A recently released report warns that the rapid spread of Sharia-or Islamic law-in Nigeria could provoke further inter-religious conflict.
A recently released report warns that the rapid spread of Sharia—or Islamic law—in Nigeria could provoke further inter-religious conflict. Over the past two years thousands of people have been killed in violence prompted by the adoption of Sharia in 12 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
“The Talibanizationn of Nigeria: Sharia Law and Religious Freedom” is a 101-page report compiled by Freedom House, an international human rights organization. It notes that while Sharia has always existed in Nigeria’s civil law, some Nigerian states are expanding Sharia jurisdiction to criminal law matters in ways that violate the country’s constitution and international human rights standards. Christians in some states fear that the Sharia-based laws will be applied to them, and will produce an atmosphere of discrimination and “second class” status, creating the potential for violence. The report concludes that if left unchecked, the rapid spread of extreme Sharia could push Nigeria into civil war.
“The majority of Muslims are moderate people of faith who promote peace,” says Karim Bromund, director of inter-religious affairs for the Islamic Supreme Council of America. “While the Sharia is based on the Qur’an and prophet Mohammad’s teachings, extremists’ interpretation has led to confusion, and in some cases conflict.”
Jerald Whitehouse, director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Muslim Relations Center in California, says Adventists can play an important part in promoting principles of tolerance and religious freedom by building friendship with people of different religions. He says the Muslim Relations Center runs seminars for educating people about Islam.
“The Adventist lifestyle—forbidding unclean meats, alcohol and tobacco as harmful to our body—provides us unique opportunities for relating with Muslims,” says Whitehouse. “We also encourage local churches to participate with local mosques in joint seminars and in community projects that enhance the quality of life and values in the community. It’s helpful to understand that most Muslims share the same concerns for family, morality, and values, and we can work together to preserve these.”
Bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon, Nigeria’s more than 126 million citizens are made up of 50 percent Muslims, 40 percent Christians, and 10 percent followers of indigenous beliefs. The Adventist Church has approximately 150,000 members in Nigeria worshiping in more than 1,000 congregations.