ALMAJIRI: THE MISUNDERSTOOD PHENOMENA 1
By Engr. Abubakar Sani Kazaure, Department of Civil Engineering, KADPOLY

The word "Almajiri" originated from the Arabic word "Almuhajir - meaning the Migrant" rooted from "Hijrah - Migration".

... The earlier record of Migration in history backed from the migration of Abraham (PBUH), Jacob's family to Cairo, Moses (PBUH) from Cairo, Jesus(PBUH), Muhammad (PBUH) to Medina, migration of Jews to Jerusalem and many others after them.

Reasons for migration from one place to another may be as a result of Wars and hostilities (as in the case of Abraham, Jesus and Muhammad Peace be upon them) other reasons may be search for knowledge/Studies, Business/Trade opportunities, etc.
Almuhajir are usually supported with accomodation, feeding, training, Language teaching and how to familiarize with the new environment, etc by the Hosts or Helpers referred to "ANSAR in Arabic like the people of Medina". Such roles were played in the case of Almijiri in the North by the majority of the volunteers among the residents of Ancient cities like Borno, Kano, Katsina, Zaria, Bauchi among others.

Among the volunteers some provided the services free of charge while others by Barter arrangements to assist in farms cultivation during the wet season (to be paid after harvest with farm produce), business assistance in conveying goods to and from markets popularly known as "DAKO" in Hausa Language, Teaching small childrens, assisting their wives in home keeping jobs after school, Trade of locally produced goods and implements especially in free days (Thursdays, Fidays and Market days). These arrangements were on ground since before the coming of the Colonial Masters and were effective without necessitating the students going out for begging.

With abject poverty among people, increased polpulation, Forceful introduction of western Education (BOKO) to replace the former system by the leaders, negligence in the part of Government, death of major Hosts/Helpers and volunteers contributed to the current sitution. TO BE CONTINUED

All these Mohadana threads sef!