By Enioluwa Adeniyi

A photo of the reinstated Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, walking on a customized rug engraved with his adopted name, ‘Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi ll,’ has sparked controversy, with some Islamic clerics accusing the emir of disrespecting religious tradition.

In response to the allegations, Emir Sanusi defended his actions, stating that the intentions behind his actions are what truly matter.

He referenced religious teachings to clarify that he meant no disrespect to the Prophet Muhammad.

The discourse intensified following a video featuring Muhammad Sharif, a Zaria-based Islamic cleric, who criticized the emir for not adhering to the protocols established by the Tijjaniyya founders, Ahmadu Tijjani and Ibrahim Niasse.

Sharif pointed to the late American boxer Muhammad Ali as a model of respect, recounting how Ali declined to have his name placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to honour the Prophet.

Ali insisted that his name, which he shares with the revered figure in Islam, should not be defaced and requested that his star be mounted on a wall instead.

In 2002, Ali was indeed honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but in a departure from tradition, it was installed on the wall of the Kodak Theater rather than on the sidewalk like other stars.

The cleric said, “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 walk on Muhammad’s name.

“For the Khalifa of Tijjaniyya walking on Muhammad’s name, I doubt if he is truly a disciple of Ahmadu Tijjani (the founder of Tijjaniyya).”

Another cleric from the Tijjaniyya sect, Ali Abdulrahman, said if the emir had walked on Muhammad’s name in the time of Imam Malik, he would have been punished for disrespecting a religious creed.