Youth Perception and Understanding of Sharī‘ah Law in Jigawa State: A Study of College Students in Ringim

Abstract

This study investigates how college students in Jigawa State, Nigeria, perceive and understand Sharī‘ah law, using the College of Education and Legal Studies, Ringim, as a case study. Despite the formal adoption of Sharī‘ah as part of the legal system in several northern Nigerian states, there is limited empirical evidence on the awareness, comprehension, and attitudes of youths toward this Islamic legal framework. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study explores students’ levels of knowledge, sources of information, and socio-cultural influences shaping their views on Sharī‘ah. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires distributed among 150 students across various departments, while qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Preliminary findings reveal that although many students possess a positive disposition toward Sharī‘ah law, a considerable portion holds partial or distorted conceptions of its principles, especially regarding its objectives (Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah) and scope. Factors such as media exposure, inadequate religious education, and peer influence emerged as critical determinants of perception. The study concludes that enhancing Sharī‘ah literacy through curriculum reform, youth engagement, and accurate religious discourse is essential for fostering informed perspectives among the next generation of Muslim scholars and citizens.