MURIC Demands Sharia Courts, Friday Work-Free Day, “This Contradicts Pre-colonial Yoruba experience"

• The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for constitutional amendments for the Muslims in the South West region
• The Islamic human rights group demanded the establishment of Sharia courts in all South West states
• The group’s Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, explained the reason for the fresh demands

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dda has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the establishment of Sharia courts in the six states in the South West, including Edo state, due to their Muslim populations.

The Islamic human rights group called for constitutional provisions mandating state governors to establish Sharia Courts of Appeal.

“These courts will handle Muslim matters only, ensuring non-Muslims are not affected.”

MURIC also called for Fridays to be declared public holidays in recognition of Muslim worship practices across the country.

According to The Punch, MURIC Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, called for constitutional amendments.

Akintola made the demand while presenting the proposal during the South West Zonal Public Hearing on constitutional review.

The MURIC leader was represented by Dr Jamiu Busari at the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.

Busari said the changes would enhance inclusiveness and protect the rights of Muslims in Nigeria’s Southwest region.

“No Sharia court currently exists in Southwestern Nigeria, where Muslims arguably form the majority.

“This contradicts the pre-colonial Yoruba experience before the advent of British rule.”

Akintola also urged the National Assembly to declare Fridays as public holidays for Muslim worship.

He argued that the current weekend arrangement excludes Muslims and lacks religious balance.

“Thursdays and Fridays were traditional weekends for Muslims in the pre-colonial period.

Currently, Nigeria recognises Saturday and Sunday as weekends, both favouring Christians

“We demand Friday be included as a recognised weekend day for Muslims.”

MURIC sends major message to Tinubu's government

Recall that the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) warned against intimidating ex-Kaduna governor El-Rufai amid arrest speculations.

The former governor claims he is being targeted for criticizing the APC-led government and engaging with opposition figures ahead of 2027.

While the Tinubu administration has yet to respond, analysts say its handling of the issue could impact public trust in democratic governance.

Read more stories on MURIC:

• "Height of Heartlessness": MURIC Calls Out IBB for Trying to "Rewrite History" in Latest Memoir
• MURIC Speaks on Boko Haram Resurgence as Borno Governor Cries Out
• "What Exactly Does CAN Want?": MURIC Slams Christian Body Over Opposition to Ramadan School Closures
• UTME 2025: MURIC Sends Notable Message to JAMB Over Claims Technical Glitch Affected Northern States

Hijrah: Public holiday for the Islamic New Year

In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that the Muslim community marked the commencement of the Islamic New Year 1447 AH.

Legit.ng reports that the Islamic calendar consists of 12 months similar to the Gregorian calendar, but has 354 to 355 days, unlike the 365 to 366 days in the Gregorian calendar.

The Islamic New Year starts with Muharram, which is the first month, followed by Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, and Dhul Hijjah.

Source: Legit.ng