Author(s):
Mubarak Abiodun YUSUFF, almubaraklory@gmail.com, 08139038295

Abstract: The intellectual unity of Nigerian Muslims is the background of this study. The study discusses the Islamic verdicts and scholastic view points on certain issues that have been causing disunity among Nigerian Muslims who are expected to be bounded in the spirit of one religion. The discussion embodies a close look at a number of jurisprudential and doctrinal issues upon which there is a huge debate among scholars, ranging from: eating the food of ahlul kitāb, to the usage of misbahah (rosary), the issue of tawassul bi Rasūlillah (seeking intercession with prophet Muhammad), the hadīth of division, bowing in greeting (’inhinā’) and saying a salat for the Prophet other than the Ibrahimiyyah one. In the long run, it is found out that these issues are branches (furū‘) of the main tree of the religion, which have optional and numerous alternative views. Each group of Muslims and individuals can choose the school of thought that fits his own condition, place and time, making the whole thing a mercy and easement for the Muslims. In addition, the study covers the framework of fiqh al-ikhtilāf as postulated by scholars, using the historical method to do a content analysis of the books of scholars concerned. On that, it is found that if Muslims can stick to the principles of fiqh al-ikhtilāf as postulated by Al-Qardawi, Fiqh al-wāqi‘ of Ibn Al-Qayyim and Suhayb Misbah’s Fiqh al-I’tilāf among others, disagreement may not always lead to disunity. The solution therefore will be that the act of upholding a particular school of thought on an issue upon which there are other valid opinions from notable sources, should be done free of ‘asabiyyah (sectarianism), hamiyyah (overzealousness) or hamāsah (over-enthusiasm). On the whole, this study concludes that disagreement on issues that are branches of the religion is a natural phenomenon, which is inevitable. On the other hand, upholding the unity of Muslims is obligatory, as commanded in the Qur’an. It therefore becomes a necessity for Muslims to embrace tolerance, flexibility and open mindedness towards their fellow Muslims, even in the presence of points of disagreement.