Kalo Kato

Kalo Kato is a Quranic movement based in Niger and Nigeria. The term translates as "a mere man said it" in the Hausa language (referring to the hadith attributed to Muhammad).

One of the most well-known Kalo Kato Quranist leaders in Nigeria is an Islamic scholar Malam Isiyaka Salisu. Other notable Nigerian Quranists include High Court judge Isa Othman and Islamic scholar Mallam Saleh Idris Bello.

Overview

The movement is most prevalent in the Samuru area of the ancient Nigerian city of Zaria. Asked about his views on hadiths Malimu states "If other prophets were satisfied with one revelation, then why should our own be two; Qur’an and Hadiths. It is not true that we don’t believe in Hadiths, but we don’t use Hadiths as a guide to the way we worship Allah. We restrict ourselves to what the Qur’an says". Other distinct practises include the fact that Kalo Katos don't eat fish unless after being slaughtered as in the case of ram or cow. They believe the Quran has directed the slaughtering of all animals including aquatics before they become pure for consumption and this is why the group doesn’t consume ice fish. Kalo Katos also reject ritual baths, funeral prayers or putting a shroud for their dead ones as these rituals were not mentioned in the Holy Quran. Some orthodox Muslims find their beliefs heretical, which has led to tensions and violence. For example in December 2009 38 people were killed and 20 arrested in the Bauchi metropolis. A Kalo Kato leader, Mallam Bamadasi, was also killed.