Interfaith Inheritance Conflicts in Southwest Nigeria:

An Exploratory Study of Muslim Organisations’ Roles and Strategies of Sharī‘ah Application and Inclusivity

Mikail Kolawole Abdulsalam

Jamiu Muhammad Busari

 

Abstract: This study examines the roles and strategies of Muslim organisations in addressing interfaith inheritance conflicts in the Southwest region of Nigeria, within the purview of Sharīʿah (Islamic law). In Islamic law, the distribution of inheritance is guided by explicit Qur'anic and Sunnah provisions, ensuring fairness and protecting the rights of heirs. However, since Islamic law prohibits inheritance across religious lines, it often leads to disputes among heirs. interfaith inheritance poses a significant challenge, particularly in families with members of different religious affiliations. This issue is frequently observed in Southwest Nigeria, a region characterised by its religious diversity and high incidence of interfaith marriages. A descriptive research method was adopted, and Jacques Vanderlinden’s theory of Legal Pluralism provides the framework for this study, highlighting the coexistence and interaction of multiple legal systems within a pluralistic society. The findings revealed three primary conflict resolution strategies employed by these organisations: mediation (Ṣulḥ), offering a gift (Hibah), and obligatory bequeathing (al-Waṣiyyah al-Wājibah). These strategies emphasise the adaptive role of Muslim organisations in resolving conflicts and promoting harmony among family members, while upholding Islamic principles in a multi-religious context.