Almajiri must be distinguished from Islam – Sultan of Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III says street begging by children, popularly known as Almajiri, must be distinguished from Islam.

The sultan said this in Kaduna on Sunday 21 May, while presiding over the pre-Ramadan meeting of JNI’s Central Committee, at the JNI headquarters.

“Almajiri system of begging is not representing Islam and must therefore be distinguished from Islam. Islam encourages scholarship and entrepreneurship and frowns at laziness and idleness as exemplified by itinerant Almajiri,” Sultan said while delivering his opening remarks.

While noting that hunger and poverty were responsible for children begging on the streets, the Sultan charged the government, particularly at the state level to prioritise welfare of their citizens to address hunger and poverty.

“Therefore attempt must be made to stop the practice Almajiri system of begging among Muslim faithful,” the Sultan said, adding that state governments should strengthen institution of ‘Zakkat’ and endowment to address wanton poverty.

Prominent traditional rulers and Islamic scholars were in attendance at the meeting.

The event is an annual meeting meant to set modalities and guidelines for moon sighting and general Muslim conduct in the holy month.