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| How a Young Boy and His Girlfriend Got Married in Jigawa Without Informing Their Parents |
How a Young Boy and His Girlfriend Got Married in Jigawa Without Informing Their Parents
Marriage is a sacred union between two people who love each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together. But sometimes, love can make people do things that are not approved by their families or society. This is what happened to a young couple in Jigawa state, Nigeria, who decided to get married without informing their parents.
The Story of Yahaya and Sa'a
Yahaya Isa, also known as Badi, is a 20-year-old boy who lives in Gandun Sarki area in Mallam Madori local government in Jigawa state. He has been in love with Sa'a, a 19-year-old girl from the same area, for a long time. They have been dating secretly for two years, but they knew that their parents would not agree to their relationship because of tribal and religious differences.
One day, Yahaya jokingly said to Sa'a that if she agreed to get married, he had a dowry of N15,000 in his hand. To his surprise, Sa'a said yes without hesitation. They then called their friends and went to a nearby mosque where they found an imam who agreed to perform the marriage ceremony. He paid her N15,000 as dowry and promised to pay another N35,000 later.
The imam Sheik Yusuf Abdurrahman of the Hadejia kingdom and one of the religious scholars who gave the fatwa that marriage is binding as long as there is consent from both parties and witnesses. He did not ask for the consent of the parents or the guardians of the couple, as he believed that they were adults who could make their own decisions.
The Reaction of the Parents and the Community
The news of the marriage spread quickly in the area and reached the ears of the parents of Yahaya and Sa'a. They were shocked and angry that their children had disobeyed them and married without their knowledge or permission. They tried to annul the marriage and separate the couple, but they faced resistance from the imam and the friends of the couple.
The parents also reported the matter to the police and the local government authorities, who intervened and …tried to resolve the conflict between the couple and their families. They invited the parents, the imam, and the witnesses to a meeting where they discussed the legal and social implications of the marriage. They also consulted with other religious leaders and experts on the validity of the marriage according to Islamic law.
The authorities found out that the marriage was valid according to the fatwa of Sheik Yusuf Abdurrahman, but it was not in accordance with the customary law of the area, which requires the consent of the parents or guardians of the couple. They also learned that the couple had violated the Child Rights Act of 2003, which sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 for both males and females.
The authorities decided to take legal action against the imam and the friends of the couple for facilitating an illegal marriage. They also advised the parents to accept the marriage and reconcile with their children, as they had no power to annul it. They warned them not to harm or harass the couple, as they had a right to live together peacefully.
The Conclusion of the Story
The story of Yahaya and Sa’a is a rare and controversial case of a young couple who got married without informing their parents. It shows how love can overcome barriers of tribe and religion, but also how it can cause problems and conflicts with family and society. It also raises questions about the role of religious authorities and laws in regulating marriage and protecting the rights of children.
The story has attracted a lot of attention and reactions from different people. Some have praised the couple for their courage and devotion, while others have condemned them for their disobedience and irresponsibility. Some have supported the imam for his liberal interpretation of Islamic law, while others have criticized him for his negligence and ignorance. Some have called for a review and reform of the laws and customs governing marriage, while others have insisted on maintaining them.
What do you think about this story? Do you agree or disagree with the actions and decisions of the couple, their parents, the imam, and the authorities? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
