RELEVANCE OF AL-QURTUBI'S EXEGETICAL DISCOURSE TO RITUAL KILLING FOR WEALTH ACQUISITION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Ritual killings for financial gain and spiritual benefit have emerged as a significant social menace in Nigeria,
fueled by deep-rooted superstitions, economic and spiritual desperation, as well as glorification of wealth.
This obscene act has proved many efforts of both government and individuals abortive making it to be the talk
of the society. Thus, this study explores the relevance of al-Qurṭubī's exegesis in ameliorating the rampant
nature of money-making ritual in the country, which has devalued the sanctity of human life. To achieve this,
the paper adopts historical and exegetical methods of research. The biography of al-Qurṭubī and the trends of
money-making ritual killing in Nigeria are explored through historical method. Exegetical method is used to
bring out the discourse of al-Qurṭubī in relation to Nigeria and money-making ritual killing. The paper finds
out that greed, superstitious beliefs, societal pressure for wealth and societal glorification of material wealth
are the major reasons why people involve in ritual killing for sustenance. It is concluded that ritual killing in
c
general and money-making ritual killing in particular are prohibited by Sharī ah. The paper, therefore,
recommends a multidisciplinary approach of both legal action where judicial homicide is decided without
any delay; and religious perspective where awareness is created on the significance and the sanctity of human
life and the consequence of devaluing it in both lives; this life and the hereafter.