Islamic Law Expert Criticises U.S. Position on Sharia Implementation

An Islamic law scholar, Dahiru Usman, has faulted what he described as a directive by the United States calling for an end to Sharia law, insisting that the religious rights of Nigerian Muslims are constitutionally protected. An Islamic law expert, Dahiru Usman, has criticised the alleged directive by the United States urging an end to the implementation of...

• An Islamic law scholar, Dahiru Usman, has faulted what he described as a directive by the United States calling for an end to Sharia law, insisting that the religious rights of Nigerian Muslims are constitutionally protected.
• An Islamic law expert, Dahiru Usman, has criticised the alleged directive by the United States urging an end to the implementation of Sharia law, describing the position as interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.Usman stated that the application of Sharia law in parts of Nigeria did not originate with the 1999 Constitution, noting that Islamic legal traditions have long existed in various northern communities before Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.He stressed that the right of Muslims to practise their religion is non-negotiable, maintaining that religious freedom is clearly enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.While referencing constitutional provisions, Usman argued that Nigeria is not a “circular” country but a secular state that guarantees freedom of religion and allows individuals to practise their faith without discrimination.According to him, the right to religion is a fundamental human right recognised by international human rights instruments, and any attempt to undermine it would contradict established global principles.The comments come amid renewed debates on the scope and operation of Sharia law within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
• This story is filed under Religion on Glow 99.1 FM.