Outspoken renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has justified the use of public funds by the government for the sponsorship of mass marriage.
Gumi, in a post on his Facebook page on Thursday, declared that it is the responsibility of the government to use public funds to support marriage arrangements in states operating under Shariah law.
According to the controversial cleric, governments in Shariah-governed societies have a duty to address social needs arising from the prohibition of sexual relationships outside marriage.
He pointed out that government’s decision to assist people who cannot afford marriage, especially, where prostitution, fornication, adultery and promiscuity are prohibited by both religious principles and state laws is one that was in the interest of prevent immoralities.
“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 pointed out.
