Renowned Islamic scholar Professor Afiz Oladosu, has called upon Muslim communities and organizations in Nigeria to implement measures aimed at discouraging and reducing begging among Muslims across the country.

The former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ibadan emphasized the importance of Muslim groups and societies taking proactive steps to address the issue of begging within their community.

Professor Oladosu made these remarks during the 2023 delegates’ conference and inauguration of the new executive council of the Political Awareness Group led by Dr. Lukman Fasasi, held in Ibadan on Sunday.

The event, with the theme “Creating a Pathway for Sustainable Development: Muslims on Call,” drew the participation of notable figures, including Alhaji Akin Olajide, the former Secretary to the Oyo State government, Professor Soliu Adelabu, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Adegoke, Baagi of Saki, Professor Abideen Olaiya, and members of the outgoing PAG executives led by Barrister Abdul-Waheed Olowonjaiye.

Professor Oladosu, represented by the Head of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan, Professor Ibrahim Usman, advised Islamic organizations to ensure that every Muslim within their sphere of influence has a means of livelihood.

He stressed that this approach would significantly contribute to discouraging and reducing begging among Muslims in the country.

“We have talked about the basic objectives of Islamic law, one of which aims to protect the future of unborn generations, and in doing this, one of the things that Islam puts in place is the discouragement of begging as a profession,” stated Professor Usman.

He further explained, “While begging in Islam is permitted when a Muslim is in crisis or facing a disaster, it is forbidden as a profession.”

“This is because Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon Him) was reported to have said in many of the traditions that Muslims should not ask people for things; rather, they should go out and work.”

“Again, Umar Ibn Kattab, the second caliphate, was reported to have driven some Muslims out of the Mosque and told them that you cannot be saying that Allah should enrich us when you have stopped working. So, as Muslims, you must go out and work.”

Professor Usman urged Muslim societies and communities to establish mechanisms that discourage begging among Muslims and empower every Muslim to have a source of livelihood.

This, he believes, aligns with the principles of Islam and would contribute to the overall well-being of the Muslim population.