By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Islamic scholar Dr Ahmad Gumi has backed the use of government funds to support mass marriage programmes, describing it as a responsible form of governance in a state operating under Shariah principles.

Gumi made the position known in a post on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday while responding to criticism of Kano State’s mass wedding initiative.

He argued that government support for marriage was justified in a society where prostitution, fornication, adultery and promiscuity are prohibited under both Islamic and state laws.

According to him, public assistance can be extended to women who have limited access to eligible spouses as well as young people who cannot afford to marry despite being in need of marriage.

“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.

Gumi maintained that helping people who are unable to afford marriage should be regarded as part of the government’s responsibility, particularly in a society guided by Shariah principles.

His comments followed criticism of Kano’s mass wedding programme, with some questioning the decision to commit public resources to the initiative.

The scholar, however, said the policy should be assessed within the legal and social conditions of a Shariah-based state.

He added that where certain conduct is prohibited by both religious and state laws, government support for lawful marriages can be regarded as a responsible policy measure.

Source: Daily Trust