The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State Chapter, has strongly criticized recent comments by Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, which linked the implementation of Shari’ah law in northern Nigeria to rising violence.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Engr. AbdurRahman Hassan, the Council described the Catholic cleric’s remarks as “unfair and insensitive,” arguing that they misrepresent both the essence and historical significance of Shari’ah in the region.
“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 Council stated.
The SCSN maintained that insecurity in northern Nigeria arises from socio-political challenges rather than religion.
“Numerous studies affirm that violence often stems not from religion but from corruption, poor governance, and societal inequality,” Hassan said. “It is therefore unfair and insensitive to attribute unrest to a system that millions of Nigerians follow peacefully and voluntarily.”
The Council further emphasized that Shari’ah predates colonial rule in Nigeria and forms 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.
Warning against statements that could inflame religious tensions, the Council urged mutual respect between Christian and Muslim leaders.
“No responsible Muslim scholar attacks Canon Law; likewise, no Christian cleric should insult Shari’ah,” Hassan said.
The SCSN also challenged Reverend Kukah to consider how Canon Law might function 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 and interfaith understanding, stressing that religious leaders must promote peace, not division.
“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 upholds justice and harmony, urging Nigerians to focus on good governance and national unity instead of demonizing any faith tradition.
