The simple
statements are usually best when trying to resolve conflicts. The latest
conflict where simple statements will best serve to resolve problems is that
relating to the man in Nigeria's
NigerState, known as Mr Bello Abubakar, who
is married with 86 wives and 170 children. He has been told by Nigeria's
Islamic Authority Jamatu Nasril Islam (JNI) to choose only four and repent or
else he will face a death sentence. In addition a prominent Islamic scholar and
former president of The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, Alhagie Ahmed Cherno
Banding Drammeh, has said that Muslim men who marry more than four wives should
be stoned to death.
The
renowned preacher made this pronouncement to The Point yesterday. In this case, both the Nigerian and Gambian
Islamic scholars are in agreement and are making their arguments very simple
indeed. The act that this man has engaged in is contrary to Sharia Law. A more
simple statement on the topic is difficult to imagine. Alhagie Ahmed Cherno
Banding Drammeh has told The Point
that during the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) there
existed a man who married 10 wives but the Holy Prophet asked him to choose
only four and divorce the remaining six as prescribed by the Sharia
Again, this
is the situation and it is simple in the extreme. It is not open to
interpretation or discussion it simply is. Islamic teaching states that a man
may take up to four wives if he is capable of taking care of them, treating
them equally and providing a decent life for the offspring of the various
unions. There are very few people on the continent, whatever their position,
who could provide well for 86 wives and 170 children, let alone if that person
is a former teacher in Nigeria.
How could this man spend any amount of quality time with any of his wives or
children? He is clearly indulging himself at the expense of the women and
ignoring Islamic teaching for his own selfish reasons. He should realise that
his foolish game is at an end and listen to sense. In the simple, direct and
honest words of Alhagie Ahmed Cherno Banding Drammeh, "Even if one has the
wealth and the ability to marry 1,000 women, the Sharia is saying don't go
beyond four. Sharia is the supreme law of Islam if it has forbidden something
why should one question that?"
