A photo of the reinstated Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, walking on a rug engraved with his name, ‘Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II,’ has caused controversy. Some Islamic clerics accused him of disrespecting religious values, according to Premium Times.
In defense, Sanusi argued that intentions matter more than appearances, referencing Islamic teachings. He clarified that his actions were not meant to disrespect the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing that “actions are judged according to intention.”
In a viral video, Muhammad Sharif, a cleric from Zaria, criticized Sanusi for not following the practices of Tijjaniyya founders, Ahmadu Tijjani and Ibrahim Niasse, in showing reverence to the Prophet. Sharif compared the situation to Muhammad Ali, who refused to have his name placed on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame because of its association with the Prophet’s name.
Sharif noted, “The name Muhammad is too sacred for anyone to walk on,” referencing Sanusi’s title on the carpet. Another cleric from the Tijjaniyya sect, Ali Abdulrahman, said such an act during Imam Malik’s time would have led to punishment. Kano-based cleric Ishaq Adam also called for the rug to be removed out of respect.
Sanusi responded that critics misunderstood the situation, welcoming superior arguments. He stressed that his carpet bore his own name, not the Prophet’s, and that disrespect only occurs when God or the Prophet is directly referenced.
Sanusi adopted his grandfather’s name, Muhammadu Sanusi, when appointed Emir of Kano in 2014.