THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL ROLE OF FATWĀ IN NIGERIA WITH MALAYSIA AS A MODEL

BY

MAGAJI CHIROMA

A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Laws

Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws International Islamic University Malaysia

MARCH 2015

ii

ABSTRACT

Researches have shown that fatwā has important role to play in the contemporary society, more especially in countries with large number of Muslims, which include Nigeria and Malaysia. However, previous empirical studies revealed that only little research was carried out on fatwā particularly in terms of its inter-relationship with the practical life situation. While previous studies have focused largely on the classical value of fatwā and its different manifestations in the modern Muslim societies, this research seeks to understand the utilitarian value of fatwā in its interaction with the modern dispensation. Thus, this research attempts to fill a relative gap in the scholarship on fatwā and its relevance to Nigeria using Malaysia as a model. Generally, most people understand the concept of fatwā from the traditional perspective as the personal and non-binding legal verdict of Muslim scholars. However, this is a clear misconception about the understanding of the technical meaning and utilitarian value of fatwā as well as its role in the contemporary society. This study therefore examines the assumptions that underlie the interactions between the fatwā concept and its institutionalisation on one hand; and its relationship with some selected institutions on the other hand. In gathering the research data, doctrinal and non-doctrinal methodologies were used in accordance with the design herein set out in this research. Consequently, this research finds that fatwā can be utilised as an instrument for social and ideological change, as well as a catalyst for the socio-economic and political developments. In the end, the study reveals the relevance of the Malaysian fatwā model to Nigeria. Thus, the study suggests the institutionalisation of fatwā in Nigeria, which if successfully executed, could go far in tackling the religious controversies and extremism in the country.

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خلاصة البحث

ABSTRACT IN ARABIC

، وخصوصا في البلدان ذات في المجتمعات المعاصرةدورا هاما لفتوى أن ل قد أظهرت الأبحاث ومع ذلك، فقد كشفت الدراسات التجريبية . المسلمين مثل نيجيريا وماليزياالعدد الكبير من

السابقة أنه لم تجر حول الفتوى إلا نزر يسير من مثل هذه البحوث، خصوصا من حيث في حين ركزت الدراسات السابقة إلي حد كبير على القيمة . علاقته بالواقع العملي للحياة

لفة في المجتمعات الإسلامية الحديثة، فإن هذا البحث يحاول التقليدية للفتوى ومظاهره المختولذا يحاول البحث ملئ الفجوة . فهم القيمة الوظيفية للفتوى وتفاعلها مع الزمن المعاصر

و عموما، فإن معظم . النسبية في دراسة الفتوى فيما يتعلق بنيجيريا ويتخذ ماليزيا نموذجاي كحكم قانوني شخصي غير ملزم يصدر من علماء الناس يفهمون الفتوى من منظور تقليد

ولكن هذا يمثل سوء فهم واضح للمفهوم التقني للفتوى وقيمتها الوظيفية ودورها . المسلمينولهذا، فان هذا البحث يقوم بدراسة الإفتراضات التي تكمن وراء . في المجتمع المعاصر

ه من جهة، وعلاقته مع بعض التفاعلات بين مفهوم الفتوى واضفاء الطابع المؤسسي عليوفي جمع معلومات البحث، فقد تم استخدام المنهج . المؤسسات المختارة من جهة أخرى

فقد توصل البحث إلى أن الفتوى ،وبالتالي. النظري والميداني حسب الخطط المتبعة في البحثصادية يمكن توظيفها كأداة للتغيير الاجتماعي والفكري، وكذلك كمحفز للتنمية الإقت

وفي النهاية، فقد كشفت الدراسة مدى ملاءمة نموذج الفتوى الماليزي . الإجتماعية والسياسيةولذا، تقترح اضفاء الطابع المؤسسي على الفتوى في نيجيريا والذي إذا تم تنفيذه . لنيجيريا

.بنجاح، يمكن أن يساعد في معالجة الخلافات الدينية والتطرف في البلاد

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APPROVAL PAGE

The Thesis of Magaji Chiroma has been approved by the following:

______________________________ Mahamad Bin Arifin

Main Supervisor

______________________________ Abdul Haseeb Ansari

Co-Supervisor 1

______________________________ Mohamad Asmadi Abdullah

Co-Supervisor 2

______________________________ Ramizah Wan Muhammad

Internal Examiner

______________________________ Sani Idris

External Examiner

______________________________ Ruzman Md. NoorExternal Examiner

______________________________ Khalid A.S Al-Khateeb

Chairperson

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DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the thesis is the result of my own investigations, except where

otherwise stated. I also declare that it has not been previously or currently submitted

as a whole for any other degree at IIUM or other institutions.

Magaji Chiroma

Signature……………………… Date……………………

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COPYRIGHT PAGE

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

DECLARATION OF COPYRIGHT AND AFFIRMATION

OF FAIR USE OF UNPUBLISHED RESEARCH

Copyright 2015 by Magaji Chiroma. All rights reserved.

THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL ROLE OF FATWĀ IN NIGERIA

WITH MALAYSIA AS A MODEL

No part of this unpublished research may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder except as provided below:

1. Any material contained in or derived from this unpublished research may only be used by others in their writing with due acknowledgement.

2. IIUM or its library will have the right to make and transmit copies (print or electronic) for institutional and academic purposes.

3. The IIUM library will have the right to make, store in a retrieval system and

supply copies of this unpublished research if requested by other universities and research libraries.

Affirmed by Magaji Chiroma ………………………………… ………………………… Signature Date

DEDICATION

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This work is dedicated:

to my beloved late father, Alhaji Hayatu Ahmadu [Chiroma Mubi]; to my caring

mothers (Hajiya Asma’, Hajiya Hafsat, Hajiya Maryam and Salamatu); to my loving

wife (Jamila); to my daughters (Hafsat & Asma’); to my brothers and sisters; and to

the entire Chiroma family

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

All Praise and Glory be to Allah (s.w.t.) the Most Gracious and Merciful. It is out of His mercy, wisdom and blessings we have been able to attain this success. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His chosen Prophet, Muhammad (s.a.w.), members of his family, his companions and their followers.

My profound gratitude goes to my supervisor, Associate Professor (Dr) Mahamad Bin Arifin who despite his tight schedules attended to me and immensely contributed with his useful suggestions to the success of this work, may Allah (s.w.t.) reward him abundantly. My gratitude equally goes to my co-supervisors, Professor (Dr) Abdul Haseeb Ansari and Assistant Professor (Dr) Mohamad Asmadi Abdullah, who despite their busy schedules immensely assisted me in attaining this great success. Similarly, I remain grateful to both the Dean, Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of laws, Professor (Dr) Hunud Abia Kadouf and Dr Umar A. Oseni, for their kind advice and support. Jazākum-Allah khairan.

My special thanks go to my brother, Professor (Dr) Isa Hayatu Chiroma, Deputy Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Yola Campus, who has been always playing a fatherly role to me, especially towards moulding my career and academic pursuit. May Allah (s.w.t) reward him with Al-Jannah Firdausi. In fact, I remain indebted to him.

My appreciation also goes to my senior colleagues especially Dr. Yusuf Mohammed Yusuf, Dr. Umar Sulieman Abbo-Jimeta, Dr. Bagoni A. Bukar, Dr. Sule Tagi, Dr Laminu Bukar, Dr. Maryam Ishaku Gwangdi, Dr, A. S. Hassan and Prof. Bulama Kagu for their guidance and support. I also wish to thank my friends, especially Mahmud Liman (Mahe), Salihu Atiku, Abubakar Imam, Abba Kaka (Kyari), Idris Buba, Baba Usman, Ibrahim Nasidi, Musa Wunti and Salisu Aminu (Layu) for their company and support.

My special thanks go to my beloved family, especially Hajiya Nana Hafsat Chiroma, Hajiya Maryam Chiroma (Dadawuro), Hajiya Asma’ Chiroma (Nenne) and Salamatu Chiroma (Disi) for their regular prayers, parental support and encouragement toward my academic pursuit and success. May Allah (s.w.t.) reward them with Al-Jannah Firdausi. My gratitude also goes to Hajiya Zarah Jajere and Hajiya Uwani Sani for their concern and support. Bārak- Allāh Lakum.

I am indebted to my wife Jamila whose love and understanding has immensely calmed and assisted me through out my academic pursuit and success. May Allah (s.w.t.) bless her and ease her way. I am also indebted to my brothers and sisters, especially Yaya, Modi, Sani, Ibrahim, Ayya, Amina, Adda and Habiba for their concern.

My thanks equally go to my associates, especially Abdul Aziz Umaru, Abdulrashid, Alhaji Umar, Garba Kwagyang, Magashi, Suleiman Santuraki, T. M. Buba, Karumi, Imam Tamim, Sodiq Omoola, Babayo, Audu (Datas), Audu Mohd,

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Ibrahim Fofana, Abdussalam KT and Sr. Barakat Raji for their support and encouragement. Finally, I thank all my relatives, friends and well-wishers whose names have not been specifically mentioned here in this acknowledgement. May Allah bless you all and reward you abundantly.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract .................................................................................................................... ii Abstract in Arabic .................................................................................................... iii Approval Page .......................................................................................................... iv Declaration ............................................................................................................... v Copyright Page ......................................................................................................... vi Dedication ................................................................................................................ vi Acknowledgements .................................................................................................. viii List of Figures .......................................................................................................... xiii List of Statutes ......................................................................................................... xiv List of Abbreviations ............................................................................................... xvii List of Symbols ........................................................................................................ xix Table of Translitration ............................................................................................. xx CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION ............................................. 1

1.1 Background of the Research ................................................................... 1 1.2 Research Questions ................................................................................. 2 1.3 Objectives of the Research ..................................................................... 3 1.4 Hypothesis .............................................................................................. 3 1.5 Methodology ........................................................................................... 4 1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Research .................................................. 6 1.7 Literature Review ................................................................................... 8 1.8 The Multidimensional Role of Fatwā in the Contemporary Society ..... 23

CHAPTER TWO: THE CONCEPT OF FATWĀ IN ISLAMIC LAW

AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH SOME SELECTED INSTITUTIONS .... 34 2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................ 34 2.2 Meaning and Historical Development of Fatwā in Islamic Law ........... 36

2.2.1 Meaning of Fatwā ........................................................................ 36 2.2.2 Historical Development of Fatwā ................................................ 41

2.3 Fatwā and Some Related Islamic Terms ................................................ 52 2.3.1 Fatwā and Ijtihād ......................................................................... 53 2.3.2 Fatwā and Ijmā ............................................................................. 56 2.3.3 Fatwā and Qiyās ........................................................................... 58 2.3.4 Fatwā and Masālih al- Mursalah (Istislāh) ................................. 59 2.3.5 Fatwā and Istihsān ....................................................................... 60

2.4 Classification and Legal Implication of Fatwā in Islamic Law ............. 61 2.4.1 Classification of Fatwā ................................................................. 61 2.4.2 Legal Implication of Fatwā in Islamic Law ................................. 69

2.5 Qualification and the Role of Muftī in Islamic Law ............................... 74 2.5.1 Qualification of Muftī in Islamic Law .......................................... 74 2.5.2 Role of Muftī in Islamic Law ........................................................ 78

2.6 Fatwā And Some Selected Institutions .................................................. 81 2.6.1 Fatwā and the Courts/Qadā ......................................................... 81 2.6.2 Fatwā and the Political Institutions .............................................. 86

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2.6.3 Fatwā and the Financial Institutions ............................................ 90 2.7 Conclusion .............................................................................................. 94

CHAPTER THREE: THE ROLE OF FATWĀ IN SOME SELECTED

INSTITUTIONS IN MALAYSIA ........................................................................ 96 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................ 96 3.2 Nature and Origin of Fatwā in Malaysia ................................................ 98 3.3 Role and Management of Fatwā in Malaysia ........................................ 114 3.4 Legal Implication of Fatwā in Malaysia ................................................ 127 3.5 Fatwā and the Courts in Malaysia .......................................................... 138

3.5.1 Courts/Judicial System in Malaysia ............................................. 141 3.5.1.1 Structure of the Courts in Malaysia ................................. 141 3.5.1.2 Hierarchy of the Courts in Malaysia ................................ 143 3.5.1.3 Jurisdiction of the Courts in Malaysia ............................. 145 3.5.1.4 Judges/Officers of the Courts in Malaysia ....................... 152

3.6 Fatwā and the Political Institutions in Malaysia .................................... 154 3.7 Fatwā and the Islamic Financial Institutions in Malaysia ...................... 161 3.8 Conclusion .............................................................................................. 172

CHAPTER FOUR: THE ROLE OF FATWĀ IN SOME SELECTED

INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA ............................................................................. 174 4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................ 174 4.2 Nature and Origin of Fatwā in Nigeria .................................................. 175

4.2.1 Period Prior to the Fulani Jihād.................................................... 181 4.2.2 The Period of the Jihād (Period before the Colonial Era) ............ 182 4.2.3 The Period of Colonial Administration ........................................ 183 4.2.4 The Post -Colonial Era ................................................................. 186

4.3 Role And Management of Fatwā in Nigeria .......................................... 188 4.4 Legal Implication of Fatwā in Nigeria ................................................... 190 4.5 Fatwā and the Courts in Nigeria ............................................................ 194

4.5.1 Courts/Judicial System in Nigeria ................................................ 194 4.5.1.1 Structure of the Courts in Nigeria .................................... 194 4.5.1.2 Hierarchy of the Courts in Nigeria .................................. 195 4.5.1.3 Jurisdiction of the Courts in Nigeria ................................ 196 4.5.1.4 Judges/Officers of the Courts in Nigeria ......................... 199

4.5.2 The Antecedents of the Relationship between Fatwā and the Courts in Nigeria .......................................................................... 203

4.6 Fatwā and the Political Institutions in Nigeria ....................................... 209 4.7 Fatwā and the Financial Institutions in Nigeria ..................................... 218 4.8 Conclusion .............................................................................................. 225

CHAPTER FIVE: RELEVANCE OF THE MALAYSIAN FATWĀ

FRAMEWORK AND INSTITUTIONS TO NIGERIA ..................................... 227 5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................ 227 5.2 Relevance of the Malaysian Fatwā Framework to Nigeria .................... 228 5.3 Relevance of the Malaysian Fatwā Institutions to Nigeria .................... 237 5.4 Relevance of Fatwā to the Nigerian Courts ........................................... 246 5.5 Relevance of Fatwā to the Nigerian Political Institutions ..................... 250 5.6 Relevance of Fatwā to the Nigerian Financial Institutions .................... 259

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5.7 Conclusion .............................................................................................. 264

CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS ................................. 266 6.1 Conclusion .............................................................................................. 266 6.2 Observations ........................................................................................... 271 6.3 Suggestions ............................................................................................. 274

6.3.1 General Suggestion: ...................................................................... 274 6.3.2 Special Suggestion:....................................................................... 277

6.4 Implication for Further Research ............................................................ 277 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................. 279

APPENDIX A A PROPOSED ADMINISTRATION OF FATWĀ

ENACTMENT FOR THE FCT AND THE NIGERIAN STATES .................................................................................... 295

APPENDIX B LIST OF THE CONFERENCE PAPERS PRESENTED BY “THE RESEARCHER” IN THE COURSE OF THE STUDY ...................................................................................... 311

APPENDIX C SAMPLE OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR

SCHOLARS, MUFTĪS, QĀDIS, JUDGES AND RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS ............................................. 314

APPENDIX D ARABIC VERSION OF A PREAMBLE WRITTEN BY THE MUFTĪ OF THE NIGERIA SUPREME COUNCIL FOR ISLAMIC AFFAIRS IN RESPONSE TO THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ..................................................... 316

APPENDIX E RE: MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED TO THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY INTO THE BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY IN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA ..................... 324

GLOSSARY ................................................................................................... 329

xiii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Page No.

‎3.1 The hierarchy of the Malaysian civil and Shari‘ah courts: 144

‎4.1 A Map of Nigeria showing the Shari‘ah Compliant States 187

‎4.2 The hierarchy of the Nigerian courts: 196

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LIST OF STATUTES

Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 505, 1993 Administration of Islamic Law Enactment 1992 (Sabah) Administration of of the Religion of Islam (State of Malacca) Enactment, 2002 Administration of of the Religion of Islam (State of Perak [Silver]) Enactment, 2004 Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) Enactment, 2003 Arbitration and Conciliation Act, CAP A18, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 Area Court Law, 1968 Central Bank of Nigeria Decree No. 24 of 1991 Act, CAP C 4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria LFN (2004) Civil Law Act 1956 Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), Decree No. 1 (1990) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), CAP C 20, 2004 Federal Constitution of Malaysia, 1988 (as amended) Guardianship of Infants Act 1961 High Court Rules 1980 Inheritance (Family Provisions) Act, 1971 Investments and Securities Act (ISA), Decree No. 45 (1990) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), CAP I 24, 2004 Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Act, 1984 Islamic Financial Service Act (IFSA), 2013 Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act, 1976 Legal Practitioners Act (LPA), 1976 Nigerian Constitution, 1999 (as amended) Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation Act, CAP 301, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (1990), Act CAP N102 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, (2004) Probate and Administration Act, 1959 Sabah Native Courts Enactment, 1992 Sarawak Native Courts Ordinance, 1992 Shariah Court of Appeal Civil Procedure Rules of the FCT Small Estate (Distribution) Act, 1955 Shariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 599, 1997 Shariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment, 1995 Will Act 1959

xv

LIST OF CASES

A.S. Krishna v State of Madras [AIR 1957 SC 297] Abdul-Salami v Salawu (2002) 6 S.C. (Pt. II) 196 Adesubokun v yinusa Rasaki (1971) NNLR 77 Ah Thian v Government of Malaysia (1976) 2 MLJ 112 at 113

Ainian v Syed abubakar (1939) MLJ 209 Alkamawa v Bello (1998) NWLR (pt 561) P.173 at 174 or (1998) 65 SCNJ 27 Amina Lawal Bakori v The State, Case No KTS/SCA/FT/86/2002 Chang Ah Mee v Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam, Majlis Ugama Islam Sabah &

others (2003) 5 MJL 106

G Rethianasamy v Islamic Religious Council, Islam, Pulau Pinang and Anor (1993) 2 MLJ 166 at177 Halimatussadiah v Public Service Commisssion Malaysia & Anor (1994) 3 MLJ 61, SC Halimatussadiah v Public Service Commisssion Malaysia & Anor (1992) 1 MLJ 513, HC Jalo Guri v Hadejia Native Authority (1959) 4 F.S.C. 44 Kartar Singh v State of Punjab [(1994) 3 SCC 569] Latifah bte Mat Zin v Rosmawati bte Sharibun & Anor (2007) 5 MLJ 101, (Federal Court), 114 Lewis v Bankole (1908) 1 NLR 81 at 100 Lim Chan Seng v Director of Islamic Religious Department Pulau Pinang & Anor

[1996] 3 CLJ 231

Lina Joy v Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan dan Lain-lain (2007) 4 MLJ 585 at 616 M. Abba v Mary Baikie (unreported appeal from Kano suit No. K/20A/1943 Magaji v Matari (2000) 5 S.C.N.J. 140 Maina Gambo v Hajja Kyariran (unreported case: Suit No. JD/39A/1962 of the High Court of Northern Nigeria) Majlis Ugama Islam Pulau Pinang Dan Seberang Perai lwn Shaik Zolkaffily Bin

Shaik Natar & Ors (2003) 3 MLJ 705 at 719 Mamat bin Dawud & Ors. v Government of Malaysia (1988) 1 MLJ 119 Mariyama v Sadiku Ejo (1961) N.R.N.L.R. 81 Myriam v Mohamed Ariff (1971) MLJ 265 Ong Cheng Neo v Yap Kwang Seng (1897) 1 SSLR Re Dato’ Bentara Luar (deed) Haji Yahya bin Yusof & anor (1982) 2 MLJ 264 Datuk

Yap Peng v Public Prosecutor (1987) 2 MLJ 311 Safiya Husseini Tungar tudu v The State, Case No. USC/GW/CR/TR/010/001 Saliu Ayoola and Anor v Muritala Folawiyo (1942) 8 WACA 39

Shamala a/p Sathiyaseelan v Dr. Jeyaganesh a/l C Mogarajah (also known as

Muhammad Ridzwan bin Mogarajah) & Anor [2011] 2 MLJ 281 Federal Court Shamala Sathiyaseelan v Dr. Jeyaganesh C Mogarajah & Anor [2004] 2 MLJ 648 High Court Subashini Rajasingam v Saravanan Thangathoray & Other Appeals (2008) 2 CLJ 1 or (2008) 2 MLJ 147

xvi

Tengku Mariam binte Tengku Sri Wa Raja & anor v. Commissioner for Religious

Affairs Trengganu & Ors (1969) 1 MLJ 110 Tsofo Gubba v Gwandu Native Authority (1947) 12 W.A.C.A. 14 Yong Fuat Meng v Chin Yoon Kew [2008] 5 MLJ 226 Yunusa Rasaki v T.T. Adesubokan (1968) N.N.L.R. 97

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

AAQIFI Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institution ABU Ahmadu Bello University AD Anno Domini

AH After Hijrah AIP Application in Principle BAFIA Banking and Financial Institution Act BNM Bank Negara Malaysia

BOFIA Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act BOFID Bank and Other Financial Institutions Decree BUK Bayero University Kano CA Court of Appeal CAC Corporate Affairs Commisssion CAMA Companies and Allied Matters Act CBA Central Bank Act CBN Central Bank of Nigeria CJN: Chief Justice of Nigeria CLJ Current Law Journal CON Commander of the Order of Niger DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid etc Etcetera; or and so on and so forth FCT Federal Capital Territory FRACE Financial Regulation Advisory Council of Experts GCC Gulf Cooperation Council GPEC Global Polio Eradication Campaign HC High Court ie That is IBA Islamic Banking Act IDS Institute of Developmental Studies IDSS Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies

IFIs Islamic Financial Institutions IFSA Islamic Financial Service Act IFSB Islamic Financial Service Board IFSI Islamic Financial Services Industry IIIBF International Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance IILM International Islamic Liquidity Management IIUM International Islamic University Malaysia IKIM Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (Institute of Islamic Understanding

Malaysia) INCEIF International Centre for Education and Islamic Finance INFAD Institut Pengurusan dan Penyelidican Fatwā Se Dunia (World Fatwa

Management and Research Centre) ISA Investment and Securities Act JAIS Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor JAKIM Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia

JIBWIS Jamā‘atu Izālatul Bid’a wa Iqamatis-Sunnah

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JKSM Jabatan Kehakiman Syaria Malaysia JNI Jama‘atu Nasrul Islam

KM Kilometres LFN Laws of the Federation of Nigeria MAIS Majlis Agama Islam Selangor MIFC Malaysian International Financial Centre MKI Majlis Kebangsān Hal Ehwāl Ugama Islam (National Council for

Islamic Affairs of Malaysia) MLJ Malaysian Law Journal NGOs Non-Governmental Organisations NJC National Judicial Council NNLR Northern Nigerian Law Reports NRD National Registration Department NRNLR Northern Region of Nigerian Law Reports NSCIA Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs NWLR Nigerian Weekly Law Reports OIC Organisation of Islamic Cooperation OPV Oral Polio Vaccines RA Radi- Allāh ʿAnhu SAC Shari‘ah Advisory Council SAW Sal-Allāhu Alaihi Wasallam SC Supreme Court; or Shari‘ah Committee; or Securities Commission [as

the case may be] SCA Shari‘ah Court of Appeal; or Securities Commission Act [as the case

may be] SCNJ Supreme Court of Nigerian Judgements SEC Securities and Exchange Commission SIS Sisters in Islam SOAS School of Oriental and African Studies SWT Subhānahu wa Taʿala

UDUS Usmanu Dan-Fodio University Sokoto UIAM Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (International Islamic

University Malaysia) UMNO United Malay National Organisation US United States of America USIM Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (Islamic Science University of

Malaysia) WACA West African Court of Appeal

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LIST OF SYMBOLS

$ U.S. Dollars MYR Malaysian Ringgit N Nigerian Naira

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TABLE OF TRANSLITRATION

ARABIC TRASLITERATION

Transliteration = Alphabets Transliteration = Alphabets

a = ا

b = ب

t = ت

th = ث

j = ج

Í = ح

kh = خ

d = د

dh = ذ

r = ر

z = ز

s = س

sh = ش

Î = ص

Ì = ض

Ï = ط

Ð ظ =

ع = ‘

gh = غ

f = ف

q = ق

k = ك

l = ل

m = م

n = ن

h = ه

w = و

y = ي

Vowels

Short Vowels Long Vowels Diphthongs = a ا = ā ى = ā

= u و = ū ۆ = aw

= i ى = ī ێ = ay

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BAHASA MELAYU (MALAY LANGUAGE) TRANSLITERATION

Alphabets Transliteration Pronunciation

A [a] as in bag B [b] as in ball C [ʨ] as in child D [d] as in dam E [ɛ] as in elephant F [f] as in food G [ɡ] as in good H [h] as in hall I [i] ‘ee’ as in meat J [ʥ] as in joke K [k] as in kilometre L [l] as in law M [m] as in male N [n] as in nose O [o] as in oxygen P [p] as in pond Q [q] as in Al-qur’an R [r] as in rain S [s] as in snow T [t] as in town U [u] 'oo' as in mood V [f] ‘f’ as in free W [w] as in window X [ks] as in Tax Y [j] as in year Z [z] as in Zoo Ng Eng as in hanging Ny Nye as in mañana Kh Kha as in architecture Sy Sya as in Shari‘ah Nng Nng as in bingo

1

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE RESEARCH

In recent times, the role of fatwā has become a recurrent issue which has been placed

at the peak of the most discourses around the modern Muslim societies. Fatwā

remains a controversial Islamic phenomenon which often conflicts with the state

(formal) law in secular societies, where Islamic law is applied by the Muslims but its

application has often been limited to its traditional role. One cannot rule out

numerous instances of conflict between the state law and fatwā. However, fatwā can

play a multidimensional role in the Muslim societies while interacting with modern

legal systems rather than hyperbolising the way fatwā has been used as a tool for

political exigencies and its resultant effect on its continued relevance in Muslim

societies. This research seeks to understand how fatwā can be streamlined and

effectively utilized to transform modern Muslim societies.

Certainly in the past, fatāwā (plural of fatwā) concerning issues such as Ibadāt

(acts of worship) as well as family and personal matters have received much attention

of different muftī(s) all over the world. However, with the growing concern for

transformation in the modern Muslims and secular societies, the concept of fatwā has

become so significant and worth studying in dimensions other than the traditional

notion. To this end, a previous empirical study showed that in Malaysia let alone

countries where fatwā has not been institutionalised, only little research has been

carried out on fatwā, especially in terms of its inter-relationship with the practical life

2

situation.1 Therefore, it is against this backdrop that this research seeks to examine

how fatwā can be streamlined and effectively be utilised in the light of the

contemporary developments within the Muslim societies such as Nigeria.

While previous studies have focused largely on the classical value of fatwā and

its different manifestations in the modern Muslim societies, this seeks to understand

the utilitarian value of fatwā in its interaction with the modern legal systems. Thus,

this research attempts to fill a relative gap in the scholarship on fatwā and its

relevance in Nigeria using Malaysia as a model. Furthermore, the study seeks to

examine the assumptions that underlie the interaction between the fatwā concept and

its institutionalisation on one hand and as well as some other selected institutions on

the other hand. In doing so, the relationship between fatwā and some selected

institutions under Islamic law would first and foremost be discussed. That will equally

give the study a conceptual framework while examining the inter-relationship between

fatwā and some selected institutions in Nigeria and Malaysia. Finally, the study will

attempt at revealing the relevance of the Malaysian fatwā framework and practice to

Nigeria.

1.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

In view of the above background, the following questions are pertinent:

1 Noor Naemah Abdul Rahman et al, “A Study on Students’ Research Related to Fatwā Submitted at Malaysian Public Universities” vol. 2 No. 18 (2012) International Journal of Humanities and Social

Science, at 131. It has been reported in this Article that the number of research produced by students generally (this includes: Undergraduate projects, Masters Dissertations and PhD theses) on fatwā since 1980s to 2012 particularly those that have direct bearing with a comparative study or relationship with the judiciary, is quite negligible. Thus, from the year 1980-2008 alone, it was recorded that the total number of works produced by students on fatwā was 106. Out of the total number, only (4) which is equivalent to 3.8% of the total percentage were PhD theses; yet, none of them has a direct bearing with a comparative study or relationship between fatwā and the judiciary. See Noor Naemah Abdul Rahman, n. 1 at 131

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i. Are there any generic differences between modern fatwā institutions and

the model used by the proto-jurists during the early days of Islam?

ii. In developing positive law and the fluid nature of modern ijtihād, can

fatwā be synonymous to legal decisions making and be considered as

forming binding precedents?

iii. In view of modern day phenomena, can fatwā play a transformational role

in legal, socio-political and economic affairs of the people in Muslim

societies such as Nigeria?

iv. Are the Malaysian fatwā framework and institutions relevant to Nigeria?

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH

The study seeks:

i. To trace the legal relevance of fatwā in the light of the contemporary

developments since the classical period up to the modern era.

ii. To analyze the role of fatwā and its institutions in the Malaysian legal,

socio-political and economic sectors, with a view to revealing its

relevance to Nigeria.

iii. To look at the possibility of making fatwā a binding piece of delegated

legislation in Nigeria

iv. To suggest amendments of the relevant Nigerian legislation with a view to

having an institutionalised fatwā based on the Malaysian model.

1.4 HYPOTHESIS

Fatwā is an important phenomenon that has been used for long in its traditional notion

and practice. The traditional notion and practice has to some extent, deemphasised the