No fewer than three people lost their lives and about 50 fainted yesterday at the Luanching of "Sharia" the Islamic legal system in Kano State of Nigeria.
An estimated crowd of over 500,000 people attended the ceremony. Top among the dignitaries were the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Bukar Ibrahim & the Sharia Mentor in Nigeria, the man who first introduced "Sharia" in his State, Governor of Zamfara State Alhaji Ahmed Sani Yerima.
Police and Red Cross worked to evacuate the victims at the Eid Prayer Ground in Kano venue of the Launch.
The new dispensation will become operational from November 26 within the first Ramadan 1421 in the Islamic Calender.
Commercial and social activities suffered paralysis yesterday in Kano while the launch lasted.
Non Muslims stayed in-doors for fear of molestation.
Traders who dealt in textile materials specially designed for the occassion and Islamic literature had a fine day.
Muslim Youths in Kano were in glee chanting "Allahu Akbar" meaning "God is great".
In his speech, the Governor of Kano State Rabiu Kwankwaso advised prostitutes and operators of Brothel and beer parlour to look for some other useful business to do.
He asked the business community in the state to conduct its business in accordance with the dictates of Sharia since, according to him Sharia, does not require any irregularity. He urged Muslims to emulate the teaching of ways of Prophet Mohammed. He also called on Islamic scholars "to educate the society on Sharia".
On the actual commencement of the legal code, Governor Kwankwaso said an independent body known as Shua will monitor all the activities of the Sharia Implementation Committee with a view to ensuring that "there is no foul play or pollution". Furthermore the Governor adviced Muslims in the State to renew their loyalty and faith to suit the dictates of Sharia particularly between "Muslims and non-Muslims.
Sheikh Isa Waziri, the Chief Imam of Kano State, said yesterday that Islamic law was an essential part of Islam. "Sharia is the back bone, the compass, of Muslims all over the world, showing them their direction.
Guides
