Maqasid Al-Shari’ah and The Challenge of Population Control in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa. It is the most populous black nation in the world. It is also estimated to be the third most populous country in the world by 2050 with a population of 399 million people. In all ramifications, Nigeria’s population is growing faster than development can cater to, faster than resources to maintain it. The predominantly Muslim North constitutes the larger percentage of Nigeria’s population. Thus, it is unsurprising that the region suffers mass poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and insecurity. This article discussed the issue of overpopulation in northern Nigeria and its adverse effect on the region. Furthermore, the issue of population control within the context of maqasid al-Shari’ah was discussed. The author sought to demonstrate that despite popular opposition within the populace and religious circles in northern Nigeria, there is room for population control within the shariah, and it is in fact encouraged in certain circumstances. Keywords: population, maqasid, shariah, Nigeria, population control