Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State: A tool for peace, unity and conflict resolution among Muslims
In a move to foster peace and unity among Muslims in Ekiti State, the recently established Shari’ah Arbitration Panel has been clarified as a platform for resolving disputes based on Islamic principles, not as a Shari’ah court.
The panel aims to provide Muslims with an alternative and voluntary mechanism for conflict resolution, aligning with the teachings of Islam.
Dr. Abdulbaqi Jamiu Balogun, Grand Missioner of Al-Irshad Muslim Society of Nigeria (Ekiti State Chapter) and President of The World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates (Osun State Chapter), issued a statement shedding light on the panel’s objectives.
“The Shari’ah Arbitration Panel is a beneficial establishment for all Muslims, offering an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that aligns with Shari’ah principles. It promotes peace, unity, and understanding while avoiding unnecessary litigation and expenses,” he said.
The Shari’ah Arbitration Panel is designed to help Muslims resolve conflicts in accordance with Islamic rulings derived from the Quran, Hadith, Ijma, and Qiyas. Dr. Balogun emphasized that its purpose is to create a harmonious environment by providing a peaceful resolution platform. Key features of the panel include:
- Voluntary participation, ensuring no compulsion in accepting decisions.
- Advisory judgments based solely on Shari’ah principles.
- Fair and just resolutions, eliminating bias and corruption concerns.
- Cost-effective and efficient processes compared to lengthy court proceedings.
Dr. Balogun clarified that the Shari’ah Arbitration Panel is not a court of law but an arbitration body that serves as a valuable tool for dispute resolution within the Muslim community.
“This establishment is distinctly different from a Shari’ah court,” he stated. “It is a resource for Muslims seeking to resolve conflicts peacefully while adhering to Islamic values.”
The panel has received widespread support from various Islamic organizations and leaders, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, the League of Imams and Alfas led by Sheikh Jamiu Keulere Bello, and the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (Ekiti State Chapter). Dr. Balogun commended these groups for their commitment to promoting peace and unity through the initiative.
Dr. Balogun urged Muslims in Ekiti State and beyond to utilize the panel for conflict resolution. “By embracing this establishment, we can promote peace, unity, and adherence to Islamic values within our communities. Let us cherish this excellent initiative and comply with its decisions with faith and sincerity,” he said.
In conclusion, the Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State represents a significant step toward fostering harmony and understanding among Muslims. Dr. Balogun expressed gratitude to the organizers and the state government for their support, praying for Almighty Allah’s blessings on the initiative and its beneficiaries.
“May Almighty Allah bless us all in this dunya and akhirah,” Dr. Balogun said, encouraging Muslims to spread the word and utilize the panel to resolve conflicts in a peaceful and just manner.
