SCSN Declares Muslims' Right to Practice Shariah Unassailable

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has reaffirmed that no entity can force Muslims to abandon their adherence to Shariah law.

Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the Secretary General of SCSN, made this assertion in reaction to a report submitted to President Donald Trump by a congressional committee from the United States.

The report was put together by U.S. representatives, Riley Moore and Chris Smith, and focused on the purported persecution of Christians within Nigeria.

It is important to note that the document drew attention to Shariah laws and blasphemy statutes, labeling them as significant issues affecting the country.

The recommendations made included calls for the repeal of Shariah and blasphemy laws, the establishment of a security agreement between the U.S. and Nigeria, as well as the imposition of penalties on those found guilty of these offenses, including visa sanctions.

U.S. lawmakers mentioned, "Blasphemy laws in Northern Nigeria serve to suppress free speech and dissent, target Christians and other minorities, and endorse ‘convictions’ without due legal process."

In response, the Council criticized the report for misrepresenting Nigeria as a site for alleged 'Christian genocide' and wrongly questioning the fundamental rights of Nigerian Muslims to practice their faith and Shariah.

The SCSN elaborated that Shariah is an all-encompassing way of life for Muslims that incorporates spiritual, moral, social, and legal aspects, functioning as the divinely prescribed structure through which adherents manage both personal and communal matters.

The statement further emphasized that the practice of Shariah is constitutionally protected in Nigeria, which guarantees freedom of religion and entitles followers to handle personal issues per their faith.

The council asserted that Shariah courts function lawfully under the confines of the constitution, specifically catering to Muslims alone, and pointed out that any attempts to criminalize, invalidate, or impose external oversight on the religious practices of Nigerian Muslims would infringe upon the nation’s sovereignty, constitutional order, and basic tenets of religious liberty.

The SCSN firmly rejected any form of external interference in Nigeria’s domestic issues. They described Nigeria as a sovereign nation characterized by its religious diversity and a multifaceted legal system, stating that simplistic and biased narratives introduced from abroad do not foster peace or justice but could rather exacerbate tensions and deepen distrust.

The council also contested the narrative of 'Christian genocide', clarifying that it misrepresents the true state of insecurity in Nigeria, which arises from terrorism, banditry, organized crime, and governance issues affecting both Muslims and Christians.

Additionally, they underscored that characterizing the violence as one-sided religious genocide is misleading and unproductive.

The council unequivocally denounced all acts of violence and loss of life throughout Nigeria, regardless of the identities of victims and perpetrators involved. They expressed their condolences for every innocent life taken and opposed the politicization of human suffering, praying for eternal peace for the deceased and comfort for their families.

They reiterated their long-standing appeal for the federal and state governments to take effective measures to eliminate insecurity, as the fundamental responsibility of the government includes the protection of lives and properties alongside the restoration of public trust through justice and accountability.

Lastly, during this holy month of Ramadan, the council urged the Muslim community to enhance their prayers, supplications, and virtuous actions, seeking divine intervention for peace, security, justice, and unity across Nigeria. They encouraged all Muslims to remain lawful, steadfast in their beliefs, and dedicated to fostering harmonious coexistence with all Nigerians.

"Nigeria is a shared homeland. Our faith is non-negotiable, the Constitution provides clear guidelines, and our sovereignty demands respect from other nations and protection by our government."