By: Odeh Favour Adiya
Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has strongly defended the use of government funds to sponsor marriages in states operating under Shariah law, describing the move as a legitimate component of responsible governance.
In a statement shared via his verified Facebook page on Thursday, Gumi stated that in any society where social vices such as prostitution, fornication, adultery, and promiscuity are strictly prohibited by both divine and state laws, governments are duty-bound to assist people who need to get married.
“In a Shariah law-driven state, where prostitution, fornication, adultery, and promiscuity are prohibited by both divine and state laws, using public funds to facilitate the marriage of women who are in excess of the available pool of eligible men, or of any young person in dire need of marriage, is a legitimate and responsible component of good governance,” he stated.
Gumi’s position comes on the heels of the recent mass wedding organized by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples under its social intervention initiative tagged ‘Auren Gata’.
The mass ceremony, which was organised by the Kano State Hisbah Board, was designed as part of the state government’s social safety net to support vulnerable individuals.
According to government officials, the scheme aims to ease the heavy financial burdens associated with weddings, while providing economic and household support to help young couples establish stable families.
The event, which was held last Friday, has continued to stir nationwide debate and discussions over the propriety of utilizing public treasury funds to finance marriage initiatives.
