Sheriff-Aminu And His Death Sentence For Blasphemy: Do You Know These Facts? -By Muhammed-Bello Buhari

Do you know that Yahaya Aminu Sheriff is Muslim?

Do you know that there is an active Shari’ah Penal Code Law in Kano State which makes provisions for offences and punishments recognized In Islam?

Do you know that this law applies to Muslims only? And a non Muslim cannot be prosecuted under the law without his/her consent?

Do you know that Section 382 of this law prohibits blasphemy with a death penalty?

Do you know that Sheriff-Aminu was tried under this law because he is a Muslim?

Do you know that a non Muslim who commits blasphemy can only be tried under the general Penal Code law for breach of public peace or defamation etc

Do you know the position of the Supreme Court in Dan-Shalla v. The State (2007) 12 M.J.S.C at p.52 -53 Para. G – B, That:

“The trite position of the law under Sharia is that any sane and adult Muslim who insults, defames or utters words or acts which are capable of bringing into disrepute, odium, contempt, the person of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) such a person has committed a serious crime which is punishable by death. See Alkhurshi, commentary on Mukhtasar A-Khalil vol. 8 page 70, Hashiyatul Adawi vol 2 page 290.

“However, as observed by the Court below, Islamic law has not left the killing open in the hands of private individuals. The offence alleged has to be established through evidence before a court of law. The court itself will have to implore its professional dexterity in treating the case by allowing fair hearing and excluding all the inadmissible evidence or those persons who may fall within the general exemption clause such as infant, imbecile or those who suffer mental delusion. This, the killing is controlled and sanctioned by the authorities”.

Wait, do you know Chapter 109 of the Holy Qur’an – Surah “Al- Kafirun”(Unbelievers) ? Ok. Find it’s translation below:

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
[109:1] Say: “O unbelievers!”
[109:2] I do not worship those that you worship
[109:3] neither do you worship Him whom I worship;
[109:4] nor will I worship those whom you have worshipped;
[109:5] nor are you going to worship Him whom I worship.
[109:6] To you is your religion, and to me, my religion.

Respect. Tolerance. And Right to Freedom of Religion is what this chapter teaches. Practice your religion, and allow others to practice theirs. It’s a fact beyond dispute that all Muslims are comfortable with the position of the Shari’ah. What is your own to choose which provision for Muslims to adhere to. In fact Section 38 of the Constitution of the FRN🇳🇬 compliments the above quoted Chapter of the Holy Qur’an by providing the Right to Freedom of Religion. Also the provisions of Section 4 and 6 which gives States powers to make laws and establish Courts for themselves respectively.

Do you know all these?

Please! Kindly be guided from confusing sentiments with criticisms. Islam is a religion. And all Muslims are very comfortable with it’s laws.

You call yourself a learned person and you go around saying that the death penalty for blasphemy is illegal. A provision that is backed by the Ground norm of the land (constitution) and also by judicial precedent of the Apex Court. Ask yourself again, are you being objective or subjective?

Muhammed-Bello Buhari is a Human Rights and Youth Activist.
Contact: embbuhari@gmail.com