Kano mass wedding: Public funding of marriage legitimate under Shariah — Sheikh Gumi

Nigerian Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has justified the use of government resources to support marriages in states operating under Shariah law, saying such measures are lawful and form part of good governance.

Gumi made the position known in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, where he maintained that governments in Shariah-compliant states have an obligation to assist individuals who require support to get married, especially in societies where immoral sexual practices are outlawed by both religious and civil laws.

“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 said.

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The cleric’s remarks followed the recent mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples through its ‘Auren Gata’ programme.

The couples were joined in matrimony during a ceremony coordinated by the Kano State Hisbah Board under the state’s social welfare initiative.

According to the state government, the programme is designed to assist vulnerable couples by reducing the financial challenges associated with marriage. It also provides economic and household support intended to help beneficiaries establish stable homes as they begin married life.