Those specs...

Im out on an errand and when we get to the market, immediatly the car parks, theres a rush of children to it (for those who are familiar with the 'almajiri' setting, and if u arent, well..) im really not in the mood, politely excuse myself and go about my business. By the time im done and back to the car, they are on the drivers side talking to my brother. They round up and he hands some change to one and tells him to share with the other, Jamilu. As we drive off i ask "so wat were u guys talking about? "Nothing really, asked them what they were doing and the younger one said "beggin" (how simpistict are children?) And i asked again why? They said "cause we have to pay our Mallam, we give him a certain amount and if theres anything left, we use it to eat. " he asks for their names, Jamilu and Awwal and their from a place that i've never even heard of in a far away state. And then they talked about foot ball...i look at him and i see a whole new person and i say "thats really nice u know, what u did" and he says "its nothing, i was just talking to little kids". That was exactly what they were, little kids, how many times has anyone seen them and thought that? Most times we shoo them in annoyance, but alas heres someone that gave them a minute, somehow i feel they wouldnt forget it quick. I felt ashamed of myself, that i havent even thought of it that way. They have at an early stage been ripped from their homes and made to fend for themselves under the guise or islamic education. Its sad when the person that should know the most appears not to know at all. Children put under your custody to learn have been turned into beggers and a way of earning a living. With over 30 children under his watch paying daily 'penance' he has himself a small fortune and with that the fear of Allah extinguished in his heart. Islamcontrary to popular belief is against begging and sees it as absolute last resort, yet muslim children, grown men and women alike litter the streets everyday, begging. They view it as earning a living. Islam urges us to uphold our dignity and there is nothing dignifying in that.
The prophet (S.A.W) said "I swear it is better for one of you ro get rope and fetch firewood from the bush, carry it on his back, than go to the person Allah had enriched to beg him for something which he might give him or turn him down."
And somehow begging has become a common sight in muslim communities..

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