Almajiri
TVC E NEWS – Whenever the word “Almajiri” (child begging) is mentioned, two things usually come to mind. First, that it is a common practice in the north, and second, it has some Islamic colouration. But are these views or mindsets really correct?
The monarch who is also the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), who spoke at a meeting between representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Northern State Governments and the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development on development of girl child in Nigeria also dismissed refusal to educate a girl-child in the name of religion as a total misconception.
The Sultan said Almajiri has nothing to do with Islam.
Almajiri
“We talk about Almajiri in the North, and we keep on seeing it as if it is a religious issue. ‘Almajirinci’ has nothing to do with Islam,” he said.
He, however, stressed the need for the girl-child to be educated, saying:”we believe an educated girl is better in bringing up better family and citizenry to the world because we all know the importance of our mothers.
“They trained and brought us up. If you check the lifestyle of an individual, if it’s good, check the family background; and if bad check the family background. The women play that important role of bringing up the society.
Sultan of Sokoto
“Here in Northern Nigeria, we don’t pay much attention to girl-child education. As we all know an educated woman is more an asset than uneducated one or even educated man, you must be knowledgeable to lead. To rule you must be knowledgeable.
“The girl-child education has become very important especially now that the world is facing social problems, and Nigeria is part of that global village,” the Sultan stressed.
