s security challenges — including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of organised crime — affect citizens across religious and ethnic lines.
According to him, reducing complex security and governance issues to a narrative of religious genocide oversimplifies the situation and risks deepening divisions. He added that violence in various parts of the country has claimed the lives of both Muslims and Christians, and that the underlying causes often include criminality, poverty, weak institutions, and longstanding communal disputes rather than religious doctrine.
The Council further warned that external attempts to dictate how Muslims should practise their religion could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional order. Ahmad emphasised that decisions concerning the country’s legal and religious arrangements must be made within the bounds of its laws and democratic processes, not through foreign pressure or sanctions.
He reiterated that the SCSN unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and bloodshed, regardless of the identity of the victims or perpetrators. He called for a unified national approach to tackling insecurity, urging authorities at both federal and state levels to prioritise the protection of lives and property. Ensuring safety for all citizens, he said, remains the primary responsibility of government.
In addition, the Council encouraged Muslims to use the Ramadan period as an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and peaceful conduct. It urged religious leaders and community members to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse populations.
Reaffirming its stance, the Council declared that adherence to Shariah is a matter of faith for Muslims and cannot be negotiated away. At the same time, it underscored its commitment to peaceful coexistence and national unity, insisting that Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division.
The statement concluded with a call for mutual understanding, respect for constitutional rights, and collective efforts to build a stable and secure nation in which people of all faiths can practise their religion freely and without fear.
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