The reinstated 16th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, has come under fire from some Islamic clerics after a photo surfaced, showing him walking on a customised rug bearing his adopted name.
The rug was inscribed with ‘Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II’, sparking controversy and accusations of disrespecting the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Critics from within the Islamic community, including clerics and scholars, have raised concerns about the emir’s actions. Muhammad Sharif, a prominent Islamic cleric from Zaria, Kaduna State, was among the first to speak out, referencing the traditions of the Tijjaniyya sect, which the emir claims to represent. In a viral video, Sharif argued that Sanusi II should have followed the example of other revered figures in showing respect to the revered Prophet of Islam.
“I saw how Muhammad Sanusi, claiming to be the Khalifa of Tijjaniyya, is walking on a carpet inscribed with Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi. The name Muhammad is above someone to walk on if you truly respect the name; not even the Khalifa of Tijjaniyya or any other Muslim. Even non-Muslim who knows the right thing can’t walk on Muhammad’s name,” said Sharif. He went on to question the emir’s commitment to the teachings of Ahmadu Tijjani, the founder of the Tijjaniyya Islamic sect.
Sharif further cited the late American boxer, Muhammad Ali, as an example of someone who went to great lengths to protect the sanctity of the name Muhammad. When Ali was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002, he requested that his star be mounted on the wall rather than placed on the sidewalk, out of respect for the prophet’s name. Ali is the only individual whose star is not on the ground at the famed Walk of Fame.
Additional criticism came from Kano-based cleric Ishaq Adam, who emphasised that the emir’s actions could be seen as disrespectful to the name of the prophet. “The clerics have been clear on this matter: walking on the name Muhammad is an act of disrespect, and the emir should remove the carpet,” said Adam, urging immediate action.
Ali Abdulrahman, another cleric within the Tijjaniyya sect, weighed in, suggesting that if such an incident had occurred during the time of Imam Malik, a revered Islamic scholar, the emir would have faced severe punishment for disrespecting a religious creed.
But, in response to the outcry, Emir Sanusi II defended his actions, stating that intention is a crucial factor in Islam and that he had no intention of disrespecting Prophet Muhammad. “Actions are judged according to intention,” Sanusi said, referencing Islamic teachings. He clarified that the name on the rug was his own and not that of the prophet, emphasising that his decision was not meant to dishonour any religious figure.
The Kano emir also expressed his willingness to accept any superior argument on the matter, stating, “I will listen to any superior argument, but those accusing me of wrongdoing may not fully understand my actions.”
Sanusi II, who was born Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, adopted the name Muhammad Sanusi II in honour of his grandfather and former emir of Kano upon his initial appointment in 2014. The ongoing debate has sparked widespread discussions within religious circles, with opinions divided over whether the emir’s actions were in line with Islamic decorum or not.
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