X-raying the almajiri phenomenon

The word “Almajiri” is derived from an Arabic word “Almuhajiroon” which came as a result of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migration from Makkah to Madinah. In our own context, “Almajiri” refers to a person who leaves his home to another place in search of qur’anic knowledge. The system started in the 11th century as a result of the involvement of Borno rulers in qur’anic literacy. Over 700 years later, the Sokoto Caliphate was founded principally through an Islamic revolution based on the teachings of the qur’an. These two empires run similar qur’anic learning system which over time came to be known as the almajiri system. Nowadays, it has almost become a cultural norm for almajiri, mostly children, to beg for alms. Usually, parents who cannot cater for their children send them to almajiri schools where they end up becoming armed robbers, drug addicts, political thugs, terrorists, area boys, etc. The issue of rape is also becoming rampant among these almajiri as they get into homosexuality at tender age. Parents should realise that children are a gift from God. Therefore, if they treat them well, Allah will reward them and if they treat them wrongly reverse is the case. On the other hand , government should abolish almajiranci in north. Fatima Sagir Mu’azu, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri