Sharia Law Should Be Preferred Above All Others, Says Mohammed

FOR peace, growth and development of the human community, issues of justice must not be treated with levity, says Justice Saalih Muhammad of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Kwara State.Speaking, last week, during a seminar organised by the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre (AITC), Agege on man-made law and Sharia (Islamic law), Muhammad, argued that while there are common features in both laws, Sharia law is superior.Both systems are not at par. One is superior to the other. Certainly, Sharia is comprehensive, articulate, faultless and all encompassing. It is also attainable, cheaper, simpler and affordable without compromise to the ultimate, which is the attainment of justice in all its ramifications. The English Law cannot march this feat!These two systems share some come features while they differ substantially in others, especially as it affects the concept and focus; the ultimate purpose of the law.According to Muhammad, man-made legal system is very costly, as clients sometimes have to pay exorbitant costs to prosecute their cases.He said Islamic Law de-emphasises technicalities of any kind, and its focus is simply substantial justice.This explains why it goes straight into the facts of the matter and decides same within a reasonable time and at minimum cost. It is simpler, cheaper, quicker and straightforward system of rendering justice. It also takes pride in its balance poise and moderation. It takes middle course road in all matters and also avoids extremism. The service of a lawyer is less required in advocacy. Therefore, there is no cause for trading justice to make a living.Litigants can pursue their cases personally or be represented by relations, guardians or other persons who are close in interest due to the circumstances of, for instance, infancy, imbecility or insanity.He said that under Islamic Law, procedural irregularities could be pointed out by the judge for immediate correction in order not to delay or derail the course of justice.This is far from being the case under English law. Procedural irregularities may take a very long time before corrections are effected and before actual hearing of the cases can commence.The seminar was organised in honour of the founder of the institution, Sheikh Adam Abdullahi.
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