EMERGING INNOVATIONS IN THE OBSERVATION OF WALIMAH IN MARRIAGE AMONG THE MUSLIMS IN SOKOTO STATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT The marriage feast (Walimah) is a public wedding banquet organized after the marriage contract (Nikah) is sealed. It is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), an outward expression of gratitude and pleasure and a great means of publicizing the marriage which is greatly encouraged. As a legal means through which people multiply on earth, the institution of marriage as well as Walimah has witnessed numerous kinds of innovation from different sections of the Ummah, particularly in Sokoto State. This research titled: Emerging Innovations in the Observation of Walimah in Marriage among the Muslims in Sokoto State is an attempt to investigate and bring out the different forms of innovations that emerged in the observance of Walimah in marriage among the Muslims in the area under review. The data is gathered through field work where personal and direct observation of some wedding feast and interviews are to be conducted. Relevant literary materials written on marriage, Walimah and innovation are also going to be consulted. The discourse also examines some effects of such innovations on Muslims in the religious, social, cultural, moral, political and economic facets with a view to awaken our Muslim brothers and sisters towards reflecting back the Islamic provisions in the conduct of their Walimah. The work provides a platform for other researchers to be carried out on issues related to innovations in marriage and Walimah.