Medical practice entails profound
ethical and legal responsibilities due to its direct impact on human life and
dignity. In recent decades, the rise in medical negligence cases in Nigeria has
intensified scrutiny of the legal frameworks governing medical liability. This
article undertakes a comprehensive comparative analysis of the liabilities of
medical practitioners under Islamic law and Nigerian law. It examines the
conceptual foundations, sources of liability, evidentiary standards, and
remedies available under both systems. The study reveals that while both legal
regimes share the common objective of safeguarding human life and ensuring
accountability, they differ significantly in doctrinal structure, procedural
mechanisms, and philosophical orientation. The article concludes by advocating
for a harmonised medico-legal framework that integrates the ethical strengths
of Islamic law with the institutional robustness of Nigerian law.
Keywords: Medical Liability, Medical Practitioners, Medical Negligence, Islamic Law, Nigerian Law.
