Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has defended the use of public funds to support marriage programmes in states operating under Shariah law, describing the intervention as a legitimate aspect of responsible governance.

Gumi made the statement in a Facebook post on Thursday, arguing that governments in Shariah-governed societies have a responsibility to assist people who need financial support to get married.

He said that where prostitution, fornication, adultery and promiscuity are prohibited by both religious and state laws, public resources could legitimately be used to facilitate marriages for vulnerable individuals.

Gumi’s comments followed the Kano State Government’s recent mass wedding involving 1,500 couples under its “Auren Gata” initiative.

The ceremony, organised by the Kano State Hisbah Board, was part of the government’s social intervention programme aimed at supporting vulnerable couples and reducing the financial burden associated with marriage.

The initiative also seeks to provide economic and household support to help beneficiaries establish their homes and begin married life.

The mass wedding, which was held last Friday, has sparked public debate over the use of government funds to finance marriage-related programmes.

Gumi, however, maintained that such spending was justified in states where Shariah principles guide governance, particularly where government intervention could help young people and others facing financial difficulties to marry.