As Ramadan fast gradually comes to an end, Muslims have been called upon to reduce the incidences of divorce in Nigeria by respecting the sanctity of marriage as ordained by the Almighty Allah.
They have been also reminded to adhere to the rules of widowhood and respect the rights of Widows.
A Professor of Islamic Studies from the University of Abuja Mrs Rafatu Abdulhamid made the reminders at the closing of the Ramadan lecture organized by Al-habibiyyah Islamic Society with the theme: ‘Divorce and widowhood.’
She said marriage in Islam is a lifetime contract between couples ordained by Allah.
While it can persist until one of the parties dies, professor Abdulhamid said that marriage can also be dissolved before that time.
Professor Abdulhamid who decried the level of Divorce among couples in Nigeria noted that marriage can be separated when there is prolonged disharmony and mistrust between spouses pointing out that, divorce should not be the first solution.
She said: “The Qur’an promotes reconciliation, through negotiated settlements between the spouses themselves or the use of arbitrators from their families.”
She added that when “mutual good treatment” is not possible, there should be an amicable parting.
Professor Abdulhamid said, the Qur’an treats divorce as something permitted but not laudable adding that, “it is reported that the Prophet Muhammad Peace be Upon Him said that of all things permitted, divorce is the most hated by God.”
She said there must be marriage first before divorce, saying Islam regulates marriage and Divorce.
Abdulhamid enjoyed Muslims to learn from the prophet Muhammad’s lifestyle and adopt in their matrimony.
She attributed the rampant cases of divorce to a lack of Islamic knowledge of marriage, lack of patience, poverty, and bad companies among others.
She also discussed on women’s rights after divorce saying when they are observed it will reduce the hardship of women after separation.
While speaking on widowhood Professor Rafatu Abdulhamid said a widow is supposed to be sympathized with due to the pain of losing a breadwinner and to be supported.
Also, speaking in an Interview Dr Bilkisu Magoro who Chaired the event described the Ramadan lecture as significant in building family life.
She called on both men and women to adhere to the teachings of Islam and the traditions of the Prophet to live a life worthy of emulation.
The chief Imam of Al-habibiyyah Islamic Society in Nigeria Fuad Adeyemi encourage women to be role models for a better society.
