NASFAT Insists on Establishing Sharia Panel in Lagos, South West

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The Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) has announced plans to establish an arbitration centre focused on the application of Sharia law to resolve disputes between parties in the South West.

Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulRauf, the President of NASFAT Worldwide, made this statement during a press conference in Lagos to kick off the organisation’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

AbdulRauf explained that NASFAT is aware of Nigeria’s multi-religious landscape and is adopting an approach that aims to benefit people of all faiths.

“NASFAT is in the process of creating an arbitration centre. We do not intend to call it NASFAT directly. It will simply be an arbitration centre — open to both Muslims and non-Muslims for dialogue on various matters, during which we will apply Sharia law. This must be done in an adaptive manner,” he said.

He further explained that some members of the Muslim community may not fully embrace the adaptive approach that NASFAT is adopting.

“Tolerance will only be achieved when people understand the law,” AbdulRauf added, using the example of the hijab, which some female members have chosen to wear voluntarily after gaining deeper knowledge of Islam.

“NASFAT selects the issues it advocates for based on a solid understanding of Islam and the Sunnah,” he continued.

AbdulRauf also encouraged journalists to verify information directly with the association and take advantage of full scholarship opportunities to study Islamic studies.

NASFAT’s Chief Missioner, Imam Abdul-Azeez Onike, assured that the proposed arbitration committee would implement Sharia principles in a way that does not infringe upon state laws or the rights of individuals of other faiths.

“Sharia is peace. Sharia is blessing. Sharia is mercy. Sharia is goodwill. There are countless ways to promote good policies without violating the laws of the land,” he said.

Imam Onike also revealed that NASFAT plans to introduce a certification programme for individuals who wish to become arbitrators, as well as establish arbitration committees.

He emphasised that Nigeria is a multi-religious country, not a secular one.

“Secular means Godless. Are we Godless? No, we are a multi-religious nation. We spread the message of Islam without imposing it on anyone,” he stated.