Shari’ah Council Faults Kukah Over Linking Islamic Law to Violence

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State chapter, has condemned recent remarks by Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, accusing him of unfairly linking the implementation of Shari’ah law in northern Nigeria to rising insecurity.

In a statement signed by the Council’s Secretary, Engr. AbdurRahman Hassan, the cleric’s comments were described as “unfair and insensitive,” with the Council insisting they misrepresent the essence and historical role of Shari’ah in the region.

“Shari’ah, as practiced in these states, is not a political tool but a reflection of faith, tradition, and moral discipline that guides millions of Muslims,” the statement said.

Hassan noted that the root of insecurity in northern Nigeria lies in socio-political challenges rather than religion. “Violence often stems from corruption, poor governance, and societal inequality, not faith. It is therefore inappropriate to attribute unrest to a system that millions follow peacefully,” he said.

The Council highlighted that Shari’ah predates colonial rule and remains central to Muslim identity in northern Nigeria. “Muslims practiced Shari’ah centuries before colonial administration. It is a way of life, not an imposition,” Hassan said.

The statement also warned against inflammatory remarks that could heighten religious tensions, urging Christian and Muslim leaders to exercise mutual respect. “No responsible Muslim scholar attacks Canon Law, just as no Christian cleric should disparage Shari’ah,” Hassan said.

Challenging Kukah, the Council urged him to consider how Canon Law functions in Christian-majority states, “to assess whether his objection to Shari’ah is principled or biased.”

The statement concluded with a call for restraint and interfaith understanding, stressing that religious leaders must be agents of peace. “The true measure of any legal system, religious or secular, is its ability to protect rights, promote justice, and foster harmony,” Hassan added.

He urged Nigerians to focus on good governance and national unity instead of demonizing faith traditions.