The Sultan of Sokoto says Muslims should be allowed to uphold their religious beliefs. Photo Credit: AFP.
Getting the needed support for gender equality bill in Nigeria has faced a major challenge after a senior Muslim cleric rejected the document which is proposing equal share of inheritance between women and men.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Mohamed Sa’ad Abubakar who is the most senior Muslim cleric in Nigeria has stated that Muslims are not ready to accept such a bill which he said violates Islamic law that backs men having greater share of inheritance.
He told a gathering at a Muslim ceremony in northern Zamfara state “Our religion is our total way of life. Therefore, we will not accept any move to change what Allah permitted us to do.”
“Islam is a peaceful religion; we have been living peacefully with Christians and followers of other religions in this country. Therefore, we should be allowed to perform our religion effectively.” Sa’ad Abubakar added.
Christian institutions in Nigeria have already accepted the bill and do not consider it an affront to the principles of their religion.
The latest move by the Muslim group in Nigeria could be seen as a setback to the campaign by activists pushing for the bill to end discrimination against women.
Before the bill is passed into law Members of Parliament are likely to consider the views expressed by citizens.
Source: Africafeeds.com
