Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has defended the use of public funds to support marriage programmes in states operating under Shariah law.
Gumi argued that governments have a responsibility to assist people who need marriage in societies where prostitution, fornication, adultery and promiscuity are prohibited by religious and state laws.
He made the comments in a statement shared on Facebook on Thursday, saying such spending could form part of responsible governance under Shariah.
His position followed the Kano State Government’s recent mass wedding for 1,500 couples under its Auren Gata initiative.
The ceremony, organised by the Kano State Hisbah Board, was designed to support vulnerable couples and reduce the financial burden associated with marriage.
The programme also provides economic and household support to help couples establish their homes.
Gumi’s comments have added to the debate over whether public funds should be used to finance marriage initiatives, particularly in states implementing Shariah-based social policies.
