Wedding expenses and its customary application among Muslims in Gombe Metropolis: an analysis from the Maliki Juristic perspective

Abstract

Islam has balanced the life of its adherents in order to simplify all aspects of ‘Ibᾱdah (worship) and mu’ᾱmalat (Interaction). Regulations are made in mu’ᾱmalat based on the maṣlaḥah (interest) of the 'Ummah. The acceptance as well as adherence to a certain customary practices where the Sharī’ah ruling remains silent is left to the discretion of the people. However, on the condition that an ‘Urf (custom) of any type should be for the good of the people. The ‘Urf of wedding expenses in Gombe metropolis causes hardship which leads to social problems in the society. Therefore, this paper argues that the Urf of wedding expenses among Hausa/Fulani Muslim community deviates from the essence of the Sharī'ah. The Prophet (SAW) has set-up an example of an ideal family life. Despite the various da‘wāh activities in this community, this issue is yet to be properly addressed by the Muslim scholars to remedy the situation. This paper uses qualitative method with an in-depth interview with the informants. The result discloses the negative effects of wedding expenses on the family and the society in general. It therefore, recommend for scholars as well as the Muslim community to reconsider the situation and take the appropriate steps towards rectifying the problems.

Keywords: Custom, Gombe, Maslahah, Maliki Law, Hardship