Modern Trends in Muslim Marriage Reception in Nigeria

Abstract

Muslim marriage ceremony in the contemporary Nigeria society has witnessed numerous incorporations of new value system forming an aspect of marriage ceremony in the name of modernization. The reception segment of the marriage events was one that raises some questionable features of modernity. This segment incorporated complexities with programmes that are pricey and may incite people to vices. Moreover, the desirability for this is pursued recklessly as if it is the crux of marriage ceremony. This inadvertently, make marriage a dilly-dally affair and promotion of premarital cohabitation among the youth, whereas the Islamic requirements for Nikāḥ (marriage) are simple and against vices. In the light of this, this study evaluates activities in modern marriage reception of Nigerian Muslim elites. Using descriptive analysis, the paper focuses on the marriage reception in relation to wearing of outfits, event venue and seat arrangement, feeding, dances, music, cutting of cake, presentation of ring and other side attractions. Field observation and online materials are the major research instruments used with Lagos, Kano, Minna, and Ilorin in focus. The study revealed that the use of outrageous outfits and venue, arbitrary seat arrangement and feeding of guests, daunting dances and music, institutionalisaton of the cutting of cake, presentation of ring, with humorous games and speeches as elements of integration into the Muslim marriage reception. These scenarios put at stake the Islamic principles of decency, modesty and peaceful coexistence. The paper advocates that Islamic model of celebration of marriage is the most convenient, honourable and viable for all times. Hence, Muslims are urged to use Islamic model in their marriage events to safeguard their moral sanctity, money and time