Sharia Law and Environmental Protection in Kano State: An Islamic Ecological Jurisprudence Perspective

Islamic ecological jurisprudence draws on Quranic principles of Khilafa (stewardship), the prohibition of Fasad (corruption of the earth), and the doctrine of Hima (protected zones) to articulate obligations of environmental protection that have contemporary relevance for rapidly industrialising states like Kano. This study examines the application of Islamic environmental principles to contemporary environmental governance challenges in Kano State. A descriptive doctrinal methodology is applied, reviewing Islamic ecological jurisprudence texts alongside Kano State environmental legislation, documented environmental violation cases from 2015 to 2022, and interviews with ten Islamic scholars and eight environmental regulatory officials. The study evaluates whether Islamic environmental law provisions can complement or reinforce statutory environmental regulation in addressing industrial pollution and land degradation in Kano. Available literature from North West Nigeria identifies religious community endorsement as a powerful potential amplifier of environmental compliance messaging. The doctrines of La Darar (no harm) and Maslaha in Islamic jurisprudence provide the analytical framework for Islamic environmental obligations. Findings are expected to reveal untapped potential for integrating Islamic ecological principles into Kano State environmental governance. Recommendations address Islamic scholar engagement in environmental enforcement, Friday mosque environmental sermons, and integration of Islamic ecological jurisprudence into Kano environmental law education. Keywords: Islamic environmental law, Khilafa, Kano State, environmental protection, ecological jurisprudence.