Gumi defends public funding of marriages in Shariah states

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has defended the use of public funds to support marriage arrangements in states governed by Shariah law, asserting it as a legitimate government responsibility. Gumi stated on Facebook that governments in such societies are obligated to address social needs that emerge when sexual relationships outside marriage are prohibited.

According to Gumi, when prostitution, fornication, adultery, and promiscuity are forbidden by both religious principles and state laws, government intervention to assist individuals who cannot afford marriage should be seen as part of responsible governance. He specifically mentioned that public resources could be legitimately allocated to support young people in urgent need of marriage, as well as women who encounter limited opportunities to find suitable spouses.

"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 said. His remarks frame the practice as a practical application of Islamic governance aimed at maintaining social order and supporting community well-being.

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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.