Aminu Danmaliki, the Danmalikin Bauchi and a prominent traditional leader in Bauchi State, has said that the practice of Sharia law in Northern Nigeria does not threaten Christians or Christianity. Speaking to journalists, the monarch stressed that those who see Sharia as dangerous to non-Muslims are either misinformed or ignorant of its true meaning and legal boundaries.
Danmaliki explained that Sharia law, which governs Muslims in matters of personal conduct, finance, and religious obligations, does not extend its authority over non-Muslims. “Sharia has no jurisdiction over individuals who are not Muslims,” he said, adding that the system is primarily a framework to guide the conduct of Muslim citizens in accordance with Islamic principles.
The traditional ruler expressed concern over recent attempts to portray Sharia law as a threat to religious freedom in Nigeria. He noted that a group of Christian activists recently tried to discredit Sharia law before a joint session of the United States Congress. According to Danmaliki, such attempts revive unfounded debates that are mostly driven by fear, misinformation, and political agendas rather than fact.
“Not too long ago, the same individuals went to the US Congress and falsely alleged that genocide was being carried out against Christians in Nigeria,” he said. “While they failed in that attempt to turn the world against Nigerian Muslims, they would also fail in this renewed crusade against Islam and Sharia law.”
The monarch highlighted that Sharia law is constitutionally protected and remains an integral part of governance in states where Muslims form a majority. He said it has been implemented peacefully for decades and has not interfered with the rights of Christians or other non-Muslims living in Northern Nigeria.
Sharia law was formally adopted in several Northern Nigerian states in 1999, including Bauchi, Kano, Zamfara, and Kaduna. The introduction of Sharia sparked debates nationwide, as some feared it might infringe on the rights of non-Muslims. Over the years, however, studies and reports have shown that Christians and other non-Muslims living in these states continue to practice their faith freely, and courts and governance systems maintain separate provisions for non-Muslims.
Sharia primarily regulates personal law for Muslims, including marriage, inheritance, finance, and moral conduct. It does not apply to non-Muslims, and there are constitutional guarantees to ensure freedom of religion across Nigeria.
Danmaliki warned that fear and misinformation about Sharia law often come from political or activist circles seeking to create division between Muslims and Christians. He stressed that these narratives not only misrepresent the legal system but also threaten national unity by exaggerating tensions that do not exist in practice.
He further explained that Sharia courts operate only for cases involving Muslims, and non-Muslims are free to seek civil or customary courts for dispute resolution. “Those claiming that Sharia law is a threat often lack understanding of its operations. Sharia does not encroach on the rights or freedoms of Christians,” the monarch said.
The recent attempt by Christian activists to raise concerns about Sharia law before a US Congressional session has, according to Danmaliki, fueled unnecessary international scrutiny. He argued that presenting Sharia law inaccurately to foreign audiences creates a misleading narrative about Nigeria, portraying Muslims as oppressors, when in reality, the legal system is limited to willing participants.
Danmaliki reassured both domestic and international audiences that Sharia law is applied with respect for the rights of all citizens. He called for accurate education and awareness campaigns to reduce misunderstandings surrounding Islamic law in Nigeria.
The monarch highlighted that Sharia law is constitutionally protected under Nigerian law. States have the legal right to implement it as long as it does not contravene the Constitution, especially regarding human rights and the freedoms of non-Muslims. In practice, this means that Christians and other religious minorities living in Sharia states continue to practice their faith without interference.
“Sharia law is part of governance that Muslims desire and constitutionally have the right to practice. It has coexisted peacefully with other religious practices for decades,” he said.
Danmaliki called for interfaith understanding and dialogue, noting that misinterpretation of Sharia law can cause unnecessary tension between communities. He emphasized that Muslims and Christians in Bauchi State have lived peacefully alongside one another, and that Sharia law has not disrupted this harmony.
The monarch appealed to Nigerians and international observers to engage with credible information and local realities rather than relying on fear-driven reports. “Those spreading misinformation about Sharia law are not helping Nigeria. They are only causing confusion and unnecessary anxiety,” he said.
