By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Coalition of Ulama and Islamic Organizations in Kano State has strongly rejected comments credited to an American Congressman who reportedly urged the Nigerian government to abolish Shariah laws and dismantle the Hisbah institution.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and titled LEAVE OUR SHARIAH ALONE!, the coalition described the remarks as unwarranted and provocative. It accused the lawmaker of portraying himself as a “savior” of Nigerian Christians while calling for actions the group said undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and peaceful coexistence.
According to the coalition, such calls amount to interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and pose a threat to the fragile harmony between Muslims and Christians across the country. The group stated that residents of Kano understand and appreciate the benefits of Shariah, both for Muslims and for non-Muslims living in the state.
The scholars recalled past incidents when religious tensions in other parts of the world led to reprisals in Kano, during which Christians were attacked and lives were lost. They noted that such incidents no longer occur and attributed the improvement to the implementation of Shariah, which they said some outsiders now seek to discredit by inviting foreign intervention.
The coalition further stated that peace in Kano resulted from deliberate efforts by religious leaders and institutions. It cited the role of the Hisbah Corps in protecting churches during periods of tension and joint media programmes that brought Christian and Muslim clerics together to promote peaceful coexistence. The group added that similar efforts remain in place despite what it described as a renewed push of a Christian genocide narrative.
The ulama stressed that they would continue to safeguard lives and property in Kano without discrimination. They said this commitment covers Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
In a series of resolutions, the coalition declared that Muslims in Kano and across Nigeria would not abandon their constitutional and God-given rights to implement Shariah among the Muslim population. It maintained that the Hisbah would continue to operate as an institution of Shariah enforcement, regardless of formal government recognition, while affirming respect for democratic processes.
The group also urged the American government to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and allow elected Nigerian leaders to manage domestic affairs. It called on the Federal and State Governments not to succumb to intimidation from any foreign country and to remain accountable to the citizens who elected them. The coalition pledged its support for efforts aimed at ending violence nationwide.
In addition, the scholars appealed to ulama and imams to observe alqunut, described as special prayers, seeking Allah’s intervention against enemies of Muslims and Nigeria. They said the prayers should hold daily for at least thirty days. The statement also urged Muslims to repent from wrongdoing, uphold Islamic teachings, and cooperate fully with the Hisbah and other Islamic institutions.
The coalition called on Nigerians to ignore threats from foreigners whom it said misunderstand Nigeria’s social and religious fabric. It encouraged citizens to continue living together peacefully and to resolve grievances through dialogue.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of faith in the sovereign authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It called on the government to instruct foreign powers to refrain from intimidation and to channel any assistance through duly constituted Nigerian authorities.