Sheikh Muhammed Habibullah Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory, proprietor of the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre (Markaz) in Agege, Lagos, has expressed concerns about the push for Sharia courts in Southwest Nigeria.
In a recent interview, Sheikh Al-Ilory noted that the current resurgence of calls for Sharia courts is often driven by self-interest, with some individuals using the issue to sideline established Muslim leaders and gain power.
“The current push for Sharia courts has historical roots,” Sheikh Al-Ilory said. “During the lead-up to the Second Republic in 1979, under the Obasanjo regime, a constitutional drafting process took place. In Lagos, the then federal capital, submissions were solicited from various groups.
“M.K.O. Abiola, a prominent figure, championed the inclusion of Sharia law in the constitution. He consulted with my father, Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory, a respected cleric known for his awareness of current events and constitutional matters.”
He said his father cautioned Abiola against the move, questioning the motives behind the push for Sharia and whether it was a veiled attempt to extend Northern influence into Yorubaland. He also inquired about who would serve as Qadis (judges) and argued that if Muslims in the Southwest were already practicing Sharia privately without hindrance, then there was no need to formally agitate for its inclusion in the constitution.
Mudeer Markaz emphasized the importance of formal training and certification for true Islamic scholars to avoid misinformation and misinterpretations. “Many people are passionate about religion, but passion alone doesn’t equate to scholarly expertise,” he said.
“True Islamic scholarship requires rigorous study under reputable scholars. In Nigeria, unfortunately, there’s a tendency to label anyone wearing religious attire as a scholar, unlike professions like law, where formal training and certification are mandatory.”
He also pointed out that Sharia law is already being practiced in the Southwest, albeit informally.
“Muslims in states like Ogun, Oyo, and Ekiti practice aspects of Sharia in their personal lives,” he said. “It’s inaccurate to claim unfamiliarity with Sharia, as Islamic marriage and other rites are examples of its practical application.”
He argued that the lack of rigour in recognizing religious scholarship in Nigeria can lead to misinformation and misinterpretations of religious principles.
“The Nigerian Constitution acknowledges the presence of both Muslims and non-Muslims, but it doesn’t formally recognize Sharia courts outside of specific contexts, Sheikh Al-Ilory said.
“It’s essential to understand the nuances of different forms of government — democracy, anarchy, monarchy, aristocracy, and autocracy. These are complex systems, and a superficial understanding differs greatly from expert knowledge.”
He cautioned that the push for Sharia courts in the Southwest must be approached with careful consideration and a deep understanding of the complexities involved.
Mudeer Markaz argued that Nigerian society is multi-religious. He explained the historical context of secularism, tracing its roots to the separation of church and state in Europe, adding that secularism means governance should be separate from religious matters while acknowledging the existence and practice of diverse faiths.
