A renowned Islamic scholar and former Dean of Faculty of Arts at the University of Ibadan, Professor Afiz Oladosu, has urged Muslim communities and organizations to implement strategies that will effectively address the issue of begging among Muslims in Nigeria.
Professor Oladosu, who specializes in Arabic and Islamic studies, emphasized the collective responsibility of Muslim organizations to discourage and reduce the prevalence of begging as a profession within the Muslim community.
He made these remarks during the 2023 delegates’ conference and the inauguration of the new executive council of the Political Awareness Group (PAG) in Ibadan. The event, themed “Creating a Pathway for Sustainable Development: Muslims on Call,” was attended by distinguished individuals including a former Secretary to the Oyo State government, Alhaji Akin Olajide, and Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Soliu Adelabu.
Representing Professor Oladosu at the conference, Professor Ibrahim Usman, the Head of Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan, stressed the importance of ensuring that every Muslim has a means of livelihood.
He further explained that Islam advocates for the protection of future generations, and one way to achieve this is by discouraging begging as a profession.
“While begging is permissible in Islam under certain circumstances, such as during times of crisis or calamity, it is condemned as a profession,” Professor Usman stated.
He added, “The Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon Him) discouraged Muslims from relying on others for their sustenance, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and hard work. Umar Ibn Kattab, the second caliphate, even went as far as expelling some Muslims from the Mosque, admonishing them to seek employment instead of depending entirely on divine provision. Therefore, it is incumbent upon our Muslim societies to devise strategies that discourage begging among Muslims and empower them with sustainable means of livelihood.”
