Almajirci in Nigeria
Almajiri in the Qur'an and Almajirci in Nigeria: Separating Islamic Teachings from Social Reality. Few issues in Northern Nigeria generate as much debate as the Almajiri system. For some, the word "Almajiri" immediately brings to mind barefoot children carrying bowls, begging for food and sleeping under bridges. For others, it represents a centuries-old tradition of Islamic scholarship that produced some of West Africa's greatest scholars. The reality is that these two images are not the same. The original concept of the Almajiri system, rooted in Islamic civilization, is vastly different from what is commonly witnessed in many parts of Nigeria today. Understanding this distinction is essential for anyone who wishes to discuss the issue fairly and accurately. What Does "Almajiri" Really Mean? The word Almajiri is believed to have evolved from the Arabic word Al-Muhājir (المهاجر), meaning one who migrates or leaves home for a noble cause. It comes from the sa...