Community Awareness of Islamic Inheritance Laws (Al-Mirath) in Adamawa State

This study examines the level of community awareness of Islamic inheritance laws, known as Al-Mirath or Faraid, among Muslim families in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria. Disputes over inheritance remain among the most socially disruptive issues in Muslim households, often arising from ignorance of Islamic legal provisions or the dominance of customary practices that contradict Quranic directives. The study employs a descriptive survey design and administers questionnaires to 260 adult Muslims in Yola, Mubi, and Numan local government areas. Interviews were conducted with ten Sharia court judges to provide institutional perspectives. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Findings reveal that a significant proportion of respondents have low awareness of specific Quranic inheritance shares (faraidh), particularly regarding the rights of female heirs. Awareness was found to be higher among those with formal Islamic education. The study recommends regular public enlightenment campaigns in mosques and community centres, the incorporation of Islamic inheritance education in school curricula, and the strengthening of Sharia court outreach programmes. This research provides a useful evidence base for Islamic legal educators, community development organisations, and government agencies responsible for Sharia administration in north-eastern Nigeria. Keywords: Islamic inheritance law, Al-Mirath, Faraid, community awareness, Adamawa State.