‘Muslims in south-west Nigeria require Shariah law in family, commercial matters’

Hamzat cautions on hazards of AI

The Qadi of the Kwara State Shariah court, Justice Abdur-Raheem Ahmad Sayi, has called on Southwest Nigeria to adopt Shariah law in family and commercial matters.Justice Sayi made this call during the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA)’s 30th Pre-Ramadan lecture, themed “Transformative Power of Ramadan.”

According to Justice Sayi, the current legal framework in Southwest Nigeria excludes Muslims from accessing justice in critical aspects of life, particularly in family and commercial matters.

“The most important and critical aspect of private law is family law, which deserves legal protection,” Justice Sayi said. “It is imperative that the governments of Southwest Nigeria adopt Shariah law in family and commercial matters to ensure justice and fairness for all citizens.”

Also, speaking on “Islam as the Intersection of Humanity and Religion,” Prof Moshood Baderin argued that Islam is often misunderstood as being only about spirituality, but it is in fact, a complete way of life that balances faith and humanity.

“Islam does not require us to live a bipolar life,” Prof Baderin said. “If you follow the injunctions of the religion, worshipping Allah sincerely, you don’t need to live any other way to be able to serve humanity.”

Prof Baderin emphasized that the five pillars of Islam are not just spiritual acts, but also have a horizontal impact on how Muslims interact with humanity.

“The Shahada, for example, is not just a declaration of faith, but also a commitment to serve humanity,” Prof Baderin said. “The same goes for prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.”

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat also delivered a keynote address, where he emphasized the importance of Ramadan in transforming individuals and society.

Dr. Hamzat specifically commended the UNILAG Muslim Alumni (UMA) for sustaining the lpre-Ramadan lecture in the last three decades, urging Muslims to be wary of hazards posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) while exploring the new technology.

The Lagos deputy governor said one of the core parts of Ramadan is charity, which is known as zakat or sadaqah. “During this holy month, Muslims are encouraged to increase their acts of giving and extend kindness and support to those in need. From providing food to the hungry to offering shelter to the homeless, Ramadan’s giving encompasses a wide array of charitable efforts aimed at uplifting the less fortunate.

“In the holy month of Ramadan, thousands of Muslims around the globe engage in fasting. Sure, the fasting is challenging – going without food and drink from dawn to dusk is no easy feat. But to Muslims, Ramadan is about so much more than just abstaining. It’s a time to purify the soul, practice self-discipline, and most importantly, extend a hand to those in need.

“Ramadan beholds the spirit of giving and charity. Charity during Ramadan, known as ‘Zakat’, emphasizes the importance of helping others. By showing kindness and generosity during this special month, we can make a positive difference in the world. Let’s remember the true spirit of Ramadan and spread love and compassion to all.”

Speaking on the future threat by AI, Hamzat lamented that science no doubt has taken over the entire human lives urging the Muslim Ummah to be conscious and be deliberate in protecting their children from being controlled by the influence of Artificial Intelligence. He also lamented the growing and worrisome attitude of men who now abandoned homes for women to battle with the challenges of raising the children.

Also speaking as chief host, Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who was represented by Prof Bolanle Oboh, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics & Research, commended the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, UMA for sustaining the unique tradition in the last 30 years.

She said that this year’s Ramadan fast is unique as it starts almost at the same time with the Christian Lent season. In his welcome address, the President of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, Abdulmumin Alao, said the theme of the Lecture was unique as it highlights the immense benefits embedded in the Holy month so the faithful can prepare to exploit them in full.

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, the 9th month of Islamic calendar and prescribed by Allah for the Muslims to fast between 29 to 30 days.

“This annual pre-Ramadan lecture is just one of our numerous programmes at the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni. But the only other programme that I would like to highlight in this address is our scholarship programme under which we support indigent Muslim post-graduate student to pursue careers in the academia. As an association of intellectual, UMA decided to focus on this specific area of need when we noticed the huge shortage of Muslim manpower in the sector.” He said

And in what appeared like responding positively to Dr. Alao’s plead, the scholarship scheme raked in fabulous contributions from the guests that included Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Deputy Governor of Ogun State Engr Naimot Salako Oyedele, Senator Abdulaziz Yari among many others.

Another highlight was award presentation, where notable Islamic scholars and leaders were honoured for their contributions to the development of Islam in Nigeria. Awardees included Sheik Jubril Ramadan, Sheik Abdurrahman Ahmad, and Prof Moshood A. Baderin, among others.