Do you know that Muslims in Northern Nigeria (12 states) deliberately chose to be governed by Shari’a as part of their religious life?
Do you know that Shari’a Penal Codes in Nigeria were not imposed by force but were adopted by elected state assemblies in line with democratic and constitutional processes?
Do you know that Shari’a criminal law in Nigeria applies ONLY TO MUSLIMS?
Do you know that no non-Muslim can be legally tried under Shari’a Penal Code unless that person personally consents to it?
Do you know that a Christian, atheist, or traditional worshipper cannot be forced under Islamic criminal law in Nigeria?
Do you know that Muslims are not seeking the Shari'a to govern Christians, but are only insisting on being governed by what they believe?
So why are non-Muslims aggressively demanding the repeal of a law that does not legally bind them?
Do you even know that blasphemy is not a Shari’a-only concept?
Do you know that Nigeria’s federal criminal law also criminalizes religious insult and disruption of worship—only with lighter punishment?
Which means the argument is not about “law" but more about Islam.
Do you know why the punishment is heavier in Shari’a? Because Shari’a is religious law. And religion is not negotiated by foreign outrage or secular tastes.
Do you know that Muslims do not take law from Washington?
Do you know that Islam doesn’t update itself through U.S. press statements?
But now let us be absolutely clear on this. Do you know that Islam NEVER authorises lynching.
The barbaric killing of Deborah, for example, and similar acts were not Islamic justice.
They were murder. Under Shari’a law, such killing is classified as intentional homicide.
Those who took her life are not defenders of religion. They are criminals under Islam.
Islam demands due process, judicial authority, fair hearing, and evidence.
The highest Shari’a empowers any private citizen to do upon witnessing blasphemy is to report the matter to authorities.
Anyone who lynches in the name of Islam is violating Islam.
And those criminals have only succeeded in insulting the Prophet (PBUH) further, not defending him.
Do you also know what Islam itself teaches about tolerance?
Have you ever read Surah Al-Kāfirūn (Qur’an, Chapter 109)? Here it is:
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Say, O disbelievers,
I do not worship what you worship.
Nor you worship what I worship.
I will not worship what you worship.
Nor will you worship what I worship.
To you is your religion, and to me is mine.
That is Islam. No coercion. Respect. Tolerance. Freedom of belief.
Islam says practice your religion. It also says let others practice theirs.
Section 38 of Nigeria’s Constitution agrees. So does basic human dignity.
So tell me again:
Why do you want Muslims to abandon their faith? Why do you want to rewrite a religion you do not practice? Why does Islamic law disturb you in Muslim society?
When it does not bind you. When it does not govern you. When it does not judge you.
Do you know what this is really about? It is not blasphemy. It is not rights. It is not law.
It is about discomfort with Islam governing Muslims. And that is intolerance in religious clothing.
Before you cry “barbarism," ask yourself if it is barbaric for people to live by what they believe? Or is it only offensive when Muslims do?
— Muhammed Bello Buhari, LLB
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