Over-celebration rather than giving priority to the religious aspect of marriages has been identified as one of factors contributing to the increase rate of divorce in the society.
Professor Abd-Rahman Oloyede, Chief Imam, University of Ibadan disclosed this at this year’s Annual Ramadan Lecture organized by the Oyo State Judiciary Muslim Community held at High Court of Justice premises, Ring Road, Ibadan tagged “Menace of Divorce in Society; The Islamic Panacea.”
Professor Oloyede described divorce as a very terrible affliction the Almighty Allah is seriously against, but emerges as a result of failure on the part of victims to abide by the marriage road map established by Allah.
He noted that marriage is an institution embedded in religion by Allah to allow men and women to live together as one, he, however, added that ‘over socialization’ of it on the side of parents and couple rather than focusing on the principles guiding marriage which religion preaches often leads to divorce.
The Islamic scholar pointed out inability of some parents to lead their wards on the path of righteousness of Allah, frustration as a result of left over syndrome on the victims, especially women and oppression of women in some quarters from practicing Islam according to the will of Allah as another factors contributing to menace of divorce in society.
Professor Oloyede revealed that cases of divorce are more reported in most of first world countries, with Belgium and United States of America taking the first and second positions with 71 and 57 percents respectively.
The Chief Imam proffered that in order to control the menace of divorce in our society, there is need for the application of marriage road map established by the Almighty Allah through the Holy Quran which consists of three principles of fear of Allah, discipline and tolerance.
Professor Oloyede urged Islamic clerics and organizations to pay more attention to the area of marriage counseling before they proceed to marriage proper to save the situation of divorce.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Professor Dawud Noibi urged Muslims all over the country to always seek for forgiveness from Almighty Allah, particularly in the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Alhaji Sulayman Niyi Ajewole (SAN), who was the Chairman of the occasion, stated that most societal problems being witnessed today in the country were due to divorce. He urged brothers and sisters in Islam to always exercise patience when it comes to the issue of marriage.
The event was attended by the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, who was the Royal Father of the Day as he was represented by Agbaakin Olubadan, Chief Lekan Alabi, Justice Ladi Abimbola, Chief Judge, High Court of Justice, Oyo State, also represented by Justice, M.A.A. Abass, Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Sheik Abd-Ganiyy Abubakry Agbotomokekere and the Patron, Oyo State Judiciary Muslim Community, Alhaji Olasunkami Sanusi.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
