Islamic scholars have stated that the proper implementation of Sharia in Nigeria would promote the collective welfare of both Muslims and non-Muslims while strengthening moral and social harmony across the country.

They argued that there is no basis for the persistent opposition to its implementation in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Annual State Lecture of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Kwara State chapter, held in Ilorin, and themed ‘Sharia in a Pluralistic Society: Prospects, Challenges and Strategies for Effective Implementation’, the Chief Executive Officer of Vanguard Academy, Ogun State, Ustadh Zanfaran Adeniyi, described Sharia and Islam as inseparable.

Adeniyi said Muslims are disadvantaged without the system, which, when properly understood, is designed to promote justice, welfare and accountability in society.

“Sharia is Islam and Islam is Sharia. We are shortchanged without it, so Muslims must work towards having it reflected in our establishments and schools,” he said.

He noted that implementing Sharia in a pluralistic society like Nigeria is both practicable and possible, citing examples from countries such as Malaysia and the United Kingdom, where it operates successfully within their legal frameworks.

According to him, Sharia is not compulsory for non-Muslims, adding that there is no justification for the hostility often expressed against its practice in Nigeria.

“Being a plural society is natural, as Allah has acknowledged in Qur’an 49:13. Sharia is not against diversity but works within it. In countries like Malaysia and the UK, Muslims practise Sharia peacefully while others follow their respective systems. Nigeria can do the same,” he said.

Adeniyi attributed much of the resistance to Sharia in Nigeria to propaganda, misconception and unfounded fear of Islam.

He explained that a proper understanding of the concept would reveal that it benefits everyone by promoting moral discipline, justice and social stability.

“There are many benefits for non-Muslims in the implementation of Sharia. For instance, non-Muslims in Nigeria already benefit from Islamic financial instruments like Sukuk, which fund major road projects that serve everyone.

The same applies to other national initiatives linked to our membership of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Sharia protects the rights, religions and even the places of worship of non-Muslims,” he added.

The first lecturer, public affairs analyst and author, Abdullateef Ishowo, examined Nigeria’s political and social challenges from the perspective of global diplomacy and national values.

He said the country’s internal contradictions, such as corruption, insecurity and poverty, continue to weaken its international standing.

Ishowo lamented that Nigeria has lost touch with its cultural and moral foundations, unlike countries such as China that project their values into the global system.

He urged Nigerians to elect leaders of integrity, accountability and vision rather than those chosen for political convenience.

“As followers, we must be conscious of the kind of leaders we elect, not necessarily based on their parties but on their character and capacity. Our leaders must make corruption difficult to thrive by strengthening institutions and ensuring transparency,” he said.

He also urged Muslims to let Islamic principles guide their interactions with others, noting that Nigeria is home to Christians, traditionalists and atheists who must all coexist peacefully.

Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion and chairman of the Guild of Public Commentators, Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Shola Muse, urged Muslim faithful to remain steadfast and hold their leaders accountable.

In an interview, Dr. Wahab Zakari of the Department of Religion, University of Ilorin, called for enlightenment and the gradual implementation of Sharia in Nigeria.

He expressed disappointment over the negative portrayal of Sharia by some people, saying it is meant to bring peace, not pain.

The Waali (coordinator) of The Muslim Congress in Kwara State, Mallam AbdulHakeem Idris, said the lecture was organized to mark Nigeria’s independence anniversary and to encourage reflection on the nation’s moral and historical path.

He urged participants to learn from history to build a future of peace and unity.

The event was attended by several Islamic scholars, academics, representatives of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and students from various schools across the state. (Nigerian Tribune)