The Almajiri Phenomenon in Northern Nigeria and the Rights of Children in Islam

Almajiri phenomenon which was once an approved and acceptable way to acquiring Islamic knowledge in the past has regrettably become a matter of sad concern for the North and the Nigerian nation. Children of school age roam about the streets in tattered clothes begging scavenging and doing all sorts of hard labour to earn a living. This paper examined the Almajiri Syndrome in Northern Nigeria and the rights of children in Islam. It is discovered that the present precarious condition which Almajiris are subjected to in many places in northern Nigeria, like poor accommodation, poor nutrition and health, education etc are not compatible with Islamic teachings with respects to rights of children. The paper therefore, suggested possible recommendations on how the problem of lumpen childhood upbringing can be rectified without compromising the genuine intent of seeking Islamic knowledge so as to produce Almajiris who will contribute to meaningful development of our nation. The paper inferred that, to safeguard the chastity of these children, parents must perform their duties diligently, government must provide proper legislations, enforce laws and provide adequate funding and community must help protect the rights of those children. Keywords: Almajiri, Northern Nigeria, Islam, Rights, Children.