150 cohabiting couples and their families braved the blazing sun at the Serani Sports Grounds in Mombasa to solemnise their marriages in a colourful Muslim mass wedding.
The brides dressed in black buibui (a Muslim women’s garment), and the bridegrooms in white kanzus sat pensively in tents waiting for the nikah (the officiation of marriage).
The ground was filled with ululation and celebration galore after Sheikh Omar Buya finalised the marriage ceremony on behalf of Chief Kadhi, who couldn’t attend due to work exigencies.
Before the mass wedding organised by Mama Beauty Foundation, the couples underwent premarital counselling to have solid marriages. Premarital counselling has been cited as critical, as most of the divorce cases are a result of inadequate preparation for married life.
The couples were given valuable lessons on communication, conflict resolution mechanisms, and patience.
Speaking at the event, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko urged brides’ families to shun retrogressive cultural practices that impede marriage and to reduce dowry demands because of the tough economic times.
According to Islamic teachings, she said, a dowry is supposed to be determined by the bride, but ironically nowadays some families are the ones dictating the bride price.
“Whenever dowry is expensive, it exacerbates fornications and premarital pregnancies. It’s not a must for the youth to be employed to marry. Today, how many youth don’t have a source of income? They shouldn’t marry? She posed.
The legislator further advised men not to rush into polygamy until they satisfy their first families so that polygamy doesn’t result in broken families that end up affecting children the most.
Lubna Nassir, Founder of Mama Beauty Foundation, said the overarching objective of the mass wedding is to reduce fornication in society, as most of the couples were cohabiting because of a lack of marriage knowledge.
She noted that most youth opt for come-we-stay because of exorbitant bride prices, thus contributing to fornication.
“Fornication irks God. As a foundation, we brought the couples together and educated them on the importance of a wedding. We normally do the mass wedding one month before the commencement of the holy month of Ramadhan,” said Ms. Nassir.
She urged leaders and other organisations to come on board to make the event quarterly instead of annually.
Shufaa Foundation Founder Sheikh Omar Buya, who conducted the marriages, said the aim is to formalise the come-we-stay marriages in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
“We decided to bring the cohabiting couples who had lived and given birth to marriage to get the blessings of the Almighty God. We want them to fast during the holy month as legal couples,” explained Sheikh Buya.
Abubakar Dzama, a bridegroom from Kilifi, thanked the organisers for facilitating his marriage, saying he has been waiting for the big day of his life.
“I have been longing for this day to marry officially and to fulfil the requirements of my religion. My income was a setback, but I thank God for this opportunity and the organisers,” said Dzama.
On her part, Nahida Patrick said the mass wedding has eased their financial burden now that they will not have to budget for a wedding.
By Sadik Hassan
