Bookshelf: What prompted the idea behind your book ‘The Right of Non-Muslims Under Sharia State’, what is the central idea of the work?
Fari: First, I’d like to say that it is not my only book. I have a lot of other books. One of the major factors that prompted me were my parents. They cherished knowledge and groomed me as such. Second, the book has addressed a lot of issues regarding Sharia practice.
Sharia has become rather a controversial issue in Nigerian, countless Muslims and Non-Muslims are arguing either for or against the implementation since the attempt of its renaissance by some Northern states of Nigeria. Based on this, I thought there is the need, necessity and indispensability to define, identify and visualize Sharia implementation with conceptual diagram. It is against this backdrop and premise that the book emerged.
What are the elements that are contained in the book?
The book began with analysis on various topics and sub-topics on the legislative rights of a non-Muslim under a Sharia State which comprises right to freedom from discrimination, right to protection from external aggressors, right to life, among others. It further dwelled on the obligation of non-Muslims under a Sharia state, which include obligation to abide by Sharia constitution and respect for the Sharia state. Then there is the historical analysis, spirit of peace, kindness, tolerance etc. I looked at these perspectives because of the intertwined relationship between politics, law and history.
However, I also discussed falsification of facts, justice under Sharia. Don’t forget that the concept of justice however rudimentary, is a necessary and undisputable ingredient in any human setting, especially regarding Sharia. However, it is unfortunate, the vehemence and abhorrence of Sharia by its antagonists make one to wonder whether their opposition is as a result of genuine misunderstanding or out of mere mischief to settle old and new scores with Sharia. The book answered these related issues with facts and figures.
I also tried to put straight some issues that could conquer the challenges of hatred and animosity among Muslims and non-Muslims alike. A comprehensive comparative analysis between Islamic law and Christian as well as communists legal laws were presented to that effect.
Then the issue of how sincere is the Sharia implementation in Northern Nigeria was also touched. A case study of about 14 states was done.
Why do you think non-Muslims kick whenever Sharia implementation is mentioned?
Sincerely, ignorance and shallow knowledge of both Islam and Christianity from the followership is the main reason. Also, lack of modesty in thoughts and sincerity from the leadership is also another. Most of the followers are illiterates; they embark on a journey without proper direction. Some of them do not even know the essence of both Islam and Christianity. Some of them are not mentally nor psychologically balanced. They can’t even think reasonably and reason ideologically. Ignorance is a terrible disease I tell you. A lot of spiritual sheikhs and pastors hovering around are well balance when it comes to critical thoughts. Remember a sound leader, a sound mind, brings sound thinking and that yields result.
What is the way forward?
Well, the sensitivity of religion in Nigeria has made it obviously imperative to have spiritual leaders who are sound and balance in thought, truthful and sincere. Most spiritual leaders have changed the tenets of the teachings just to make money, power and gain relevance in the society. However, all these I have dealt with in the book and some of my other works.
How are you working to make the generality of people receive this book ‘Implementation of Sharia’?
How I wish the resources to print adequate copies and distribute enough are available. I have printed only 1,000 copies and distributed, but anybody who wants to invest in the project, by grace of Allah is welcome, I mean in terms of producing more copies.
Any plan to launch the book?
Book launch is not an easy task, especially if you want to do it the ideal way to the required standard. Sponsorship these days do not come easy. You have to know who is who; you have to be well connected. And I don’t have such big connections so I think for now, I have done my part.
Since leaving the academic environment, how do you cope with writing books, how do you combine it with your other busy schedules?
Sincerely it has not been easy, though I still write just as when I was teaching, but the difference is that, now it takes me more time to finish a book than it took me when I was in the academic environment. For example when I was teaching, I could finish writing a book in two years, but now it can take like five years to finish, but I still do write.
How is your leisure time like?
I do relax by staying indoors, especially weekends; I also watch films and stay with my family.
What is your specialization in writing?
I do write on some other topics, but I like sticking to my area of specialization, which is the Sharia law. However, I have written on Arabic grammar though I am not a master in that. I have also written something on Tafsir just to mention a few.
