The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has continued his recent advocacy against street begging, urging the beggars to direct their begging to the government instead of begging for alms or other forms of assistance from individuals and relatives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Sanusi made the call at the National Conference on Alarammomi (Qur’anic Teachers) organised by Centre for Qur’anic Reciters in Nigeria with the theme: “Sanitising Almajirchi In Tune With Today’s Realities”.
He urged parents to stop sending their children to Almajiri schools, stressing that children could study the Qur’an, at their schools and with the teachers in their respective communities.
The emir said that if sending children to such schools became necessary, then parents must send them with all the necessary provisions to ensure their wellbeing and welfare.
According to him, “Begging is disallowed in Islam and if you must beg for alms beg the government, not individuals or relatives.
“It is better for you to cut firewood and sell to earn a living than to beg.
“Those who beg or seek assistance from individuals will be resurrected on the day of judgement without meat/flesh on their faces.
“And if you must beg, then beg the government not individuals or relatives. This is because they should be responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of citizens.
“Individuals, relatives or neighbours can assist you as gestures of kindness and generosity, but that’s not necessary.
“So, those who are saying that begging is not prohibited in Islam are just misleading you,” Mr Sanusi said.
The emir, therefore, urged government at all levels on social protection programmes in order to check such menaces in society.
