Public funding of marriage legitimate under Shariah — Gumi

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, an Islamic cleric, has defended the use of public funds for marriage facilitation in Shariah law-operated states, asserting it as a responsible governance practice. In a Facebook post, Gumi argued that in societies where prostitution, fornication, adultery, and promiscuity are prohibited by religious and state laws, governments bear the responsibility of supporting individuals in need of marriage.

He explained, "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."

Gumi made these remarks following Kano State's 'Auren Gata' mass wedding initiative, which saw the government marry 1,500 couples to alleviate the financial burden of marriage and provide economic and household support. The event, organized by the Kano State Hisbah Board, sparked debate over the use of public funds for marriage programs.