ABSTRACT
The symbiotic relationship between Islamic law (Shari’a) and political power in the Islamic tradition is poorly depicted in the literature influenced by the Western thought of the separation of religion and state. This has far reaching consequences in understanding many issues of Islam and Muslims in the modern world. This chapter analyses the history of Shari’a in Nigeria from the earliest times of diverse polities some of which were avowed Islamic states, through the British colonial regime to the present age of democratic political pluralism. The Chapter contributes to a wider research project which addresses, amongst others, the requests of particular religious laws to build international coexistence, peace and security. The chapter seeks to present a balanced historical perspective of shari’a as well as to demonstrate the evolution and adaptability of the implementation of shari’a to given realities. The aim is to help improve the understanding of the meaning of shari’a to Muslims and their quest for it as well as the contentions of the ‘other’ which in turn helps international coexistence, peace and security. The Chapter draws on historical and ethnographic research.
