Shari’ah Council: Kukah’s remarks unfair, insensitive

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State Chapter, has condemned recent comments by Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, which linked the implementation of Shari’ah law in northern Nigeria to rising violence. The Council described the remarks as “unfair and insensitive,” insisting that the cleric’s views misrepresent both the history and purpose of Islamic […]

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State Chapter, has condemned recent comments by Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, which linked the implementation of Shari’ah law in northern Nigeria to rising violence.

The Council described the remarks as “unfair and insensitive,” insisting that the cleric’s views misrepresent both the history and purpose of Islamic law in the region.

In a statement signed by Engr. AbdurRahman Hassan, Secretary of the Council, the SCSN argued that Kukah’s comments failed to acknowledge the deep spiritual and cultural roots of Shari’ah in northern Nigeria.

“Shari’ah, as practiced in these states, is not a political weapon but a reflection of faith, tradition, and moral discipline deeply rooted in the lives of millions of Muslims,” the statement read.

The Council maintained that violence in the region stems from broader socio-political challenges, not religion.

“Numerous studies affirm that violence often stems not from religion but from corruption, poor governance, and societal inequality,” Hassan stated.

“It is therefore unfair and insensitive to attribute unrest to a system that millions of Nigerians follow peacefully and voluntarily.”

The SCSN also reminded critics that Shari’ah predates colonial rule in Nigeria and remains an integral part of Muslim identity.

“Muslims in northern Nigeria practiced Shari’ah centuries before colonial rule. It remains a way of life, not an imposition,” the statement noted.

The Council warned that dismissing or ridiculing the system undermines peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.

Emphasizing interfaith respect, Hassan said:“No responsible Muslim scholar attacks Canon Law; likewise, no Christian cleric should insult Shari’ah.”

The Council also challenged Reverend Kukah to propose how Canon Law could be applied in Christian-majority states “to determine whether his objection to Shari’ah stems from principle or prejudice.”

The statement concluded with a call for restraint among religious leaders and a renewed commitment to peace.

“Religious leaders must be agents of peace, not division. The true test of any legal system, religious or secular, is its ability to protect rights, promote justice, and foster peace,” Hassan said.

He reaffirmed that, when properly applied, Shari’ah promotes justice and harmony — not violence — and urged Nigerians to focus on good governance and national unity rather than demonizing any faith tradition.