By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
An Islamic cleric, Dr. Abdulateef Abdulhakeem, has condemned the pardon and reintegration of convicted criminals into society, describing the practice as inconsistent with Islamic principles.
Abdulhakeem spoke on Saturday while delivering a lecture at the 20th anniversary of the Osun State Independent Shari’ah Panel in Osogbo.
He argued that the implementation of Shari’ah promotes justice and accountability, adding that some state governments have been reluctant to establish Shari’ah courts because doing so would limit certain discretionary powers exercised by political office holders.
According to him, Shari’ah does not support the release or reintegration of convicted criminals on the basis of political influence or executive discretion.
“Shari’ah is meant to establish justice. Islam does not support what I describe as a ‘prerogative of injustice,’ whereby a killer is released because of closeness to those in authority.
“Nigerians do not want Shari’ah because it does not support mercy for criminals or their reintegration into society,” he said.
The cleric urged governments at all levels to uphold the provisions of the Constitution and allow Muslims to enjoy their constitutional right to Shari’ah courts under Section 275.
“In Islam, we are not asking for anything beyond what the Constitution already provides. Section 275 makes provision for Shari’ah courts, and any state that desires one should establish it. Even if there is only one Muslim in a state, that person’s rights, including freedom of religion, association and personal liberty, must be protected through the establishment of the appropriate institution,” he said.
Abdulhakeem maintained that the primary role of Shari’ah courts is to regulate the conduct of Muslims and ensure adherence to Islamic principles.
“If there is a Shari’ah court, it will regulate the excesses of Muslims. Government can empower it to address criminal tendencies among those who profess the Islamic faith because no religion permits the unlawful killing of others.
“In the name of Islam, you cannot kill or engage in terrorism because such acts are prohibited by the Qur’an.
“These forms of inhumanity continue partly because the government has not formally established institutions to regulate members of the faith in line with constitutional provisions.
“The Shari’ah court is meant to check the excesses of Muslims. It is not compulsory for Christians. The conventional courts remain available to everyone, while the Shari’ah court serves Muslims in matters within its jurisdiction,” he added.
Earlier, the President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi, commended individuals who have contributed to the growth and activities of the Osun State Independent Shari’ah Panel since its establishment.
