An overview of the application of Shari’ah in a multi-religious society: a case study of Nigeria

The application of Shari’ah in pluralistic society is dated back to the time of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH)migration from Makkah to al-Madina (622 AD),1,447 years ago.On the arrival of the Prophet and his companions in the commonwealth nation of al-Madina, there, they met, the Aws, Khazraj, Jews and Christians. The Prophet fashioned out a constitution known as (As-Shaifah)to regulate the conducts of state under his watch-dog, among different ethnic, and different religious people in the state of al-Madina.The situation then, was similar to what we are experiencing today in Nigeria.The application of Shari’ah in Nigeria is dated back to time immemorial, before the coming of colonialists to the place now known and called Nigeria.This article shall examine the application of Shari’ah during the : Pre-colonial; during colonial and post colonial administrations in Nigeria. The Article relied on doctrinal approach that examined into the cases and events of application of Shari’ah how it affect the present and future application of Shari’ah in Nigeria.It relied on primary sources which includes: the glorious Qur’an; the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad(PBUH);the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended); judicial decisions(local and Foreign).The secondary sources relied on: Books; Newspapers; Article in journals; Magazines; Internet and unpublished materials. It finally recommended that the application of Shari’ah in Nigeria in recent time is constitutional that would provide solution to the present socio-political,economic,insecurity and religious crisis in Nigeria.