Recently there was a moment of madness at our National Assembly when a certain member proposed a bill requesting that Sharia Law be enshrined in our National Law. I commend the swift response of well meaning members who wasted no time to throw the bill through the window in a manner of saying NONSENSE to bad rubbish.
Sharia law, derived from Islamic principles, is not suitable as a national law in a multi-religious country with a significant Christian population. There are several reasons why, it should never be given a second hearing at our National Assembly.
Sharia Law will cause incompatibility with democratic values. It will contradict democratic principles, such as equality, justice, and human rights, which are fundamental to a multi-religious society.
Second, it will birth restrictions on religious freedom: Implementing Sharia law as a national law could limit the religious freedom of non-Muslim citizens, including Christians.
Third, Sharia Law is a potential instrument for human rights violations. If allowed , its application can lead to human rights concerns, such as harsh punishments, discrimination against women and minorities, and restrictions on free speech.
Four, there will be a gross lack of representation for non-Muslims In a Sharia-based legal system, that is, non-Muslim citizens will not have equal representation or protection under the law, and fifth, National cohesion and unity will be lacking in our nation. Implementing Sharia law as a national law could create divisions and tensions within the country, undermining national unity and cohesion.
In a multi-religious society, it’s essential to have laws that respect and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith. A secular legal system, which separates religion from the state, can provide a more inclusive and equitable framework for governance.
Therefore, agitators of sharia law who seek to impose it on non-Muslim populations, or as a national law in a multi- religious country should be considered religious bigots for the following reasons:
It is first and foremost, a total disregard for religious diversity. These agitators are out to flagrantly disregard the rights and beliefs of non-Muslim citizens, thereby demonstrating lack of tolerance and respect for religious diversity. Also, by pushing for Sharia Law, these individuals aim to impose their religious ideology on others, which can be seen as a form of coercion.
In addition, pushing for Sharia is a lack of empathy and understanding. Agitators of sharia law often fail to consider the perspectives and concerns of non-Muslim citizens, demonstrating lack of empathy, understanding, and Patriotism.By advocating for Sharia Law, these individuals can create divisions within the society, thereby pitting Muslims against non-Muslims and destroy the much needed social cohesion. It also undermines human rights and democratic values such as equality, justice, and freedom of speech.
It’s therefore essential to recognize that not all Muslims support this unpatriotic imposition of the so-called Sharia Law. I make bold to sound this note of warning to the National Assembly, that should that controversial bill resurface on the floor of the house, our nation will not survive the destructive consequences of possible disintegration.
Dr Charles Okhai
President, Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ).
