Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has backed the use of government funds to support marriage arrangements in states operating under Shariah law, describing the practice as a legitimate and responsible form of governance.
Gumi made the remarks amid the Kano State Government’s plan to sponsor a mass wedding involving 1,500 couples.
In a statement shared on Facebook on Thursday, the cleric argued that governments in societies governed by Shariah have a responsibility to address social challenges created by restrictions on sexual relationships outside marriage.
He maintained that where prostitution, fornication, adultery and promiscuity are prohibited by both religious principles and state laws, government assistance for people who cannot afford marriage should be considered part of responsible governance.
According to Gumi, public funds can legitimately be deployed to assist young people who are in urgent need of marriage, as well as women who may have limited opportunities to find suitable spouses.
He said such intervention was particularly justified in Shariah-governed states, where marriage is regarded as an important means of addressing social and moral concerns.
Gumi stated, “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.”
His position comes as state-sponsored mass weddings continue to generate public discussion over the appropriate use of government resources to address social and religious needs.
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