The Independent Shari?ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State has held its inaugural public sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The panel presided over by three Kadhis: Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde, adjudicated on two marriage-related disputes.

According to the panel, the move is aimed at providing arbitration based on Islamic jurisprudence.

In the first case, the head of the panel, Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, announced that the dispute between the couple was resolved through a consent judgement. This resolution was facilitated by earlier interventions from family members, which paved the way for a peaceful settlement.

However, the second case, involving allegations by a wife accusing her husband of neglecting his marital responsibilities, was adjourned until January 30 for further hearing after listening to both parties.

The panel explained that the adjournment would allow for additional investigations to ensure a fair outcome.

Imam Abdul-Mutolib emphasised the importance of couples fearing Allah and adhering to His injunctions in marriage, urging wives to be submissive to their husbands and content with their provisions.

Speaking on the significance of the panel, the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, Alhaji Hammed Bakare, emphasised that the Shari?ah adjudication process is voluntary and adheres strictly to Islamic principles. He clarified that litigants can choose to use the Islamic Arbitration system but are not obligated to do so.

According to him, ?Shari?ah adjudication is not compulsory for all; it is meant for Muslims or those who willingly choose to submit their grievances to it. Non-Muslims may also participate if they wish, but it remains entirely voluntary.?

Also, the Deputy President of the council, Tajudeen Hammed, further highlighted that the Shari?ah panel operates in harmony with the state?s civil jurisdiction. Hammed, a lawyer, stressed that its rulings are based strictly on Islamic scriptures, including the Qur?an and Hadith, and do not conflict with existing civil legal frameworks.

?Submitting grievances to the Shari?ah panel is an integral part of our faith as Muslims. However, it is not mandatory for anyone, including Muslims, to seek redress through this system,? he said.

Hammed equally praised the Kadhis for their expertise and dedication, commending their erudition in Islamic jurisprudence and their application of Qur?anic and Hadith knowledge during the proceedings.

The Shari?ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State was formally inaugurated by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in October 2024 in Ado Ekiti, primarily to provide a platform for resolving disputes, especially civil matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, etc., in line with Islamic principles for Muslims and willing participants. (Courtesy, excluding headline, Nigerian Tribune)

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