The reinstated 16th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, has faced backlash from Islamic clerics after a photo surfaced showing him walking on a customised rug bearing his adopted name.
The rug, inscribed with “Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II,” sparked controversy, with critics accusing the emir of disrespecting the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Among the critics were clerics and scholars within the Islamic community, who expressed their concerns over the incident.
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Muhammad Sharif, a prominent Islamic cleric from Zaria, Kaduna State, was one of the first to condemn the action, pointing to the traditions of the Tijjaniyya sect, which the emir represents.
In a viral video, Sharif 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’t walk on Muhammad’s name.”
Sharif also questioned Sanusi II’s commitment to the teachings of Ahmadu Tijjani, the founder of the Tijjaniyya sect. He further referenced the late American boxer Muhammad Ali, who famously insisted that his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame be mounted on the wall rather than placed on the ground, out of respect for the prophet’s name.
Kano-based cleric Ishaq Adam added his voice to the criticism, stating that the emir’s actions could be viewed as disrespectful. “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,” Adam said, calling for swift action.
