Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called for the use of public funds to support the marriage of women who are unable to find eligible spouses in societies governed by Shariah principles.
Gumi made the suggestion in a post on his Facebook page, arguing that such government intervention would be justified in a society where prostitution and sexual relationships outside marriage are prohibited.
According to him, providing financial support to facilitate marriages could form part of the government’s responsibility to address social challenges and uphold the principles of a Shariah-based society.
“In a Shariah state where prostitution, fornication, adultery, and promiscuity are prohibited, using public funds to facilitate the marriage of women who are in excess of the available pool of eligible men is a legitimate and responsible component of good governance,” he wrote.
Gumi did not specify the mechanism through which government funds should be deployed or the criteria that would determine beneficiaries.
His proposal comes amid continuing discussions around marriage, poverty and social welfare in predominantly Muslim communities, where financial constraints are often cited as a barrier to marriage.
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