Sheikh Gumi proposes government funding for marriage under Shariah law

Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has argued that governments operating under Shariah law should use public funds to support marriage arrangements for people who cannot afford the cost.

In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, Gumi said governments in Shariah-governed societies have a responsibility to address social consequences that may arise from restrictions on sexual relationships outside marriage.

The cleric maintained that providing financial assistance to people who cannot afford marriage should be considered a form of responsible governance, particularly in societies where prostitution, sexual relations outside marriage, infidelity and sexual promiscuity are prohibited under both religious and legal frameworks.

According to him, public funds could be used to support young people facing an urgent need to get married, as well as women who may have limited access to eligible partners.

Gumi stated that such intervention would be appropriate in societies where intimate relationships outside marriage are prohibited, arguing that governments should provide practical alternatives to help people fulfil the requirements of marriage.

He further argued that supporting marriage through public resources would amount to responsible governance in a Shariah-based system, particularly where the government has placed restrictions on relationships outside marriage.

Gumi’s position has drawn attention to the role of government in supporting marriage and the extent to which public funds should be used to address social and religious concerns.