Abstract:
The fulfilment of basic needs of an individual is among the topmost agenda of the Islamic system of administration and governance. This study addresses and propounds the juristic exertion of the Hanbali School of jurisprudence, which explains that provision of nafaqah (maintenance) is compulsory only upon whoever can inherit the mu’sir (the poor). Other schools share contrary views. This study examines the views of the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence in relation to maintenance (nafaqah). Findings revealed that the influence of the Maliki School of jurisprudence in the practice of maintenance (nafaqah) in Nigeria increases poverty and recession. The study therefore concludes that the Hanbali view will go a long way in alleviating socio-economic recession in Nigeria, especially the problem of malnutrition among the pupils of Al-majiri schools.