Islam does not support mercy for criminals – Cleric

An Islamic cleric, Dr. Abdulateef Abdulhakeem, has condemned the pardon and reintegration of criminals into the society, describing the practice as contrary to Islamic Sharia.

Speaking at the 20th anniversary of the Osun State Independent Shari’ah Panel in Osogbo, Abdulhakeem argued that Sharia is designed to uphold justice and does not support granting mercy to criminals based on their connections to those in authority.

“Sharia is to establish justice. Islam does not support the ‘prerogative of injustice’ whereby a killer will be released because of closeness to authority.

“Nigerians will not want Sharia to stand because it does not support mercy for criminals or reintegration of criminals back into society,” he said.

He urged governments to comply with Section 275 of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides for the establishment of Sharia Courts, insisting that such courts would help regulate the conduct of Muslims and address criminal tendencies within the faith community.

According to him, Sharia Courts are meant for Muslims and would not affect Christians, as conventional courts remain available to all citizens.

He added that no religion permits violence or terrorism and that proper religious institutions could help curb such excesses.