A CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE OF TRENDS IN MUSLIM MARRIAGE RECEPTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Muslim marriage ceremony in the contemporary Nigeria has witnessed numerous interpolations in the name of modernization. The reception segment of the marriage events was one that houses these 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 was the crux of marriage ceremony. This inadvertently, made marriage a dilly-dally affair and promotion of premarital cohabitation among the youth, whereas the Islamic requirements for Nikāḥ(marriage) are simple and prophylaxis 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 matters of outfits, venue and seat arrangement, feeding, dances, music, cutting of cake, presentation of ring and games. Field observations and online materials were the major research instruments used; with Lagos, Kano, Minna, and Ilorin in focus. The study revealed use of outrageous outfits and venue, arbitrary seat arrangement and feeding of guests, daunting dances, and music, institutionalisation of the cutting of cake, presentation of ring, with humorous games and speeches as elements of interpolations in the Muslim marriage reception. These scenarios put at stake the Islamic principles of decency, modesty, and peaceful coexistence. The paper submits that, the Islamic provisions are the most convenient, honourable and viable for all times. Hence, Muslims are urged to use Islamic template in their marriage events to safeguard their moral sanctity, money, and time.